Junya — Backend engineer at Betr (PEO → PR in ~2 years)
6 years Japan engineering (4.5 years web company + freelance), PEO with a Japan client, PR in ~2 years, then local startup backend role.
バックエンドエンジニア · Vancouver · Betr
Profile
Junya is a backend engineer at Betr (startup) in Vancouver. Arrived Canada May 2021; ~2 years 10 months in Canada at interview time.
Current role
Backend engineer at Betr after PR. Job search after client contract ended (unemployed from early 2024); multiple applications, one offer—notes market is hard even with 6 years experience + PR.
Japan experience
About 6 years as an engineer in Japan: ~4.5 years at a web company from new grad, then freelance with essentially one full-time client relationship. Brought that Japan client work to Canada under PEO. Experienced hire—not a bootcamp beginner (found CICCC coursework too basic and dropped after ~3 months).
Path to Canada / North America
Initially planned classic CICCC → Co-op → WH. Prioritized speed to PR with spouse (open work permit benefit). Switched to Frog PEO: employed via Canadian partner entity while contracting; WH impractical in 2021 COVID context. Contract extension aligned with PEO start (~Nov 2021).
Outcome
PR in June 2023 (~2 years after arrival). Later transitioned to local Canadian employment at Betr. Emphasizes PEO fits people with existing client demand and a clear long-term Canada goal.
Based on Frog’s Japanese-language interview. English summary for scanning (partners / employers). Original interview (Japanese)
Strong employer proof of Japan tenure depth + PEO bridge.