Canadian Firm Spends $100,000 on Billboards to Entice Tech Workers from U.S.

Amid the recent suspension of some work visas by U.S. President Donald Trump, including the H-1B visa which is popular among tech workers, Canadian tech group Communitech has put up nine full-size billboards worth $100,000 at key points along Highway 101 in California, CBC News is reporting.

Advocatiing for the Canadian tech industry, the Kitchener company’s billboards ask, “What if my visa gets cancelled?” and “What if I lose my job and health insurance?” against the red and white backdrop of the Canadian flag.

If you’re a US tech worker affected by today’s announcement:

1. We’re so sorry.
2. We’re here to help.

Check out https://t.co/24vpx1L55a to learn more about tech jobs available at Canadian tech magnates in today’s proximity-optional world 🇨🇦. #MozillaLifeBoat pic.twitter.com/MKwA4womH6

— Communitech (@Communitech)

August 11, 2020

“All these people [who] potentially won’t be able to work in America are absolutely top talent from around the world,” said Communitech CEO Iain Klugman.

“The message we’re trying to deliver to them is to say, ‘Hey, you know what, if you can’t work or you lose your job, we would like you to think about Canada.'”

In the United States, H-1B visas are available for up to 85,000 people per year. They’re for workers with “highly specialized knowledge” who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, often in science, technology, engineering, teaching or accounting.

Workers who contact Communitech will get information about Canadian work permits and job boards, including opportunities across the country. 

The campaign will run until the end of this month.