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Ask HN: Is it the right time to move to Canada?

9 points by enouri ↗ HN
I am planning to move to Canada (from France, Paris) and I am not sure about the timing. With all the COVID situation, is recrutement for Software Engineering active ? I am a Certified Solution Architect btw (https://e-nouri.com) and I am wondering about my chances of finding a good fit position.

What are the best ways to apply or to find American style companies / startups (not the french ones)? Are there any specific platforms like Hired.com or Talent.io for the North American market ?

9 comments

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scastiel
I don’t know where you plan to come in Canada, but I’ve been living in Montreal for almost three years now (I’m French too, and a senior developer), and I can assure you that you’d have absolutely no problem to find a job here. I’m pretty sure this works for other big Canadian cities as well…

Just be careful about recruiters that will promise you a good salary compared to French ones, whereas here they would be considered mediocre ;)

andrewem
Do you know how the job market is for English-speaking developers in Montreal? I'm curious if lack of French fluency would be a barrier for a few, many, or nearly all development jobs there.
scastiel
In the companies I worked for most people speak French, but some only English and it’s okay. Some companies will require you to have at least a basic understanding of French (and my offer you French classes for that).
enouri
I am planning to go to Vancouver, do you have any tips for job search in Canada specifically (not the glassdoor and such) ? are there any platforms like hired.com or talent.io ?
scastiel
Not that I know of. LinkedIn always seems to be a good entry point, but most of all: your network ;)
schoen
One possibly relevant question (I'm not considering moving to Canada myself): what are the travel restrictions to Canada due to the epidemic? — Would someone actually be able to get a visa, a flight, and an apartment right now?

I was somewhat surprised that a Canadian friend even succeeded in moving from one city to another during the epidemic (I mean, not because of legal obstacles, just logistical obstacles).

scastiel
I’m pretty sure that if you obtain a work permit from abroad (meaning an offer from an employer, plus other constraints depending on your situation), then you can have your visa without problem. What you cannot do is coming to Canada to find a job.
shitgoose
Quarantine in Canada (at least in Ontario where I live) has been pretty mild, thank goodness. No crazy shit like I saw in the video from Spain when cop was chasing a lonely jogger on the beach. I don't see why someone couldn't just get in the car and drive to another city.
enouri
For the moment there are none, they still on with the immigration process.