Ask HN: How Does a Canadian SWE/Data Scientist Make a Move to the US?

#1

Post by rafiki6 » Fri, Feb 05, 2021, 4:41 PM UTC

I've tried now and failed multiple times to make this move over my career. Primarily been interviewing with Tier 1 companies and not getting through, so I figure might make sense to try to get the attention of the Tier 2's to at least get into the market, but none have really reached out or accepted my applications.

Despite what the media wants you to think, Canada is not a good place to grow in IT and Software and ML. Best jobs here are being a part of a remote office for a FAANG or going to work for a Bank, or even just remote jobs for US companies since they'll pay you in USD which will mean you get an automatic 30% pay increase.

Pay is 2-3x less than the US, and CoL is about the same (especially if you want to buy something with a somewhat commutable distance to the major metros).

So my question to those who have successfully left later in their career (7-10 YOE), how did you manage it? What companies paid the most attention to you? What did your experience look like and how did you promote yourself if you weren't part of some hot startup like Shopify?

NOTE: I'm not here to argue the merits of the Canadian tech market. If you like it here, kudos to you and hope you find good growth opportunities.

Re: Ask HN: How Does a Canadian SWE/Data Scientist Make a Move to the US?

#2

Post by wikibob » Fri, Feb 05, 2021, 5:42 PM UTC

Where are you getting stuck?

Getting hired, and hiring, is an acquisition funnel. Just like advertising through to making a sale.

Are you getting interviews? If not work on your resume, projects, and networking.

Are you not passing interviews? If so at what point in the process, phone screen, tech questions, or final offer?

Are companies saying no because you are in Canada? Target larger companies comfortable with the visa process.

Re: Ask HN: How Does a Canadian SWE/Data Scientist Make a Move to the US?

#3

Post by growmn » Fri, Feb 05, 2021, 5:46 PM UTC

What’s a tier 1 company ? Did they provide any feedback as to why you didn’t get through?

Some in FAANG are starting to hire remotely in Canada such as Facebook. You can try that.

Re: Ask HN: How Does a Canadian SWE/Data Scientist Make a Move to the US?

#4

Post by oli5679 » Fri, Feb 05, 2021, 5:48 PM UTC

Would be interested if anyone has advice on this topic for UK --> USA

Re: Ask HN: How Does a Canadian SWE/Data Scientist Make a Move to the US?

#5

Post by Schiendelman » Fri, Feb 05, 2021, 5:48 PM UTC

When I read your first paragraph I immediately think there's a challenge in your interview, whether that's an interpersonal or language barrier, or difference between the skillset showcased on your resume and the skillset you show in an interview. When was the last time you did a practice interview? Do you have a coach?

Re: Ask HN: How Does a Canadian SWE/Data Scientist Make a Move to the US?

#6

Post by jayparth » Fri, Feb 05, 2021, 5:51 PM UTC

What's your resume look like and what stage of your career are you at? I moved over when I was 19 so happy to give my POV.

Re: Ask HN: How Does a Canadian SWE/Data Scientist Make a Move to the US?

#7

Post by devlopr » Fri, Feb 05, 2021, 6:11 PM UTC

It sounds like a VISA problem for the tier II or smaller companies.

If you focus on the bigger tier I companies, you are getting interviews so your resume works. You are failing the interview/coding test. Do you have insight into which? Are you getting second interviews? Does the process stop after the coding test?

Re: Ask HN: How Does a Canadian SWE/Data Scientist Make a Move to the US?

#8

Post by cl42 » Fri, Feb 05, 2021, 6:21 PM UTC

I've worked with a lot of folks who have made the move from Canada to the US in the middle part of their careers. Knowing nothing else about your situation, there are two things they did that might be relevant to you:

1. Really specific area of expertise that was needed by whoever was hiring them. "IT, software, ML" is very broad, but if you have a keen interest in data engineering for computer vision (random example), then you'll find people keen to talk to you. Try to narrow yourself into a high-demand niche.

2. Have a good "portfolio" of successful projects. I don't know your resume, but if you're stuck at getting to the formal interviews (i.e., getting screened out by automatic filters or recruiters), then you likely have a weak resume. This doesn't mean you need to work for a hot startup; work on side projects that stand out and show you can ship code/products.

Finally, a word of caution --- Tier 1 companies in the US are fantastic. Depending on how you define them, "Tier 2" companies have a huge range in terms of pay, quality, etc. and you might be in for a bad surprise. Make sure to do your due diligence on the company, the city, and the specific team you'd be working in.

Source: I run a data science careers site at https://phaseai.com/ -- feel free to reach out if you have questions.

Re: Ask HN: How Does a Canadian SWE/Data Scientist Make a Move to the US?

#9

Post by oangemangut » Fri, Feb 05, 2021, 6:26 PM UTC

jayparth wrote: post #6

What's your resume look like and what stage of your career are you at? I moved over when I was 19 so happy to give my POV.

did you move down for job or college?

Re: Ask HN: How Does a Canadian SWE/Data Scientist Make a Move to the US?

#10

Post by cl42 » Fri, Feb 05, 2021, 6:31 PM UTC

devlopr wrote: post #7

It sounds like a VISA problem for the tier II or smaller companies. If you focus on the bigger tier I companies, you are getting interviews so your resume works. You are failing the interview/coding test. Do you have insight into which? Are you getting second interviews? Does the process stop after the coding test?

Quick note on visas -- if you are eligible for a TN or O1 visa, then I've seen employees/candidates in Canada foot the bill and run the process themselves rather than ask the employer to do it. This is 100% doable and often helps HR departments (who have no idea what this process is, especially in smaller companies) deal with many objections.