HACKER Q&A
📣 daniellarusso

Moving from US to Canada – How?


Hi HN,

As a tech worker, can anyone with experience in this process, provide some details or suggestions?

What is the best way to do this?

Find a new employer, or remain employed in the US as remote?

My preference is BC, but it is just a preference.


  👤 kat Accepted Answer ✓
If you're in tech, try Express Entry https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/se...

All immigration to Canada is based on points (unless you marry a Canadian or have family sponsorship). The most surprisingly thing about the points system is it heavily favours anyone under mid-30s and it favours single people (spouses are considered "extra").

If you're an American citizen with a bachelors degree, look into a TN visa. They are "easy" because they have less requirements (no language proof, no worry about points, spouses, etc) but can be more difficult to get as it requires your employer to sponsor you.


👤 kleer001
1) Be young (20-29)

2) Have a Masters or Phd that are acknowledged by Canada

3) Be bi-lingual

4) Have been working in Canada for a year

5) Be single

This tongue in cheek list are direct summations of the point requirements from Canadian immigration for permanent residency.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/se...

While you said "move", I interpreted it as "move permanently", not just get legal work there for the time being.


👤 kdot

👤 theflyinghorse
Forgive me, but as a Canadian developer looking to move into the US I must ask - why are you looking to move to Canada?

American salaries are multiples (2,3,4,5x) of Canadian equivalents. Real estate here is incredibly expansive and is only growing at double digits yearly.

On topic: You can absolutely get a TN visa and come work here for a few years hustle free to see if it's truly what you want!


👤 sloaken
Just curious, why do you want to move? I am always curious what drives someone to move, but especially so when it is to a different country.

👤 rdtwo
Can’t you just buy Canadian citizenship for 1/4 mil or something?