The Complete Guide for American Companies Expanding to Canada

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Are you about to lose your tech employee due to immigration issues?

Every year, tens of thousands of skilled tech workers are forced to leave the US annually due to visa constraints. The costs associated with replacing such talent and the direct negative effect on businesses and team morale drive home the urgency of a solution. Imagine a scenario where you can swiftly, legally, and cost-effectively relocate your top-tier, remote talent to continue their work uninterrupted from Canada.

U.S Visa Alternatives

Download Detailed Guide to Retain Foreign National Employees Facing US Visa Issues.

Have you considered transferring
to Canada even if you don’t have presence? 

Through our Canadian Tech Talent Relocation Program (TRIP), we provide a lifeline for U.S. companies facing the risk of losing their tech talent due to visa restrictions. Our approach aligns with the need to navigate complex immigration hurdles while ensuring business continuity and fortifying your workforce. 

Our 3-Step Process To Relocate Your Employee

1. Case Approval

Our lawyer assesses your employee's Canadian work eligibility

2. Expert Guidance

Our Canadian immigration and relocation experts
guide you through the entire process step by step

3. Seamless Onboarding

We onboard employee with Canadian payroll and benefits fostering work continuity

Learn how Dallas-based Pension Live relocated their foreign-born employee to Vancouver to work remotely through Syndesus.

U.S Visa Alternatives

"Without attaining his visa, Pranav and his wife would have had to leave the US. As a valued member of the team, Pension Live looked for ways to keep him employed."

Why our clients choose Canada

Responsive Comparison Table
H-1B
(US)
TRIP
(Canada)
How are candidates chosen? Lottery Merit
When can you apply? Before lottery, once/year with 2-3 chances max Anytime
Annual caps for candidates  85,000 cap No quota
Process for Green Card/Permanent Residence Company sponsorship Candidate owns the process
Time for Green Card / Permanent Residence 3–20 years
5-50 years
1-3 years
12-24 months
Timeline to get approval If selected, takes 4-6 months for approval 15–60 days
Approval rate ~15% (odds of lottery selection) 99%
Work Visa
(Lawyer and government fees)
$10K–$15K $5K-$6K
Green Card
(Lawyer and government fees)
$15–$20K Paid by worker

What our clients say about us.

Download Detailed Guide to Retain Foreign National Employees Facing US Visa Issues.

Retain Foreign born Tech Talent for your company

Our relocation experts are here to answer your questions and explore options for retaining your tech employees in Canada. 

FAQ

What's the process from H-1B visa rejection to having our engineer working from Canada?

Start to finish our process would be around 90-150 days:

  1. Initial consultation to preliminarily assessment if the worker, position and job offer are eligible (Week 1)
  2. Contract proposal and review (Week 1)
  3. Applicant documentation review, and application preparation to verify assessment (Week 3-4)
  4. Government GTS application for position and job offer assessment (Week 5-9)
  5. Work permit application processing (Week 10-20, depending on residency and citizenship of applicant)
  6. Relocation support and logistics (1-2 weeks following work permit approval)
  7. Remote work setup and onboarding (2 weeks following work permit approval)

Yes, we recommend starting at least 3-4 months before potential visa expiry/rejection. We can prepare documentation, evaluate eligibility, and create a contingency plan while maintaining your employee’s current status. This proactive approach ensures a seamless transition if needed.

Moving US employee to Canada typically offers 50% cost savings compared to traditional visa renewals:

  • US H-1B renewal: $5,000-8,000 + legal fees + uncertainty
    Employee relocation:
  • One-time setup fee plus monthly service charges with guaranteed outcomes
  • Plus, you avoid productivity losses from visa gaps and potential talent loss

Book a call with our expert to see the ROI calculator live and assess the cost benefits.

Canadian employment costs are typically 15-20% lower than US equivalents due to:

  1. Favorable exchange rates
  2. Lower healthcare costs (universal healthcare)
  3. Competitive market rates in tech hubs
  4. More efficient benefits structure

Book a call with our expert to see the ROI calculator live and assess the cost benefits.

Yes, employees can maintain their existing equity arrangements. We help structure compensation packages to ensure continuity of stock options and equity benefits while complying with Canadian tax regulations.

Contacts us for details.

With +40 years of expertise in HR, payroll and personnel management we provide:

  1. Dedicated compliance team
  2. Regular audits and updates
  3. Custom compliance tracking
  4. Partnership with local legal experts
  5. Real-time regulatory updates and advisory

Yes, spouses and dependents can obtain work permits through Canada’s open work permit program for longer term professional positions (job offers of 16 months or more).

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