Study and Work Abroad Get Tougher as US, UK, Sweden, Canada and Australia Tighten Immigration Rules

For decades, countries like the US, UK, Sweden, Canada and Australia have represented opportunity for Indian students and skilled workers. But that landscape is changing rapidly. A wave of new immigration policies—steep fee hikes, tougher salary requirements, and deep cuts to student visas—is reshaping global mobility at a pace not seen in years. For many Indians planning an overseas degree or career, the journey ahead is becoming more expensive, less predictable and far more competitive.

United States: A $100,000 Question for H-1B Hopefuls

The most dramatic shift has come from the United States. Starting 21 September 2025, employers filing new H-1B petitions must pay a one-time USD 100,000 fee per application, a move designed to curb reliance on foreign workers.
Beyond the headline-grabbing fee, the US has tightened OPT transitions, increased scrutiny of visa renewals, and broadened background vetting, particularly for tech-related roles.

These changes directly affect Indian applicants, who continue to make up the majority of H-1B filings. For many students, the traditional “study to work” path in the US now requires re-evaluating budgets and employer willingness to sponsor visas under costly new conditions.

United Kingdom: Salary Bars Move Higher

The UK has also tightened its gates. From July 2025, the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas rose to £41,700, with slightly lower brackets for STEM PhDs and fresh graduates.
Additionally, positions must now qualify at RQF Level 6 or higher, meaning only graduate-level roles and above make the cut.

For international graduates hoping to transition from a student visa to a work visa, the new rules mean fewer qualifying roles and higher income expectations—effectively narrowing the pool of opportunities.

Sweden: Rising Salary Floors Re-Shape Work Permits

Sweden has steadily increased its minimum salary requirement for work permits. After revising the threshold to SEK 29,680/month in 2025, authorities have already announced a further rise to SEK 33,390/month in 2026.

For mid-level workers, entry-level roles, and fresher graduates, these rising salary floors significantly reduce the chances of securing a Swedish work permit.

Canada & Australia: Student and Worker Approvals Cut Back

Canada is set to reduce immigration approvals for students and temporary workers by 10–16% in 2025, as part of an effort to balance housing shortages and labour demand.
Australia has taken an even sharper turn, cutting student visa issuance by 34% in FY24 and adopting stricter screening for new applicants.

For Indian students eyeing these destinations, the challenge is no longer just high tuition—it is the risk of receiving no visa at all.

What This Means for Indians

Three key trends define the new reality:

• Cost of entry is rising sharply — from US visa fees to UK and Swedish salary bars.

• Work pathways are narrowing, especially post-study options.

• Destinations are re-prioritising domestic workers, limiting opportunities for foreign talent.

As global migration becomes more restrictive, Indian students and professionals may need to reassess destination choices, strengthen specialised skills and ensure their planned career paths still align with the new rules.

Despite tougher barriers, opportunities abroad remain attainable—but reaching them now requires sharper preparation, careful timing and realistic expectations about long-term prospects.