I agree on the second part, I can get interviews with google/microsoft/facebook, etc, basically the big tech companies. But its far more difficult getting interviews from start ups in SV
There's also immigration issues. To get a J-1 visa the host company needs to meet certain requirements.
In any event as a Waterloo alum currently doing a YC-backed startup in SF, we'll be posting jobs in the next co-op round.
1.5 years for me to go~ (currently in TO).
This is completely inaccurate unless you mean without a post-secondary degree. Tons of new grads head south on a TN straight after graduating, even if they didn't do co-op.
Disclosure: currently living in Waterloo as I was unable to obtain a TN.
3 years of work experience is equivalent to 1 year of university. So, if you have no degree, you'd need 12 years of work experience.
Some of those startups know lots of silicon valley companies looking to vet through the crowd of international talent. Working somewhere local is a great place to start.