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Comment by sumitgt | Hacker News Reader

It's not like that. Most top companies do detailed paperwork. This causes other side effects and stress.

For example, you could be working at Google / Facebook earning top $$$$ every year and you paperwork could be spotless. But the stress of having to go through an uncertain renewal process every 3 years prevents you from investing in big things like buying a house or having kids. You are always worried about being able to return back to your stuff when you leave for a trip overseas.

Even though most top companies immediately apply for Green CArds, the "country of birth" based green limits ensure that you have to remain in H1-B status for 15 - 20 years (if you happen to be born in India).

TL;DR: It's not the increased vetting that we fear, its the uncertainty and complicated appeal procedures that can affect genuine H1-B cases.

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This was me. Working at big tech firm, $190+ salary, 6 years. Green card applied and approved in 2014.

But Indians have to wait at least 5years for a green card(EB-2). And this was before the current admin.

I’m now in Canada. Permanent Resident (took 8 months), $180k+ salary, big tech company. Going to buy a house in the summer.

Super happy for you man :-)

Same big tech company or other?

Actually it's currently looking more like 15 years. People with priority dates in 2009 are just getting in. So if you account for the number (plus consider the fact the people in EB-3 become eligible for EB-2 after a few years), it looking more like 15.

The silly thing is, there is bipartisan bill in congress and Senate to fix it (HR 392). But it is stuck is legislative limbo.

Yes, this was also a major reason for leaving.

You really need to spill the beans on how to move to Canada and retain that kind of pay. All I hear is that Canadian pay is abysmal.

Replied above.

Whoa. That CDN salary seems unreal. What is your position there?

Replied above

This is my comment. Addressing some of the questions

1. I took a pay cut. I went from 190K+ USD (~250k+ CAD) to 180k CAD (this includes my bonus. My base is lower, say around ~150k CAD). Numbers are fuzzed but close enough to reality.

This is a significant drop, but of course it's still a very good salary for Canada. I'm satisfied with my decision.

2. I'm in Marketing, reasonably senior. Couple levels down from the CMO.

3. Same company. Essentially got transferred with a pay cut. This made it easy for the company as well. It helped that I've been here for a longish time and have built relationships within the company. They were very supportive.

the "country of birth" based green limits ensure that you have to remain in H1-B status for 15 - 20 years (if you happen to be born in India)

You don't wait in H1B status, you get advanced parole which means you can stay and work until you green card has been processed.

Yes, but if you lose your job for any reason, you have to leave the country in a matter of days (I think you have 30 days, it might be a little more).

So, sell your house, all your belongings, take the kids out of school, move all investments... uproot your whole life in 2 months, maybe 1 month. That's not an easy thing to do, especially with children. It's not fair to my family - the kids would hate moving from the US back to India. Canada is much closer, culturally, and it's easier to adjust.

We decided to move as a family, and planned everything for more than a year.

This is personal, of course. Everyone has to make their own decision.

Sorry if I'm being overly detailed, but if you lose your job when in the later stages of a green card there is portability to a new employer, so there are options.

However, I do agree the uncertainty can be stressful. I went through a layoff when on H1B and it's not fun!

Yes, although there is some portability, you still have to apply, interview and get a job within 30 days. That's not feasible, and doesn't give you enough room to find a good job and negotiate salary from a point of strength.

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