Application strategy: US vs Canada

Question

I have studied and worked in US for 10 years, but I'm still a foreigner who will require future H1B sponsorship. Recently I became a Canada Permanent Resident which means I won't have any restrictions working in Canada.

From a strategic standpoint, Is it more advantageous for me to apply for consulting roles in the US (e.g. MBB/Tier 2/Big 4) since that's where my background and network is most relevant, OR does it make more sense to apply for roles in Toronto office directly since I won't need to worry about sponsorship anymore.

Both are in North America region…

I wonder if these offices speak with each other or share recruiting processes. Perhaps US colleagues can submit referral for Canada office?

Appreciate any insights.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Congrats on Canadian PR!

You should apply to where you have working rights. 100%

That said, it doesn't hurt to double-check…this is exactly why we network!

Company A might have a huge presence in the US, tons of demand for people, not enough applicants, and has a history/policy of sponsoring. Company B might not sponsor no matter what.

It's company by company, and exactly why you network, but, in general, you will have far better odds if you apply where you can work. (and yes, US colleagues can submit a referral for Canada…for most firms)

Answer 2

Hello,

Generally, you are always at an advantage getting hired in areas where you have the permit to work. That said, US MBB hire a lot of immigrants and have very well-established processes for sponsoring people who need visas. So if you would prefer to stay in the US, it should be a feasible option. Like Ian said, networking will be key here.

Answer 3

Not having a work permit is a huge limitating factor. In general you should apply there, unless they are not taking any applications.

Answer 4

Reach out to your network and ask them to put you in touch with folks in the Canada office to network with. It will be a lot easier to start in Canada and move to the US later. Of course the challenge is that there are a lot fewer roles in Canada vs US.

Answer 5

Hi there,

1) Is it more advantageous for me to apply for consulting roles in the US or does it make more sense to apply for roles in Toronto office directly?

Unless you have no interest in working in Canada, I would recommend applying there, especially considering that you already have a visa. At the same time, I would recommend networking to ensure the companies you are targeting are actually hiring in Canada, if that’s not the case for those companies you could apply in the US.

2) Perhaps US colleagues can submit referral for Canada office?

Yes, you can be referred by someone who is working in a different country.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 6

Hi there,

based on what you shared, your easier entry point will be Canada. If you have strong (senior enough) referrals, however, it shouldn't matter too much and you can as well try US offices straight.

In terms of weight of the referral - this doesn't work too well cross-border typically, unless the referrer is very senior (e.g. Partner). If not the case, suggest you rather work on local referrals.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Andi

Answer 7

Hi there,

In your situation, both would work.

I'd recommend you apply for where you'd actually want to live.

If you do get a referral, try to get it from your target office rather than having this person ‘refer’ you to a different office. The former carries more weight.

Best,
Cristian

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies