I made the switch from H1B's indentured servitude to being a permanent resident of Canada through the Express Entry system. It changed my life for good. US corporates likes H1B so much that they are lobbying to keep the shackles as it is.
Here is how I did it -> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=15452647
Re:Tech company career ladders
by peterburkimsher on Tuesday April 24, 2018 @12:38PM
(#16914168)
Yes, Canada's Express Entry is one of my top-two preferences. The problem is if I then leave for more than 2 years, I lose PR. So it's not really "Permanent". I'd have to stay for 4 years and become a citizen. But that's ok - I enjoyed my Working Holiday there, and I could see myself being there for 4 years. My girlfriend said she prefers NZ though (and NZ has tougher requirements) so I'm sticking with that for now. If anything happens to our relationship though, and we decide it's better to be apart, then I'll be on the next plane to Canada.
Re:Tech company career ladders
by digianarchist on Tuesday April 24, 2018 @04:33PM
(#16916270)
>The problem is if I then leave for more than 2 years, I lose PR
That's not correct. You need to be present in Canada for 2 years out of every 5. NZ is more flexible but has a 2 year qualifying period to get PR.
It's also 3 years to qualify for citizenship.
US Greencards are the worst. Leave the country for a couple of months and it can be revoked.
Also Canada recognises commonlaw marriage.