At Path to Canada, we specialize in helping skilled professionals overcome U.S. immigration challenges, empowering them to build successful, fulfilling careers while working remotely for their U.S.-based employers from Canada. Through our expert guidance and support, we simplify the transition to a new chapter of opportunity and stability.

Today, we’re sharing the inspiring story of Aaron, a tech professional who made the move from Silicon Valley to Vancouver, Canada. With Path to Canada’s help, Aaron seamlessly transitioned to a rewarding new life while continuing to thrive in his career.

For Aaron, a tech professional based in Silicon Valley, the chance to move to Vancouver, Canada, while still working remotely for his U.S. employer seemed like the perfect opportunity to improve his professional and personal life.

With the help of Path to Canada, Aaron transitioned seamlessly and built a rewarding life in his new home.

What will this journey look like for you?

The tech industry has long been centered in Silicon Valley, a region known for its innovation, wealth, and fast-paced work culture. But for some, even the allure of the Bay Area isn’t enough to outweigh the challenges of living in one of the most expensive places in the U.S. 

Aaron and his wife, living in California’s Bay Area at the time, had often talked about moving to Vancouver after visiting several times. The stunning natural beauty, the vibrant, multicultural atmosphere, and the slower pace of life appealed to them. 

But it wasn’t until Aaron’s employer announced a shift to a remote-first model that the couple took their dreams seriously. The idea of living in Vancouver while still working for his U.S.-based employer seemed like a natural next step.

For Aaron, the move made practical sense

For Aaron, the timing was perfect. His employer had already established a Canadian presence, with one employee working remotely. 

This was the ideal opportunity for Aaron to take advantage of the company’s expansion into Canada. The company partnered with an Employer of Record (EOR), a third-party service provider that manages employment-related legal and tax issues in a foreign country.

This arrangement allowed Aaron to continue working for the same employer while living in Vancouver without needing to find a new job or disrupt his career trajectory.

Additionally, his role was already remote, and the Pacific Time Zone alignment meant no disruptions to work schedules. The transition was straightforward as Path to Canada helped him secure a work permit.

Taking the next step with Path to Canada

Aaron’s next step was to secure the necessary paperwork to live and work in Canada. 

Obtaining a Canadian work permit was straightforward with the help of Path to Canada, a relocation consultancy specializing in helping U.S.-based workers move to Canada to work remotely for their current employers.

Path to Canada worked closely with Aaron and his employer to streamline the process. The work permit application was processed efficiently, and Aaron quickly transitioned to Vancouver. 

The process was far less complicated than he had anticipated, thanks to the support and expertise of Path to Canada’s relocation specialists.

The financial advantages of living in Canada

Working remotely for a U.S. employer while living in Canada was a significant financial advantage. Aaron’s U.S. salary went much further in Canada than in the Bay Area. 

The lower cost of essentials, like food, and universal healthcare security made life in Vancouver comfortable—even after his wife decided to take a break from work. 

While housing in Vancouver remains expensive, Aaron still found renting more affordable than in the Bay Area. 

The inclusion of universal healthcare was another game-changer, offering peace of mind. While securing a primary care physician in Canada can be challenging, Aaron appreciated the overall accessibility of the system, especially the supplemental health insurance through his employer that covers dental and vision care.

Aaron’s work setup also gave him new flexibility. Initially, his company rented a shared office space at a WeWork location in Vancouver, but with COVID-19 limiting in-person interactions, Aaron primarily worked from home. 

Life in Vancouver was a welcome change.

Aaron and his wife found the city culturally vibrant, with a diversity rivaling larger U.S. cities. 

Vancouver’s robust public transit system was an incredible advantage, allowing them to navigate the city easily without a car. 

While Vancouver offers many advantages, adjusting to a new country always has quirks. One of the more unexpected cultural differences Aaron encountered was what he humorously referred to as the “butter situation.” 

Canadian butter containing palm oil had a noticeably different texture and taste compared to the U.S. and European varieties. While this minor difference provided some comic relief, it wasn’t long before Aaron and his wife adapted to the local food scene.

Despite Canada’s strange butter, Vancouver’s food scene far exceeded expectations. Aaron was impressed by the cosmopolitan nature of the city’s cuisine with excellent Japanese, Cantonese, and North Indian options and local fusion dishes like East Van Bánh Mì’s fried salmon bánh mì.

Planning for permanent residency was a critical part of the process. 

Aaron and his wife initially expected to qualify under the Canadian Experience Class program but were caught off guard when those draws were paused.

Aaron advises anyone considering a move to Canada to have a clear and solid plan for permanent residency, whether through a Provincial Nomination Program, the Global Talent Stream, or another pathway.

While the move was relatively smooth, Aaron acknowledged that adjusting to life in a new country can sometimes feel isolating. The community played an essential role in making Vancouver feel like home. 

Aaron’s decision to move to Vancouver and work remotely for a U.S. employer has been overwhelmingly positive. The combination of his U.S. salary’s financial stability and the high quality of life in Canada has created a balance that has exceeded his expectations.

Would Aaron recommend this path to others? Absolutely.

If you’re looking for a change of pace without sacrificing professional growth, Aaron’s story proves it’s possible to create a fulfilling life across the border.

Let Path to Canada help you navigate the process and build a fulfilling career across the border. 

Book a free consultation with one of our relocation experts today.