Author: Tomas Rincon – Immigration Lawyer
The US shuts the door and raises the price
About a month ago, immigration policy in the United States (US) took a dramatic turn. A new executive order signed by President Donald Trump introduced a $100,000 USD fee for new H-1B visa applicants. Previously, administrative charges were just over $1,500 USD. This change means companies must now decide if sponsoring a foreign worker is worth a six-figure price tag. Why is this important? What does this mean for overseas professionals considering opportunities in the US? Could countries like Australia become a more attractive alternative?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ highly skilled foreign professionals in specialty occupations, most commonly in technology, engineering, and science. For years, it has been central to the American tech sector, with Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google among the biggest users. It helps address critical skill shortages by giving companies access to expertise not always available domestically. But with such an extreme increase in costs, even major corporations are questioning the value of sponsorship, let alone start-ups or smaller firms.
While the White House later clarified their one-time fee rather than an annual charge, the impact remains significant. The new policy only applies to future applicants entering the February 2026 lottery from outside the US, leaving current visa holders, those who entered in the 2025 lottery, and previous lotteries unaffected.
The fallout for skilled workers
The US decision has created uncertainty for skilled professionals across the globe. Already, H-1B applications had dropped to a four-year low of around 359,000. With the new fee, critics warn that many talented workers will simply be priced out.
Immigration experts argue the change will not only damage opportunities for foreign professionals but also weaken America’s competitiveness. For highly skilled workers hoping to build a career abroad, the US just became a much harder place to enter.
Why Australia is the smarter alternative
If the US is closing its doors, Australia is opening theirs. Skilled professionals from around the world have access to a range of practical migration pathways:
- Skills In Demand visa (subclass 482): Allows Australian businesses to sponsor overseas workers in critical roles where local skills are in short supply.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): A permanent residency option for skilled workers sponsored by an employer.
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): A points-tested visa for highly skilled individuals without the need for employer sponsorship.
- National Innovation visa (subclass 858): Tailored for top talent in tech, science, and research, with streamlined pathways to permanent residence.
- Labour Agreements: Customised agreements between the Australian Government and employers or industries that allow businesses to fill specialised or regional roles. These include Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs), Industry Labour Agreements, Project Agreements, and Company-specific Labour Agreements. Labour Agreements help address persistent skill shortages and support regional economic growth while maintaining fair employment standards.
Australia’s visa application costs remain far lower than those in the United States, and their policies actively encourage skilled migration. The government continues to refine their programs to attract global talent that contributes to workforce development and economic strength.
The bigger picture
The US order reflects a growing trend of protectionist policies designed to prioritise domestic workers. But in practice, many employers, both in the US and Australia, turn to overseas talent only when they cannot fill critical roles locally. Australia recognises this need and is using its immigration system to strengthen its workforce and economic future.
For skilled workers feeling shut out of the US, Australia offers a far more accessible route: affordable visa options, a clear pathway to Permanent Residency and pathways to Citizenship.
Ready to make the move?
If you are worried about the rising barriers to work in the US, now is the time to explore your options in Australia. At Absolute Immigration Legal, we help skilled professionals and their employers navigate the visa system with confidence. Contact us today at admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com to find out which Australian visa options are right for you.