H-1B Visa is making a buzz these days for getting dramatically pricier and we are talking like way-to-out-of-budget for many ($100,000 which is more than INR 88 lakhs) in September 2025. The recent visa hike announcement by the U.S. government was an unprecedented policy shift that has left many workers from across the globe shocked and sad. This proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions has shattered the glossy American dreams of many for sure! So what now. Well if you’re Indian who is looking for long-term migration options, here we have researched and documented some interesting (and way cheaper) permanent-residency (PR) options you can explore in other countries.
Canada
On number one on the list is Canada. The economic routes (Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker, Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class — and Provincial Nominee Programs) allow direct and permanent residence. The country is noted for points-based selection. Even combining government fees and settlement funds, the documented cash requirement is much much and much smaller than the $100,000 H-1B charge! Australia
Australia is another country famous for offering PRs to Indians. There are points-tested skilled visas which offer direct permanent residence if you score enough points and meet occupation and skills-assessment criteria. According to the Department of Home Affairs, in 2025, the official visa application charge for these skilled visas was around AUD 4,910 (INR 2,87,955) for the primary applicant (with lower charges for secondary applicants). Much cheaper!New Zealand
Then there is New Zealand which allows skilled people a PR. Resident visa charges for Skilled Migrant Category have government fees typically in the NZD 4,000–6,500 range (somewhere between INR 2 and 4 lakhs), depending on application type. The government charges and required evidence are small relative to a new H-1B fee. Portugal
You can also consider Portugal if you show a stable passive income (pensions, rental income, remote salary). Portugal’s D7 visa is a low-cost permanent residency answer/citizenship. The D7 income thresholds are modest which makes it an attractive place for remote workers and retirees because it does not require a large capital investment, considerably less than $100,000!Ireland, Germany, and several EU states
Then there are other countries such as Ireland, Germany and many other EU states that allow skilled or freelance-based residence permits that can convert to long-term residency. These require modest government fees and proof of income rather than huge lump sums. Some countries are also offering ‘Golden Visa’ which have their own set of benefits but are still not as costly as H-1B.It is important here to understand that “cheaper” here means official government fees and documented funds needed by immigration authorities. There are many other costs and skill requirements such as skills tests, medicals, police checks, legal/agent fees, and settlement costs, among others. Having said that, all these prices combined also are much lower than a $100,000 H-1B fee hike!
