Is it possible to get work VISA without experience in game industry?

[kunalht]

Hey, I am from india and I'll finish my computer science course next year. However, I want to be level designer and I'm learning that and creating portfolio now. After that I want to move to canada or USA . Is it possible to get work VISA? I don't have any work experience in game company. Will any company hire me so that I can work there and later apply for PR in that country?

If not, then I am thinking to study game level design course in sheridan college (ontario , Canada) . So that after studying that I can get work permit for a year. Should I do that or is there any other option for me to move there? 

Should I start trying next year and start applying to companies for level designer ? 

[Sigma]

@kunalht: There are multiple types of VISA's available in the USA. The most common one that employers use is the H1-B Visa (controlled by USCIS). In the USA, in order for an employer to qualify for permitting an H1-B VISA, they must be able to prove that no known candidates that are residents/citizens of the USA qualify to fill the position. Additionally, you should be aware that an H1-B VISA does place increased burdens on the employer. Third, the candidate (you) must have completed a Bachelor's degree in the field of study for which you want to be a professional (computer science is good) at a college/university. In truth, it will be dependent on the company that you apply to as to whether they will offer the VISA or not. The major issue that you will likely run into is the competition of computer science graduates, games graduates, and other existing residents/citizens applying to these same positions in the USA. However, that is not to say it is impossible.

Another thing to consider is the impact that current politics will have in the near future for immigration to the USA. Although many VISA programs are expected to continue, despite the election, because of the economic benefit - there is a very real possibility that the USA's Congress will not extend some VISA programs, and/or drawback in others. Furthermore, Homeland Security and Immigrate and Customs Enforcement will be a challenge. This is particularly true for countries such as India, wherein there are many cases that identification of a person and conducting their background check is difficult due to missing records or non-existent records. An example of this is a person with the last name of "Patel". Establishing who their family actually is (by blood/marriage) can be difficult.

I hope this helps answer your question about the USA - but check with each individual employer that you are applying to and also contact the American Consulate in your country of origin (India) to inquire further. They will be able to answer any in-depth questions you may have.

As an aside, there are many outsource companies currently in India. If all else fails, you may consider starting there to increase your resume and professional entries - thereby making you a more qualified candidate when applying.

I do not know Canadian law on this matter, so I cannot answer questions pertaining to their immigration and VISA sponsorships. However, I assume they are somewhat similar as their games development industry has boomed in the Quebec region over the past 5 years.

Edited July 26, 2016 by Sigma
Couple Add.'s, link change to official USCIS.

[blackdog]

I remember reading an article about Canada's ministry of immigration touring Silicon Valley a year and a half ago, putting up banners across streets saying "the immigrants are welcome in Canada" (I think was a moment a lot immigrants were being negated new Visas).

What is coming in terms of new president is quite scary in these sense as well.

[kunalht]

@blackdog @Sigma okay thanks for the answer. Hope I get the VISA.