Quote:
Originally posted by gan123_s
Hi TK,
Thanks for your reply. Is situation so bad that one cannot even get 10 to 15 dollars per hour job. My plan is to pursue my MBA either in Edmonton or Calgary while doing some kind of part-time job. If I get a full-time job in my field that's an additional bonus
Please do reply
As of now, the answer is no. The situation in Canada isn't as bad as the US as far the economy and layoffs are concerned. None of our major banks are falling apart, although the downturn has affected them too. Canadian economy however is heavily dependent on the US and will follow eventually if the US situation does not improve.
Nobody can answer with absolute accuracy whether you will find a survival job here OR a job in your field, you will have to apply and check it out yourself. People in your field can definately provide more guidance.
If you search through the forum, you'll find some very strong views against and for immigration to Canada. My advice is ignore both extremes. Think of your personal situation, do your research (as you are currently) and then make your decision. Job or no job, a PR in a Canada may be or may not be better than a shaky H1-B status. You have to make the call. If you want to stay in NorthAmerica, Canada may be a good option, particularly if you're planning to pursue further studies (education is cheaper here).
And don't restrict your move consideration only for Alberta. With oil in free-fall the red-hot Albertan economy isn't and won't be the same. Keep your options open.
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Are you there?
Location: Greater Toronto Arena
Posted on: 19-11-08 16:35:16
Quote:
Originally posted by gan123_s
A big hello to all Canadian desis.
I was looking at the prospect of moving to Alberta. I have my masters in EE from a university in the US and have been working for a semiconductor company for the past 4 years in the US on a H1 B visa. I heard that Alberta is fast tracking the immigration process for people with H1B Visas
Before statrting the process I just had a few questions
1. Is it tough to find engineering positions in Alberta (Edmonton or Calgary)
2. Is US experience recogonized in Canada
3. How about finding 12 to 15 dollar per hour jobs incase I am not able to find a full time position
4.What's the cost of living in Edmonton/ Calgary (like rent, insurance etc etc..)
Your replies are highly appreciated!!!!
oh my very goodnes... desi are NOT welcomed in Alberta.
NOT NOT NOT.
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happily holi day!
Most of the replies in this thread are purely negative and without facts.
I moved from US after 5.5 years on H1 and I am in Software. I was a contractor with no career prospects in US just hanging on for the Green Card. I finally got disgusted and took the plunge to move to Canada in late 2006. I would never consider going back to the US unless I was really desperate.
I was in Alberta for a couple of years and have recently got transferred to GTA. Alberta is not bad, but I don't think its a good place for Hi-tech jobs. GTA is better.
Today I work as a Development Manager in one of the top software companies in the World. I am earning more than what I earned in US.
For my wife and I with a one bedroom apartment and one car under finance, our monthly expenses in Edmonton was about 2800 $. We did not scrimp on anything.
I was renting a 1 Bedroom Apt in a Luxury Hi-rise for about 1050 $/month with 2 underground parking spots.
Groceries are more expensive in Edmonton compared to GTA despite no Provincial Sales Tax.
Utilities, phone, cable, cell phone etc, there is not much of a difference.
One thing you have to watch out for is that Canada is a lot colder than US. So if you are ready to deal with the cold, ready to struggle for a while to find a job(because Canada is smaller than the US, so the opportunities are lesser and now with the recession prospects, the uncertainty is more) and in absolute numbers you may take a pay cut(because C$ has depreciated a lot vs the US $ recently), I would urge you to take the plunge.
Ah atlast something positive about Canada. Well As mentioned earlier my plan is to pursue my MBA or some degree in the energy sector. I am single as of now. How are the prospects of getting some kind of part-time jobs (like 10 to 12 dollars per hour) mainly in retail or the service sector. I would happyif I get a part-time job initially while looking for a full time jobs in my field so that my savings do not take a big hit
I really appreciate your reply
My wife recently took a retail job in GTA on a part-time basis. It pays about 10$ an hour.
She was working in Alberta in retail at around 11 $ an hour. It was not a big deal to get a retail job two months ago and I don;t think it is a big deal still. Bear in mind that you need to have a Permanent Residency.
Location: God's own country
Posted on: 20-11-08 11:35:49
Quote:
Originally posted by rajma
One thing you have to watch out for is that Canada is a lot colder than US. So if you are ready to deal with the cold, ready to struggle for a while to find a job(because Canada is smaller than the US, so the opportunities are lesser and now with the recession prospects, the uncertainty is more) and in absolute numbers you may take a pay cut(because C$ has depreciated a lot vs the US $ recently), I would urge you to take the plunge.
Exactly what we were trying to convey....
If you are still able to find and work in the USA (awaiting your green card), then USA is better. But if you are at the end of h-1B status and you have no other alternative between Canada and India, Canada is better.
If you want to come to Canada, do your MBA on OSAP loan and get your PR and passport during that time and then go back to USA on your new found Canadian passport, Canada is really good.
Getting $10-$12 jobs is not that hard but will put a lot of pressure in your daily life.
As said Ontario is better for the current economic situation but if Alberta is fast tracking your PR, then there is no other option except settling there.
Hope this helps
Peace
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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.
TK,
Probability of getting an employment based Green Cards in US is pretty much zero in US with the current state of affairs.
The current backlog numbers are 2003 and 2001 for Indian born persons. So you will have to wait for the backlog to move up to 2008 and no one knows when that will happen and even if it will happen. So till the backlog becomes current you cannot even apply for 485 which means if you are laid off, then you pretty much pack your bags and go back to India or get another job ASAP if you still have some time left on the 6 year clock.
So hoping to get a US Green card is a pipe dream that serious people cannot smoke at this point in time.
Here is the latest US visa bulletin for Employment based categories
EMPLOYMENT CATEGORIES
Categories Worldwide China (PRC) India Mexico Philippines
1st Current Current Current Current Current
2nd Current 06-01-04 06-01-03 Current Current
3rd 05-01-05 02-01-02 10-01-01 09-01-02 05-01-05
Unskilled 01-15-03 01-15-03 01-15-03 01-15-03 01-15-03
4th Current Current Current Current Current
Religious Current Current Current Current Current
5th Current Current Current Current Current
