At Syndesus, we specialize in helping immigrants overcome the challenges of U.S. visa uncertainty by accessing new work opportunities in Canada. Our mission is to connect talented individuals with solutions that benefit both them and their employers.
In today’s story, we speak with Esther, the Vice President of HR at Chefman, about how her company successfully retained Maitri, an exceptional designer, by partnering with Syndesus. Through collaboration and strategic problem-solving, Esther discovered a way to keep her team intact while ensuring Maitri’s professional and personal growth.
Maitri was a talent too good to lose
Maitri joined Chefman through an employee referral. “Another employee had known her from university, and she came highly recommended,” recalls Esther. Maitri quickly became an indispensable part of the team, impressing everyone with her talent as a designer. But like so many immigrants in the US, Maitri faced a major hurdle when she wasn’t selected in the H-1B visa lottery.
For Esther, this brought a daunting reality. “We weren’t sure what we were going to do,” she recalls. “We didn’t want to lose Maitri, but the options seemed so limited.”
Fortunately, Maitri mentioned Syndesus as a potential solution, thanks to a friend who had navigated a similar situation. Esther describes this introduction as a turning point: “When you’re facing the challenges of immigration, there’s so much that feels out of your control. Finding Syndesus gave us hope.”
Chefman found a creative solution to retaining their employee
When Chefman connected with Syndesus, they found this organization dedicated to helping US employers retain their valuable employees by relocating them to Canada. Esther describes the process as thorough and reassuring. “We had a lot of questions, and Syndesus walked us through everything,” she says. “It wasn’t just a transactional process; they truly partnered with us to ensure Maitri’s move would be seamless.”
The relocation process took careful planning and time, as Maitri was living in Virginia and had to move to Toronto. Esther recalls, “It wasn’t necessarily quick, but there was always hand-holding. We weren’t blindly navigating the steps.”
What stood out most to Esther was the ongoing, personalized support provided by Syndesus. “There was always someone to answer my questions,” she shares. “Even during transitions within their team, we never felt like we were left in the dark.”
Syndesus’s guidance even extended to explaining the legal and logistical nuances of the move. Esther says, “They didn’t just tell us what to do; they explained why each step was important.” This level of clarity and support made a potentially overwhelming process manageable. Esther also appreciated the regular updates and check-ins, which kept her informed and reassured her that everything was on track. “It felt like a true partnership,” she notes.
The experience also strengthened Chefman’s approach to handling similar challenges in the future. “We learned so much from this process,” Esther shares. “It’s given us a roadmap for supporting other employees facing immigration hurdles.”
It wasn’t always easy
Relocating Maitri wasn’t without its challenges. Esther notes the complexities of navigating differences between Canadian and US labor laws. “We had to address things like Canadian holidays versus US holidays, ensuring Maitri got the appropriate paid time off,” she explains. “When her work anniversary came around, Syndesus helped ensure we handled her benefits correctly and fairly.”
Another challenge came when Chefman faced company-wide layoffs due to financial constraints. Esther describes the stress of navigating this situation: “I was nervous that I hadn’t handled everything correctly,” she admits. “But Syndesus immediately stepped in. They walked me through the severance process step by step and even provided career services to help Maitri find her next opportunity.”
This level of care went above and beyond Esther’s expectations. “When we had to let her go, it was a really difficult time,” she reflects. “But knowing Syndesus was there to support her—even meeting with her in person and providing resources—was such a relief.”
The support didn’t end there. Syndesus’s team also assisted Chefman in reviewing policies and practices to prevent future complications. Esther notes, “They helped us think proactively about how to align our HR strategies with international standards.” This guidance was invaluable in strengthening Chefman’s overall HR framework.
Esther also emphasizes the emotional support provided during the layoffs. “It wasn’t just about ticking boxes,” she says. “They genuinely cared about Maitri and our team’s well-being.” This compassion left a lasting impression on Esther and reinforced her trust in Syndesus.
