From India to US and now Canada: Amid H-1B visa concerns, a techie's search of stability

The growing uncertainty around H-1B visas in the United States has pushed several professionals, especially tech workers, to explore career opportunities in Canada. A recent Instagram reel by Piyush Monga, founder of Salary Scale, sheds light on this trend through a candid conversation with a business intelligence engineer who transitioned from the U.S. to Canada due to visa constraints.

Navigating H-1B Challenges

In the Instagram reel, the engineer shared her journey from India to the U.S. with her initial employer, Amazon, and her eventual relocation to Canada, facilitated by Google. When asked why she left the U.S., she pointed to the challenges of securing an H-1B visa, stating, "I did not get through the H-1B, so they moved me here."

Monga, known for bringing salary transparency to social media, further explored the growing trend of tech workers reconsidering their base country due to these limitations. "Is it true that many on H-1B in the U.S. are now considering moving, especially because of recent changes?" he asked. The engineer agreed, highlighting that her husband, who is still in the U.S., is also contemplating a move to Canada.


The reel was captioned, "From USA ���� to Canada ���� and now makes a hefty amount of money. Lady in the house moved from Seattle USA to Toronto, Canada in the search of stability and consistency."

Salary Insights and Lifestyle Adjustments

During their chat, the engineer revealed her annual salary—approximately $200,000 USD, equivalent to about $270,000 CAD. Despite earning significantly more than the average Canadian salary of $70,000 CAD, she expressed concerns about living costs, particularly rent in Canada. "It’s not as much as it seems when you factor in the expenses," she said.

Monga noted the disparity, humorously pointing out, "She’s making $270,000 CAD and says it’s not enough. I don’t know what is."


With eight years of professional experience under her belt, the engineer shared practical advice for individuals aiming for success in the analytics field. "Certifications in R, Python, or BI development are valuable," she suggested, emphasizing that while she didn’t pursue a master’s degree, her certifications and industry experience played a pivotal role in her career trajectory.

About Piyush Monga

The host of this insightful discussion, Piyush Monga, is the founder of Salary Scale, a platform dedicated to promoting salary transparency and workplace culture awareness. He is also the co-founder of MapleTalent Hub, a venture that provides career development services. With a strong background in marketing and business strategy, Monga uses social media to empower professionals across industries.

His engaging reels, like the one with the Google engineer, not only provide glimpses into tech professionals' lives but also spark important conversations about global work dynamics.

This case reflects the challenges faced by many skilled workers navigating the U.S. immigration system. For tech professionals, adaptability and continuous skill development are key to thriving in this evolving landscape.