The pathway to staying and working in the US is rough for talented immigrants. The H1B visa has restrictive caps, and a limited number of tries, and the line for an employment-based green card could be up to 80 years depending on workers’ nationality.

But there is an alternative that lets workers keep their US-based job: Working remotely from Canada. Canada’s many immigration paths give workers a path to permanent residency almost immediately.

Here’s the full guide to the H1B visa alternative that lets workers keep their jobs and work remotely from Canada.

Why remote work from Canada is the best alternative to H1B visa

While the U.S. has limited visa offerings, Canada has a few options for highly skilled immigrants. One of the key attractions of Canada as an alternative to the H1B visa is the possibility of obtaining Canadian PR relatively quickly.

Canadian PR status grants individuals the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, with access to healthcare, education, post-study work, work permits for spouses, family reunification, maternity leave, and other social benefits. Additionally, being a Canadian citizen offers significant advantages for remote work arrangements, particularly regarding tax obligations and labor laws, compared to non-citizens.

Benefits of moving to US job to Canada

Career Opportunities and Growth

Canada has a strong job market in various industries, particularly in technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance. Moving to Canada can open up new career opportunities and allow you to work in a different sector or company. Remote workers employed by a Canadian company must meet specific conditions and requirements, including obtaining the necessary work permits and adhering to immigration regulations.

Working in Canada can expand your professional network and provide opportunities to connect with industry leaders and professionals in a new market.

Work-Life Balance

Canadian companies often emphasize work-life balance, with policies such as more vacation days, shorter work hours, and generous parental leave. This can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Canada generally has a strong focus on employee well-being, which can enhance job satisfaction and overall quality of life.

Quality of Life

Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system that provides access to essential medical services without direct charges at the point of care. This can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare compared to the U.S. system.

Canada is known for its high quality of life, low crime rates, and clean environment. Many cities rank high in global livability indices due to their safety, cleanliness, and access to natural beauty.

Immigration and Residency Benefits

Canada offers several pathways to permanent residency through the Express Entry system or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). This can lead to permanent residency and citizenship opportunities.

Canada’s immigration policies are generally more stable and predictable compared to some U.S. visa programs. This stability can provide greater long-term security. The Canadian government plays a crucial role in shaping immigration policies related to digital nomads and remote work, including eligibility criteria and necessary applications like visitor records.

Educational Opportunities

Canada has a strong education system and is home to several world-renowned universities and colleges. Moving to Canada can offer opportunities for further education and professional development.

If you have children, Canada’s public education system is often praised for its quality and inclusivity, providing a good educational environment for your family.

Cultural and Lifestyle Experiences

Canada is known for its multiculturalism and diversity. Living in Canada can offer the opportunity to experience and engage with a variety of cultures and communities.

Depending on the city, you may enjoy various lifestyle benefits, such as access to outdoor activities, cultural events, and a high standard of living.

Tax and Financial Considerations

While Canadian tax rates can be higher, they often come with benefits such as more comprehensive public services, including healthcare and social benefits.

Canada offers various retirement savings plans like the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) that can be advantageous for long-term financial planning.

Pathway to Citizenship

After living in Canada as a permanent resident for a certain period (typically three out of five years), individuals with Canadian PR can apply for Canadian citizenship. Citizenship offers additional benefits, including the right to vote and hold a Canadian passport, which facilitates international travel.

Permanent residents in Canada have specific rights to work, and they can explore remote work opportunities both within and outside Canada. However, residing outside of Canada for extended periods may affect their residency status and ability to secure remote employment with Canadian companies.

How to move your US job to Canada?

Global Talent Stream

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) in Canada is designed to make it easier for highly skilled foreign workers to obtain work permits and contribute their expertise to Canadian employers.

Do I Qualify?

Applicants can check their eligibility for GTS requirements here.

Canadian Employer Criteria

To qualify for the Global Talent Stream, Canadian employers must:

1. Operate a legitimate business with financial stability.
2. Demonstrate the need for high-skilled talent in specific occupations. The position being filled must be in an occupation that is listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes eligible for the GTS.
3. Develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan outlining the positive impacts of hiring a foreign worker. The LMBP must outline how hiring a foreign worker will benefit the Canadian labor market. This includes plans for job creation, skills transfer, and other positive impacts.
4. Submit a complete application with supporting documentation. This includes details of the job offer, including the role, duties, and requirements, which must align with the NOC codes eligible for the GTS. This also includes company information such as the company’s operations, financial status, and business activities.
5. Comply with ongoing obligations related to the Labour Market Benefits Plan and Canadian labor laws.

H-1B Speciality Occupations Visa

While the H-1B visa and the Global Talent Stream (GTS) are separate programs, they can intersect if you are transitioning from the U.S. to Canada. The GTS provides a pathway for high-skilled workers like those on H-1B visas to work in Canada. To make this transition, you’ll need to secure a job offer from a Canadian employer who can sponsor you through the GTS, submit the required documentation, and ensure you comply with immigration and tax regulations in both countries.

Moving to Canada with H1b

If you are in the U.S. on an H-1B visa, your status is tied to your employment with a U.S. employer. This status does not directly transfer to Canada.

However, If you gain substantial work experience while on an H-1B visa, especially in a skilled occupation, it can enhance your profile when applying for Canadian immigration. Work experience in a high-demand occupation may improve your CRS score if you later apply for Express Entry. Additionally, your home country can influence the time it takes to obtain a visa and your tax obligations while living abroad.

Move US job to Canada FAQs

Do I need to pay both US and Canadian Income Taxes?

If you work remotely in Canada for a U.S. company, you may need to pay income taxes in both countries, but there are mechanisms in place to avoid double taxation. The complexities of tax laws for digital nomads working remotely in Canada can be challenging, as they need to understand how tax laws differ based on residency and the potential risks of double taxation. The U.S.-Canada Tax Treaty helps prevent double taxation and provides additional mechanisms for avoiding or reducing taxes in both countries.

Be sure to talk with a tax professional or your company’s HR department to make sure that your paperwork is being filed correctly.

What if my U.S employer doesn’t agree to move my job to Canada?

You may still be eligible to enter Canada under the Express Entry system based on your points score. You would be able to move to Canada as a permanent resident and begin job hunting once you arrive there.

You can also start the job-hunting process and seek Canadian employment and sponsorship. We can help you find a new job in Canada.

My U.S. company does not have an office in Canada, Can I still move my job for remote work?

Yes, it is still possible! American companies can work with a Canadian Professional Employer Organization (PEO). The PEO is responsible for all the Human Resources-related work and acts as the Employer of Record.

This means that the PEO becomes the legal employer of record for employees, which means they manage employment-related liabilities and responsibilities while the client company directs the day-to-day work. Additionally, individuals can work for a Canadian company from outside of Canada as an independent foreign contractor, allowing them to be compensated at a rate aligned with local wages in their residing country rather than Canadian wages.

CRS score for H-1B professionals?

Applicants for the Entry Express are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

The CRS system is point-based based on your levels of education, work experience, English and French language abilities, and your familial or educational ties to Canada. While there are no specific calls for H1B visa holders, your H1B work experience may give you a higher score and make it easier to immigrate to Canada.

You can check your score to see what programs you are eligible for under the Express Entry requirements.