Navigating Cross-Border Careers in 2025

Feeling uncertain about your immigration status or cross-border career options? You’re not alone. The landscape of US-Canada immigration continues to evolve rapidly, creating both challenges and opportunities for professionals on both sides of the border.

Whether you’re a Canadian hoping to work in the US, an American exploring opportunities in Canada, or a company looking to hire across borders, understanding the current state of immigration is crucial for making informed decisions about your future.

Latest US-Canada Immigration Trends in 2025

US Citizenship and Immigration Services Landscape

The US immigration system has undergone significant changes in recent years:

• TN Visa Processing: While TN visas remain available under USMCA (the successor to NAFTA), processing times have increased at many ports of entry, with some applicants reporting wait times of 3-4 hours for in-person interviews.
• H-1B Visa Updates: The H-1B lottery system continues to be highly competitive with approval rates hovering around 30%. Tech professionals face particularly challenging odds as demand far outstrips the annual cap of 85,000 visas.
• Premium Processing Expansion: USCIS has expanded premium processing to additional visa categories, offering faster adjudication for those willing to pay the additional fee (currently $2,500).
• Increased Scrutiny: Work visa applications face heightened scrutiny, with Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued in approximately 35% of all cases.
• Remote Work Consideration: Immigration authorities now evaluate remote work arrangements more carefully, questioning the necessity of physical presence for some roles.

Canadian Immigration Developments

Canada continues to position itself as a welcoming destination for skilled immigrants:

• Express Entry: Canada has increased its Express Entry targets, aiming to welcome over 110,000 skilled immigrants annually through this pathway alone.
• Tech Talent Strategy: The dedicated Tech Talent Strategy introduced in 2023 has streamlined pathways for tech professionals, including work permit exemptions for highly skilled workers in certain roles.
• Provincial Nomination Programs: Provinces like British Columbia and Ontario have created specialized immigration streams targeting tech workers with lower points requirements than the federal Express Entry system.
• Digital Nomad Visa: Canada has introduced a new digital nomad visa allowing remote workers to live in Canada for up to a year while working for employers outside the country.
• Start-up Visa Program: Expansion of the Start-up Visa Program has made it easier for entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency by launching innovative businesses in Canada.

Common Cross-Border Questions Answered

“I’m a Canadian tech professional looking to work in the US. What are my best H-1B options in 2025?”

The TN visa remains the fastest and most straightforward option for Canadians in USMCA-eligible professions (including Computer Systems Analysts, Engineers, and Scientific Technicians). However, with increased scrutiny, proper documentation and precise job titles are more critical than ever.

For roles not covered under TN categories, the H-1B visa is an option, though subject to the annual lottery. Companies with established presence in both countries may offer L-1 intracompany transfer visas, which bypass the H-1B cap.

“What if I can’t physically cross the border due to processing delays or visa issues?”

Remote work arrangements have become increasingly normalized. Many US employers now hire Canadians to work remotely from Canada through:

• EORs like Syndesus that handle compliance and payroll
• Contractor arrangements with proper tax planning
• Canadian subsidiaries for larger organizations

These options allow you to begin working immediately while navigating the visa process.

“I’m currently on a work visa in the US. What happens if I lose my employment authorization document?”

For TN visa holders, your status is tied to your employment. If you lose your job, you generally have a “reasonable period” (typically up to 60 days) to either:

• Find a new TN-eligible position and file for a new TN visa
• Change to another visa status
• Leave the US

H-1B visa holders have similar grace periods. Planning ahead with contingency options, including potential return to Canada, is essential.

“As a US employer, can I still hire Canadian talent if they can’t come to the US?”

Absolutely. US companies are increasingly building distributed teams with Canadian talent through various arrangements:

• Remote hiring through EOR (Employer of Record) services
• Establishing Canadian subsidiaries for larger talent pools
• Using PEOs for compliant Canadian employment
• Contract-to-hire arrangements while visa processing completes

Companies like Syndesus specialize in helping US employers navigate these options, ensuring compliance while accessing Canadian talent.

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a valuable opportunity for F-1 international students in the United States to gain hands-on work experience in their field of study. Administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), OPT provides temporary employment authorization, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. This practical training can significantly enhance a student’s career prospects, making them more competitive in the job market. Whether you’re nearing the end of your studies or have recently graduated, understanding the benefits and requirements of OPT is crucial for planning your professional future.

