The debate over foreign work visas has heated up again after US President Donald Trump announced a steep hike in H-1B visa fees. The new cost of $100,000 per application has left American companies struggling. Tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple and Google have been hit the hardest. Hiring foreign workers has now become an expensive burden. For job seekers too, doors are shutting faster than ever.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that the decision came after talks with industry representatives. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers defended the move, framing it as a step to protect American workers first.
While the political debate continues, thousands of Indian professionals are looking for new destinations. They want countries where work visas don’t require corporate sponsorship.
Here are ten countries that offer such opportunities:
1. Germany
Germany issues a Job Seeker Visa and an Opportunity Card. Both allow skilled professionals to stay for up to 18 months while searching for work.
Students usually apply for the Job Seeker Visa, while the Opportunity Card is open to all. Once employed, applicants can move to an EU Blue Card or a full work permit.
2. Portugal
Portugal has a Job Seeker Visa that gives 120 days inside the country to search for employment. Once hired, applicants can switch their status to a work permit.
3. Sweden
Sweden offers a Job Seeker Visa and a Startup Visa, valid for three to nine months. During this time, applicants can look for a job or even explore business opportunities.
4. Canada
Canada allows students to work under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This is an open permit, which means applicants can work for any employer without requiring sponsorship.
5. Australia
Australia grants the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). It allows foreign graduates to work full-time without sponsorship.
6. New Zealand
New Zealand issues Post-Study Work Visas to foreign students. This visa gives them the right to work without needing a company to sponsor them.
7. Ireland
Ireland runs the Third Level Graduate Programme. It allows foreign graduates to stay and work with open permits. Level 8 graduates can stay for 12 months, while Level 9 and higher graduates get up to 24 months.
8. Estonia
Estonia has become a hub for digital professionals. Its Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live and work in the country without sponsorship.
9. United Arab Emirates
The UAE introduced the Green Visa and Freelance Permit in 2021. These options give freelancers and skilled professionals the chance to self-sponsor and work freely in the Gulf nation.
10. Netherlands
The Netherlands offers the Orientation Year Visa. It is designed for recent graduates from Dutch universities or top universities worldwide. The visa is valid for one year as an open work permit.
For Indians planning to move abroad, these countries provide clear pathways. The biggest advantage is simple: no company sponsorship is required to apply. Professionals can enter on their own terms, explore the market and take the next step in their careers without being tied to one employer.