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Re:H-1B Visas: U.S. Lawmaker Re-Introduces Bill to Tighten R... by throwaway2017ab on Tuesday January 10, 2017 @01:39AM (#13363136)
I am a beneficiary of such a program in Canada called Express Entry. I quit my H1B job in US and is currently working in Canada and my Permanent residence process is in progress. I expect to get it within an year. I was selected based on my skills rather than my luck(H1B lottery) Canada's express entry system is a skill based immigration system. I think Australia's is similar. Under the Canada's system, the visa is not tied to the employer and if you have the skills(express entry point system), you get permanent residence.
Re:H-1B Visas: U.S. Lawmaker Re-Introduces Bill to Tighten R... by eli_gottlieb on Tuesday January 10, 2017 @12:05PM (#13366427)
For those wondering how Canada's system works (I've been looking into it), you get points based on the following simple factors:

* Age

* Language skills (English and French, measured via standardized exams)

* Level of education

* Level of education and/or job experience in Canada

* Job offer

* Desired destination to live in (easier to move if you want to go somewhere underpopulated)

* Personal savings to prevent you becoming a burden

If you get enough points, they invite you to obtain Canadian permanent residency. If you don't, you can still get a work visa, work for a while, and re-apply later. Compared to the US immigration system, it's freakishly straightforward and reasonable.

New Zealand is even simpler: they'll just start your residency process based on the mere existence of a job offer and a few checkboxes regarding age, language, and education. They've got a whole "Move to New Zealand" website now, with pretty pictures, clear instructions, and government webpages bragging about their high quality-of-life.

It really leaves one thinking, wow, this is what a First World country acts like.