Strategic Residency Alternatives to the H-1B Visa: Canada and Europe in Focus

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A Turning Point for H-1B Visa Holders in the U.S.

In 2025, the United States introduced a new $100,000 application fee for new H‑1B visa petitions. Whilst the White House clarified that the fee does not apply to current H‑1B visa holders or renewal applications, the unprecedented cost increase sparked concern among many foreign professionals.

For existing and future H‑1B visa potential applicants, especially from India and China, this moment is causing a re-evaluation of long‑term options. Between escalating costs, green card delays, and uncertainty, many skilled individuals are exploring Canada and Europe as alternative paths to stable, globally mobile residency.

Canada Start-Up Visa: The Top North American Alternative to the H-1B

Who it suits: The Canada Start-Up Visa suits entrepreneurs, founders, and innovation‑driven professionals seeking permanent residence in a stable, English‑speaking jurisdiction with a clear path to citizenship. Canada’s SUV program offers a structured path to permanent residence with full access to public services and long‑term certainty in North America.

• Minimum Capital: CA$290,000+ (business setup, legal, advisory costs)
• Processing Time: 24-30 months under priority processing 
• Work Rights: ✅ Yes
• Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children under 22 can be included
• Physical Presence Requirement: 730 days over 5 years
• Citizenship Eligibility: Can apply after 3 years (1,095 days of residency)

Top EU Residency-by-Investment Programs for Skilled Professionals

Several European Residence by Investment (RBI) programs now offer attractive alternatives—visa‑free travel in Schengen, high standards for education and healthcare, and, in some cases, almost immediate work or business rights. 

Portugal Golden Visa: Flexible EU Residency with Path to Citizenship

Who it suits: The Portugal Golden Visa suits investors seeking a long‑term path to EU citizenship with flexible residency and investment options. Portugal remains one of Europe’s most attractive Golden Visa options. 

• Minimum Investment: €250,000 (cultural donation) or €500,000 (venture capital fund)
• Processing Time: 18+ months
• Work Rights: ✅ Yes — employment and entrepreneurship permitted
• Family Inclusion: Spouse, parents over 55, and dependent children can be included
• Residency Requirement: 14 days every 2 years
• Citizenship Eligibility: Can apply after 5 years (with A2 Portuguese proficiency)

Malta Permanent Residence Program: English-Speaking EU PR with Work Rights

Who it suits: The Malta Permanent Residence Program suits high‑net‑worth families seeking an English‑speaking European base with work rights from the start. Malta offers a streamlined route for those prioritizing speed, language, and EU access.

• Minimum Capital Requirement: ~€170,000 (contribution, real estate, donation)
• Processing Time: 4‑6 months
• Work Rights: ✅ Yes, under a separate work permit application
• Family Inclusion: Spouse, parents, grandparents, and dependent children can be included
• Language: English is an official language
• Permit Validity: 5 years, renewable
• Citizenship Eligibility: Can apply after 5 years

Greece Golden Visa: Low-Cost EU Residency Through Real Estate

Who it suits: The Greece Golden Visa suits Real estate investors wanting European residency through property investment with minimal residency requirements. Greece’s program is gaining popularity, especially involving investments made in Athens and coastal regions, thanks to its relatively low entry cost and promising real estate market.

• Minimum Investment: €250,000 in real estate
• Processing Time: 2‑3 months
• Work Rights: ❌ No salaried employment
• Business Rights: ✅ Yes — you may own/manage a business
• Physical Presence: Not required to maintain residency
• Citizenship Eligibility: Can apply after 7 years (with 183+ days/year presence and B1 Greek language proficiency)

Why More Skilled Migrants Are Rethinking U.S. Residency in 2025

While the $100K H-1B fee applies only to new petitions, it represents a broader trend: the U.S. is becoming a less predictable destination for skilled migrants. Many Indian and Chinese professionals are responding with a more global strategy for residency and mobility.

Key motivators include:

• ✅ Freedom from job sponsorship and visa dependency
• ✅ Faster and more transparent residency or citizenship timelines
• ✅ Access to better education and healthcare abroad
• ✅ Greater control over long-term security and lifestyle planning

About Latitude: Trusted Advisors in Global Residency Planning

Latitude is a boutique advisory firm trusted by governments, industry professionals, and high‑net‑worth clients worldwide. With over 100 years of collective experience, our executive team has been instrumental in designing and implementing many of the world’s most successful residence and citizenship programs.

We offer tailored, cross‑jurisdictional guidance to clients seeking mobility, financial freedom, and security. Our approach is grounded in uncompromising standards, deep subject‑matter expertise, and full support through the complexities of investment migration.

Build Your Global Residency Strategy with Latitude

If you’re evaluating your options in light of the recent H‑1B changes—or simply seeking a more predictable, empowered residency path — Latitude can help you:

• Compare the programs that align best with your goals
• Navigate the application and relocation process with clarity

For more information, contact us today.