The right choice was Canada
For Chefman, relocating Maitri to Canada was about more than keeping her employed—it was about ensuring the team could continue to collaborate effectively. Maitri’s role required daily interactions with software developers and the culinary team. Having her work in a close time zone was essential.
“Had she moved back to India, the time difference would have made collaboration very difficult,” Esther explains. “Keeping her in Toronto allowed us to maintain that synergy. Otherwise, she might have ended up working in isolation, which would have hurt the team dynamic.”
Maitri herself found Toronto to be a vibrant, multicultural city. “She felt a sense of belonging thanks to its diversity and welcoming atmosphere,” Esther says. “Professionally, she’s also found opportunities to grow within the thriving design and tech communities.”
Toronto’s infrastructure and resources also played a significant role in Maitri’s successful transition. “From public transportation to coworking spaces, everything was designed to support professionals like her,” Esther adds. This environment not only helped Maitri maintain her productivity but also allowed her to thrive.
For Chefman, the decision to relocate Maitri also had financial implications. While Esther wasn’t directly involved in negotiating costs, she notes that keeping Maitri within the organization justified the investment. “Talent like hers is irreplaceable,” she says. “The cost of losing her would have been far greater.”
Why support and a personalized approach matters
Esther emphasizes the importance of awareness when it comes to alternative immigration solutions. “Many US immigration attorneys focus solely on US-based options, leaving employers unaware of possibilities like relocating employees to Canada,” she says. “I wish we had known about this sooner. The H-1B lottery is so unpredictable, and it’s heartbreaking to think you might lose a great employee because of it.”
She also highlights the need for better communication with HR teams like Syndesus’. “Looking back, I wish we’d had regular check-ins,” she reflects. “Even just a quarterly call to review changes or updates would have been helpful.”
Esther’s story underscores the value of Syndesus’s personalized approach. “Sometimes, services focus so much on getting you as a client that they disappear afterward,” she notes. “That wasn’t the case here. Syndesus remained responsive and supportive throughout.”
Additionally, Esther encourages other employers to share their experiences. “The more we talk about these solutions, the more awareness we can build,” she says. “It’s not just about solving one company’s problem; it’s about creating a network of support for talent retention.”
Esther also calls for more collaboration between US immigration attorneys and organizations like Syndesus. “If attorneys included this option in their discussions, it could make a huge difference for employers and employees alike,” she says. “Awareness is key.”
Moving forward
Maitri’s story is one of adaptability, resourcefulness, and partnership. Her move to Toronto didn’t just benefit Chefman; it also opened new doors for her. Maitri has found personal and professional growth in a city known for its inclusivity and innovation.
For employers facing similar challenges, Syndesus provides a proven way to retain exceptional talent while navigating the complexities of immigration. Esther’s experience is a testament to the importance of exploring creative solutions.
As she puts it, “If you’re an employer dealing with the uncertainty of the H-1B process, don’t hesitate to explore this option. It’s not just about retaining employees; it’s about finding solutions that work for everyone.”
The lessons learned from Maitri’s transition have also inspired changes within Chefman. Esther shares, “We’re now more proactive about considering international options for talent retention. It’s a game-changer for us.”
Esther also acknowledges the ripple effect of this experience. “By sharing our story, we hope to encourage other companies to think outside the box,” she says. “It’s not just about keeping great employees; it’s about creating opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Syndesus can help you and your team overcome immigration hurdles.
Maitri’s journey demonstrates the power of innovative solutions and supportive partnerships in overcoming the challenges of immigration. By relocating Maitri to Toronto, Chefman retained a valuable team member while providing her with opportunities to thrive in a diverse and vibrant city.
If you’re an employer navigating the complexities of the H-1B process or seeking ways to retain key talent, Syndesus can help. From providing expert guidance to crafting tailored relocation solutions, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Let Syndesus help you turn immigration challenges into opportunities.
