Datasembly<\/a>. They explored options and worked to retain one of their top software engineers, Tetiana Novikova, whose temporary visa was set to expire.<\/p>\nThere are over 200,000 skilled immigrant workers that apply for the H-1B lottery every year. The process only grants 85,000 opportunities to apply and guarantees nothing. This means that many skilled workers end up in a state of constant limbo, anxiety, and uncertainty \u2013 waiting for a system that may never recognize their hard work.<\/p>\n
The American Dream Can Be Hard to Attain<\/b><\/h3>\n
Originally from Lviv, Ukraine, Tetiana came to the US in 2016 on a business and tourism visa, but after six months she loved it so much she wanted to stay. With a keen interest in Scala programming and her sights set on becoming a data engineer, she pursued a science degree at Utah Valley University.<\/p>\n
One of her mentors introduced her to Datasembly while she was still in the Ukraine. When she finished her degree, she began working there as an intern and was hired full-time in May of 2020.<\/p>\n
Tetiana applied for many visas over two years, not just H-1B, and said she tried to keep her hopes up. Her work was so highly valued, that the company went out of their way to help her with her immigration documents, to ensure she could stay on the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really thankful that they did all of that just so I could be there at the company.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was clear that Datasembly really wanted to keep Tetiana, despite her visa risk, and the feeling was mutual. Tetiana explains the culture at Datasembly feels like family, and she enjoys the social and strategic opportunities the company provided.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was amazing. Everyone just got so close,\u201d she says when talking about company off-sites (pre-COVID).<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, she was not selected in the H-1B lottery multiple times and was running out of hope.<\/p>\n
The Solution: Canada as Tetiana\u2019s Plan B<\/b><\/h2>\n
As Tetiana awaited her final chance at H-1B lottery selection, she discussed other options with the leadership team at Datasembly. The company was already working with Path To Canada (a Canadian PEO who helped them remotely employ Canadian tech workers) and they discovered through a conversation with Path To Canada CEO Marc Pavlopoulos that Tetiana had the option to work in Canada through the country\u2019s Global Talent Stream program. When she discovered this possibility Tetiana says she was caught off guard.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never had this thought in my head that Canada was an option. I thought it was way too complicated, but it was actually a solid plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Within two months, Tetiana discovered she was yet again not selected in the H-1B lottery but (through the help of Path To Canada) was approved for her Canadian work visa through Global Talent Stream. She could work anywhere she wanted within the country. Now she had some decisions to make.<\/p>\n
Turning Her Sights to the \u201cCanadian Dream\u201d\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know anything about Canada, so how was I supposed to choose a city?\u201d Without spending any time in Canada, she intuitively chose Vancouver. She\u2019d heard good things about the west coast, and it reminded her of one of her favorite US cities, Seattle.<\/p>\n
Path To Canada worked with Tetiana to advise her on important settlement tasks such as banking, setting up a phone number, and other useful information. They also helped her set up her Social Insurance Number (SIN) and get enrolled in her healthcare benefits plan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a call with Marc a few days before I left the US where I was able to ask him all the questions I had, and he walked me through important things I should be aware of.\u201d<\/p>\n
From there, she packed her things and bravely made her way to a brand new country. Tetiana was approved for her work visa at the Vancouver airport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n