Víctor Samayoa had wanted to live in Canada since studying in Calgary as a university student. Years later, the right opportunity arrived: a way to move from Mexico with his family while continuing to work with his existing US employer.
In this conversation with VanHack CEO Ilya Brotzky, Victor explains how long-term preparation, employer alignment, immigration guidance, and VanHack’s Canadian Engineering Office came together. He also shares what surprised him about the process, how his family adapted, and the practical advice he would give other professionals considering Canada.
A plan that began years before the move
Victor studied mathematics and physics before beginning his career in Mexico as a data analyst. He later moved into data science and consulting, eventually working as a senior technology consultant.
But the idea of living in Canada started much earlier. During university, Victor received a scholarship that allowed him to spend a semester at the University of Calgary in Alberta. He liked the city, the province, and the experience enough to imagine returning one day.
After completing the semester, he returned to Mexico and continued building his career. Canada remained a long-term goal rather than an immediate move. Victor improved his English, developed his professional experience, gathered documents, arranged official translations, and completed an Educational Credential Assessment.
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I spent several years trying to get all of that information ready, so when an opportunity came, I was as ready as possible.
That preparation became one of the defining themes of Victor’s story. The move happened when an opportunity emerged, but his ability to act had been built over several years.
Finding a path that worked with his existing employer
Victor periodically searched online for Canadian job opportunities and employers. During that research, he discovered roles shared by VanHack and continued watching for an opportunity that matched his experience.
By then, Victor was already working for an employer in the United States. VanHack’s Canadian Engineering Office created a different possibility: instead of leaving that professional relationship behind to pursue a Canadian employer, he could explore an arrangement that supported a move while keeping his current job.
The first stage required coordination. Victor notes that the discussions and contract reviews between the organizations took a few months. Once the documents were signed, the immigration portion of the process became more straightforward from his perspective.
Clear immigration guidance turned preparation into action
Victor received support from an immigration consultant who reviewed his profile, pointed him to the required information, and provided a list of documents needed for the application. He also received feedback about missing materials and details that needed to be completed.
Because many of his translations, credential documents, and validations were already prepared, Victor was able to assemble the application more quickly. His long-term planning now had an immediate purpose.
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Since I already had the translation, the review, the validation, all of those things, it was a bit faster to have everything ready.
At the time of Victor’s application, he expected a response to take around three months. Instead, he says he received a request for the family’s passports about three weeks after submitting the documents. Approximately one week after sending them, the passports came back with the visa and work-permit approvals.
The unexpectedly fast response was exciting, but it also changed the family’s timeline. Victor, his wife, and their daughter had prepared for a three-month wait. They suddenly needed to complete their remaining responsibilities in Mexico and organize the move much sooner.
Victor is careful not to present his timing as a universal result. He describes it as his experience and acknowledges that he may have been fortunate. Immigration pathways, eligibility, documentation, employer requirements, fees, and processing times vary and can change.
Starting a new life in Canada while continuing his career
After arriving in Canada, Victor initially stayed in an Airbnb while looking for a long-term rental. Being able to show an employment contract and proof of income helped him secure housing.
The next few months involved learning the practical systems that make daily life possible: government processes, banking, phone service, internet, housing, and other unfamiliar tasks. Victor estimates that it took roughly three or four months before he felt that the essentials were in place and the family could settle into a regular routine.
His daughter adapted especially quickly. She had attended a bilingual school in Mexico, and after a short period adjusting to the local accent, she joined regular classes and became increasingly comfortable speaking English. Victor describes children’s ability to adapt as one of the reassuring parts of the family’s experience.
Victor’s advice: prepare before the opportunity arrives
Victor’s clearest advice is to treat an international move as a long-term project. Professionals who are serious about Canada can begin preparing even before a specific opportunity appears.
Gather and validate documents early
Translations, education assessments, identity documents, and other records may take time. Preparing early can reduce the risk of losing momentum when an employer or program opportunity becomes available.
Keep looking for the right fit
Victor did not find his path through a single search. He checked opportunities periodically and followed VanHack until a program aligned with his experience and employer situation.
Expect both rewarding and complicated moments
Moving countries involves more than receiving an approval. It includes housing, administration, family adaptation, and the emotional work of starting again. Victor encourages others to accept both the positive and difficult moments as part of the experience.
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You are going to have good moments and some complex moments, but it is part of life. It is better to enjoy every one of them.
Could you move to Canada without changing jobs?
Victor’s story shows how preparation and the right employer arrangement can open a path that many international professionals may not realize exists. For him, the Canadian Engineering Office connected a long-standing goal with the career he had already built.
Every case is different, and Victor’s experience does not guarantee employment, immigration approval, or a particular processing time. Candidates and employers should review current eligibility criteria and obtain qualified immigration guidance before making decisions.
If you already work for an international company and want to explore whether this path may fit your situation, review the latest criteria and apply to move to Canada with VanHack.
