Microsoft is opening a research centre in Vancouver to get around the strict immigration rules imposed in the US. 

The software developer said that it is having problems recruiting foreign experts to its US operations because they are not being granted work permits.

"[The new location] will allow Microsoft to continue to recruit and retain highly skilled people affected by the immigration issues in the US," said a Microsoft statement.

The centre in Canada is part of Microsoft's expansion beyond its Redmond campus with offices in Boston and Washington.

Microsoft already has facilities in North Carolina and Silicon Valley, as well as abroad in Denmark, Israel, Ireland, the UK, India and China. The company said the Vancouver centre would provide revenue benefits for Canada.

"In collaboration with our Redmond head office, we determined that opening a regional development centre in Canada would create a tremendous opportunity for Canada," said Phil Sorgen, president of Microsoft Canada. 

"This centre will help Microsoft remain globally competitive while providing strong economic benefits to British Columbia and Canada."