Applying for OPT

Applying for OPT involves a few critical steps, and it’s essential to start the process early to avoid delays. First, you need to work with your designated school official (DSO), who will recommend you for OPT and update your Form I-20 with this recommendation. Once you have the updated Form I-20, you can submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS. Along with the form, you’ll need to provide supporting documents and pay the required filing fee. The entire process can take several months, so it’s advisable to apply well before your program end date to ensure you receive your employment authorization in time.

OPT Employment and Authorization

During your OPT period, you can work in jobs directly related to your major field of study. While school is in session, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week), and during school breaks, you can work full-time. Typically, the OPT authorization period lasts for 12 months. However, if you’re a student in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. It’s important to maintain your F-1 status and comply with all regulations during your OPT employment to avoid any issues with your immigration status.

STEM OPT Extension

For students in STEM fields, the STEM OPT extension offers an additional 24 months of employment authorization, extending the total OPT period to 36 months. To qualify, you must have a degree in a STEM field and already hold valid OPT authorization. The application process for the STEM OPT extension involves submitting a new Form I-765 and working closely with your DSO to ensure all eligibility requirements are met. This extension provides a significant advantage, allowing you to gain more extensive work experience and increase your chances of securing long-term employment in the United States.

Travel and Visa Requirements

Traveling during your OPT period requires careful planning to ensure you can re-enter the United States without issues. You must have a valid passport, a valid F-1 visa, and a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If your F-1 visa has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before returning to the U.S. Additionally, you must carry your OPT authorization and EAD to prove your eligibility to work in the United States. Proper documentation is crucial to avoid any complications during your travels and ensure a smooth re-entry process.

Why Canada Is Becoming a Top Destination for Tech Professionals

While many professionals still pursue US opportunities, Canada has emerged as not just an alternative but a preferred destination for tech talent for several compelling reasons:

Streamlined Immigration Pathways for Optional Practical Training

Canada’s points-based immigration system rewards education, work experience, and language skills—precisely the attributes tech professionals typically possess. The Express Entry system can grant permanent residency in as little as 6 months, compared to the years-long or even decades-long waits for US green cards.

Thriving Tech Ecosystems

Canada’s tech hubs are booming:

• Toronto has added more tech jobs than any other North American city over the past three years
• Vancouver has seen explosive growth in gaming, visual effects, and clean technology
• Montreal has established itself as a global AI research center
• Waterloo continues to produce innovative startups and attract major tech companies

Quality of Life Advantages

Tech professionals in Canada enjoy:

• Universal healthcare coverage
• Family-friendly policies including generous parental leave
• More affordable housing in major cities compared to US tech hubs
• Diverse, inclusive communities with strong social safety nets
• Excellent public education systems

Global Tech Companies Have Noticed

Major tech companies have dramatically expanded their Canadian presence, including:

• Google’s continued expansion of its Toronto and Waterloo offices
• Amazon’s development centers across multiple Canadian cities
• Microsoft’s AI research facilities
• Hundreds of startups and scale-ups creating a vibrant ecosystem

For many international professionals, Canada offers the perfect combination of career opportunity, immigration certainty, and quality of life.

Finding Your Path Forward

Navigating cross-border careers requires expert guidance. Whether you’re considering a move to the US, exploring Canadian opportunities, or building a cross-border team as an employer, working with immigration and employment specialists can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Understanding the post-completion OPT period is crucial for F-1 students planning to work in the US after graduation. During this period, students must comply with specific employment and reporting requirements. For those eligible, transitioning to a STEM OPT extension involves additional considerations, such as maintaining a bona fide employer-employee relationship and adhering to training guidelines. STEM OPT participants must also be aware of the conditions for undertaking training experiences beyond their principal place of business.

At Syndesus, we specialize in helping both professionals and companies navigate these complex waters, offering solutions for:

• Remote employment compliance across borders
• Immigration pathway planning
• Cross-border tax optimization
• Transition planning for international moves

The Future Is Bright for Cross-Border Careers

Despite the complexities of immigration systems, the future remains promising for tech professionals willing to explore opportunities on both sides of the border. Canada’s welcoming immigration policies and growing tech sector provide an excellent foundation for global careers, whether as a permanent destination or as a strategic step in your international journey.

For US companies, tapping into Canadian talent offers access to a highly educated, culturally similar workforce without the visa uncertainties that often complicate international hiring.

Ready to explore your cross-border options? Contact us to learn how Syndesus can help you navigate your next career move or build your cross-border team.

Want to learn more about US-Canada immigration options? Join our upcoming webinar featuring immigration experts who will address the latest developments and answer your specific questions. Register here