Posting to subscribe.
I am from India, worked in Telecom for 6 years. Then came to US for my MBA in 2013. I graduated in 2015 and working as Management Consultant in Telecom since, got my H1B in 2015. My wife came in 2015 to join me, and did her master's from US in 2017 currently working as an Intern. So 4 years in US for me in total and earning entry level 6 figure.
I have read almost all the posts on this thread, and here are my 2 cents.
1) It's always difficult to evaluate "What if" scenarios we all have walked a certain path, took a certain decisions that looked the "best decision" under then circumstances.
2) From a macroeconomic point of view, Canadian salaries will are lower than US and in effect, that's why they are inviting immigration. If a country has a booming economy then economic immigration will follow automatically. US, UK, Germany etc. US/UK had easier economic immigration (shorter wait times) in past but it's a demand and supply problem. As soon as more people start pouring in countries start tightening the immigration policies. (or if sense of right wing nationalism takes over)
[Whether lower Canadian salary is a bad or good thing is another story]
3) India and China were the cradle of civilization, hence the population growth. Be it any immigration system of any country, Indian and Chinese will always provide the volume to overwhelm it. Simply because there is volume. Some people may like it - if it helps their cause, some may not - if it hurts their cause.
4) I don't see Canadian lower salaries as a bag thing per se. In return as many have quoted several benefits like Healthcare, Education etc. To provide these benefits government needs income ==taxes. There are much such countries that provide lower salaries and similar benefits (and high tax rate). Norway, Finland, Sweden comes to my mind. They don't have an immigration program at the moment where Indians can benefit. Things may change in future, perhaps another country can ease up immigration perhaps Canada will tighten its policies.
5) Please note that not many citizens are so willingly ready to do away with their nationality than us. Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Chinese. In this day and world, we are in the habit of A la carte. Pick and choose always the good stuff, throw away the bad. What we fail to realize at times that life presents us with Package deals.
If you feel strongly towards your nation of birth, then I would suggest staying there. Yes, the traffic is bad, and there is a rat race. But there is an emotional connect, it's hard to measure since unlike your salary and savings it's hard to put a dollar amount in front of it.
If you feel US has more opportunities, higher wages. You know the times and odds of H1B, GC etc. you also know that Canada has a smaller market, lesser wages (in general). Depending on your risk taking appetite and trade offs take a call.
For me, I would prefer Canada since in my mind, long term stability and benefits outweighs short term cash flow deficit.
I have received an ITA, and working towards obtaining other documents. I am currently in India on vacation. And first 3-4 days in Delhi - my hometown - were tough. I hated the heat, noise, pollution, people and traffic. My mom said that I have become a complete NRI. Today is 5th day, and honestly it doesn't feel that bad. My plan A is Canada. And have my family including parents, and extended family move there. Plan B will be moving back to India. I was thinking of Australia and NZ at some point, but haven't given it a serious thought. Earning $100,000+ in US and spending in $$$ doesn't lead to that much savings. Doing the same job in India but earning Rs 25-30 / year would lead to humongous savings. Again it's a package deal not A La Carte.
P.S - I play a team based online game where I interact with 13 - 35 year olds. I have come across many - many Americans who are racists and would look down upon you. In comparison, not many Canadians were racists - they were more welcoming. Perhaps this small sample size can provide some insights into society. And by the way, using the same logic, most in India were simply horny and desperate.
Good luck to all!
