How Software Engineering Opens the World to Immigration
Have you ever dreamed of coding from a café in Paris, a condo in Toronto, or a beach house in Portugal? For many software engineers, moving to a new country isn’t just a fantasy — it’s a very real possibility. Your technical skills are in high demand globally, and they can be your passport to a world of new opportunities.
This post will guide you through the exciting journey of immigration as a developer. We’ll use insights from a discussion with four experienced software engineers — Igor, Pedro, Thiago, and Csilla — who have all navigated this path themselves.
Is It Easier for Software Developers to Immigrate? #
Let’s start with the big question. Do we, as developers, have an advantage? The short answer is yes, but it’s not just about getting a visa.
As Igor, a developer who has worked from six different countries, points out, our profession offers incredible freedom. The combination of high-demand skills and the possibility of remote work means you can “work anywhere you want.”
Pedro, who moved from Brazil to Canada, explains that unlike many other professions, our skills are directly transferable.
Pedro: “In many fields, you need to revalidate your bachelor’s degree to be able to work here. But as software engineers, we don’t need to do that. We can work anywhere.”
This is a huge advantage. It means you can often start working much faster than professionals in other fields.
The Paths to a New Country #
So, how do you actually make the move? While every country has its own rules, Pedro breaks down the common paths for a country like Canada.
Pedro: “We have mostly three ways to come: working, if you get a company that helps you get a work permit so you can come with a work visa; you can get the PR, or the Permanent Residency… when you apply through Express Entry; or, many people come here to study.”
- Work Permit: A company sponsors you to work for them.
- Permanent Residency (PR): You apply based on your skills, age, and education, like Canada’s Express Entry or the U.S. Green Card.
- Study Visa: You enroll in a school, which can sometimes be a path to working and living there long-term.
Is It Worth It? The Reality of Moving Abroad #
Moving for a higher salary is a common motivation. But as Pedro shares, the decision is often about much more than money. He was already earning a good income in dollars while working remotely from Brazil.
Pedro: “The idea was not only making more money. The idea was having a different experience or bringing my family to have this different experience.”
Moving abroad is a life-changing event that affects your whole family. It offers new cultural experiences, different educational opportunities for your children, and a chance to build a new life. But it’s not without its challenges.
The “Everything Is New” Challenge #
When you move to a new country, you’re starting from scratch. Be prepared to feel like a beginner again, not just at work, but in everyday life.
Pedro: “When I got here, I had to learn everything, from how to use the things in the house… to big stuff like how to get a doctor or how the health insurance works. I’m still struggling with my credit score. It’s funny because my last name is so long it doesn’t fit in the last name field of the bank!”
These small (and large) frustrations are part of the process. Having an open mind and a sense of humor is essential! You’re not just moving your job; you’re moving your entire life.
Culture and Language: The Keys to Fitting In #
To be happy in a new country, you need to connect with its culture. It’s a mistake to move somewhere just for the money if you don’t like how people live there.
Language is a huge part of this. Thiago, who moved from Brazil to Portugal, found this out firsthand. You might think speaking the “same” language is enough, but it’s not that simple.
Thiago: “You have to have an open mind because it will be totally different. You’ll need to learn everything… Even in Portugal, the language is not very easy… the accent is very strong, and at the beginning, it’s very hard to understand.”
Csilla, who is originally from Hungary and now lives in Switzerland, faced an even more complex situation.
Csilla: “We have four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh… Not only is the language different, but the culture is also somehow different in each region. You have to be aware of it and know which culture is closer to you.”
The lesson? Do your research! Understand the local culture, customs, and language before you commit to moving.
Planning Your Move: Practical Advice #
Planning is everything. Don’t make a spontaneous decision! Here’s a summary of the best advice from the team:
- Study the Culture and Costs: Don’t just look at salary. Research the cost of rent, food, healthcare, and taxes. As Igor mentioned, a higher salary in the U.S. might not leave you with more money after you pay for expensive health insurance compared to living in Europe.
- Master English: English is the global language of tech. It’s the first door you need to open.
- Strengthen Your Tech Skills: Your technical ability is your main asset. Be so good that companies will want to hire you, no matter where you are. This protects you if you face a layoff in a new country.
- Save Money: Moving is expensive. You’ll need money for deposits, flights, and to cover your expenses before your first paycheck.
- Find a Mentor: Talk to people who have already made the move you’re considering. Their experience is priceless.
Your Questions Answered #
The team also answered some great questions from other developers.
Question: What’s an ideal starting salary for an international job?
Answer: There’s no single number. Calculate the cost of living in the city you’re moving to. Use sites like Glassdoor to research salaries, but be aware that data can be outdated. Your “ideal” salary is one that covers your bills, lets you save, and allows you to enjoy your new life.
Question: I have 5+ years of experience. Is an internship a good entry point?
Answer: Absolutely not. A company will not sponsor an expensive visa for an intern. In fact, you should have the opposite mindset. With your experience, you are a valuable mid-level or senior engineer. Thiago explains it perfectly:
Thiago: “It’s the opposite mindset that you have to have. Instead of thinking, ‘I have five years, maybe they can hire me as a junior,’ no. It’s the opposite. You have five years. A company will likely pay you as a mid-level but sell you to their client as a senior.”
Don’t underestimate your value. Imposter syndrome is real, but you have valuable experience that companies need.
Conclusion #
A career in software engineering truly opens up the world. It gives you the power to choose where you want to live and build a life. However, this journey requires more than just coding skills. Success depends on careful planning, cultural curiosity, language learning, and a strong belief in yourself.
It’s a challenging path, but for those who plan it right, the rewards — both professional and personal — are immense.