At Path to Canada, we specialize in helping immigrants overcome the hurdles of U.S. immigration, empowering them to continue thriving in their careers with U.S.-based employers—remotely from Canada. Through tailored support and expertise, we provide a seamless transition for skilled workers seeking stability and opportunity in Canada.
In this story, we follow Long Dang, a software engineer whose determination and courage transformed visa struggles in the U.S. into a fresh start in Calgary, Alberta. Long’s journey is one of resilience, careful planning, and a commitment to building a brighter future for his family.
Long Dang’s life in the US was interrupted by visa complications
Long Dang’s journey to Canada is a story that will resonate with many immigrants. Originally from Vietnam, Long moved to the US for his education, earning a degree in computer science at Dallas Baptist University. After graduation, he landed a job at a tech consulting firm and began building a life for his family in Dallas.
But as an immigrant, the uncertainty of his status loomed large. While his employer worked to sponsor him for a green card through various routes including H1-B and an EB-3 visa, the process was fraught with delays. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic only made matters worse, adding complications and halting progress entirely.
With a family to support and children who had known no other home, returning to Vietnam wasn’t an option. For Long, it became clear that staying in the US was no longer viable. The question was: what next?
Canada emerged as a beacon of hope—a country that offered stability, opportunity, and a future for his family.
Discovering a path forward
Long didn’t stumble upon Canada’s immigration pathways by chance. He began by methodically researching the options available to skilled workers, starting at the source: the Canadian government’s immigration website. It was during this deep dive that he discovered the Global Talent Stream, a Canadian immigration program that fast-tracks work permits for high-demand occupations.
From there, he came across Path to Canada, a service dedicated to helping skilled workers like him transition to Canada. Long’s first interaction with the team was promising, starting with a conversation with Darren, a director at the company who took the time to understand Long’s situation and goals.
“I found Path to Canada through a Google search,” Long explained. “From the start, they made everything simple. They connected me with immigration lawyers and handled the work permits for me and my family. It was seamless.”
With their support, Long secured his work permit, while his children received student visas. His employer was supportive throughout the process, working with Path to Canada to facilitate the transition. The landing process itself was surprisingly smooth—despite a two-hour wait, the actual entry process was straightforward, with officials simply reviewing his documentation without extensive questioning.
Calgary felt like home
The decision to settle in Calgary wasn’t an impulsive one. Long approached the choice with the same meticulous research he had applied to his immigration process, creating detailed comparisons of different Canadian cities based on multiple criteria.
“I looked at all the major cities—Toronto, Vancouver—but they didn’t feel right for us,” Long shared. “Calgary was different. It reminded me of Austin, Texas—a big enough city to have opportunities but small enough to feel manageable.”
His decision-making process included analyzing everything from housing costs and education quality to transportation systems and community resources. As Long explained, “When we land here, basically we start from zero, so we have to understand how the city works, locations, and all that stuff.”
Affordability played a key role in his decision. Housing costs in Calgary were significantly lower than in Toronto or Vancouver, making it a practical choice for a young family. The city’s reputation for being family-friendly, with accessible schools and a safe environment, further reinforced the decision. The presence of a Vietnamese community, though smaller than in larger cities, offered comfort through access to familiar markets and newcomer support services.
For Long, Calgary offered something else—a fresh start in a place that balanced urban convenience with outdoor adventures, particularly appealing to his love for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
The challenges of starting over
The transition to life in Canada wasn’t without its challenges. Like many newcomers, Long had to navigate a maze of paperwork. From obtaining social insurance numbers to enrolling his children in school and setting up banking, the process could have been overwhelming. One particular challenge was understanding the Canadian tax system. But preparation made all the difference.
“Doing things in person helped a lot,” Long explained. “For example, we got our SIN numbers in just 30 minutes by visiting the office directly. If we had done it online, it could’ve taken a month.”
Within a month of arriving, Long and his family had settled into their new routine. His daughter started kindergarten, and they found a daycare for their youngest son. The Vietnamese community in Calgary offered support through newcomer centers and cultural connections, helping them establish roots in their new home.
Remote work, familiar job
Professionally, Long’s life remained largely unchanged. He continued working remotely for his US-based employer, maintaining the same salary and responsibilities. The only adjustment was a one-hour time difference—a minimal change considering he had been working remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
However, working remotely in a new country came with its own set of challenges. “It can feel isolating,” Long admitted. “I don’t have an office to go to, and I don’t know many people here yet.”
A new chapter for Long’s family
Despite the initial hurdles, Long and his family began embracing life in Calgary. The city’s proximity to the Rockies provided ample opportunities for outdoor activities, from skiing to hiking. They discovered the vibrant International Avenue on 17th, where diverse restaurants, markets, and shops create a multicultural hub reminiscent of their life in Dallas.
“It’s quieter than Dallas, but that’s what we were looking for,” Long said. “The community is supportive, and it’s been great for the kids.” The six-month winters were an adjustment, but the family viewed it as an opportunity to embrace new activities and lifestyle changes.
One of the surprises of moving to Canada was the relative affordability of life in Calgary. While inflation has affected costs everywhere, Long found that Calgary’s housing market was still more accessible than those in Toronto or Vancouver. He plans to buy a home in the near future.
Long would do it all again
When asked if he would recommend this transition to others, Long didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely,” he said. “Just be prepared to advocate for yourself and have a solid plan. Path to Canada can handle the hard parts, but you need to be ready for the adjustment.” Path to Canada’s guidance and expertise turned what could have been a daunting process into a manageable one, leaving the family to focus on adapting to their new lives.
Looking ahead, Long plans to apply for permanent residency in Canada, a step that will solidify his family’s future. While he misses friends and family in the US, particularly during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, he’s optimistic about the opportunities Canada offers and looks forward to being able to visit once they’re more settled.
“This move has been a fresh start for my family,” Long said. “I’m grateful for the support we received. Path to Canada made it all possible.”
What will your journey look like?
Long’s story shows that with the right support and determination, a new life in Canada is within reach.
If you’re considering a move to Canada, Path to Canada can help you navigate the process.
Start your journey today by booking a free consultation.