Highlights: Why STEM Talent is Considering Australia Over the U.S.
  • Affordable Visa Fees: While the U.S. has imposed a steep $100,000 H-1B petition fee, Australia's skilled migration visa fees remain significantly lower. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) application fee is around AUD $4,240 (~USD $2,700), and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) starts at AUD $4,115 (~USD $2,600).
  • High Demand for STEM Professionals: Australia is actively recruiting STEM professionals, with over 200,000 skilled migration opportunities projected in 2025 across IT, engineering, healthcare, and research sectors.
  • Competitive Processing Times: Skilled visas are processed efficiently. For example, the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is generally processed within 8–9 months.
  • Clear Pathways to Permanent Residency (PR): Multiple visa options exist, including Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), and Employer Nomination Scheme (186), all offering a structured route to PR based on points for age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
  • Family Benefits: Spouses of primary applicants can work in Australia, and children have access to free or subsidized education. Families are included in PR applications, ensuring long-term stability.
Thinking about working in Australia? Apical Immigration Experts can guide you through every step.

From Work Permits to PR: Australia’s Roadmap for STEM Professionals

As the U.S. raises barriers with a $100,000 H-1B petition fee, Australia is emerging as an attractive alternative for STEM professionals. Affordable visa fees, competitive processing, and a transparent immigration system make Australia a top choice for career growth and long-term settlement.

Key Australian Pathways for Skilled Professionals

  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Points-based visa for high-demand occupations, no employer sponsorship needed.
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): State-nominated visa with bonus points for targeting high-demand occupations in specific regions.
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186: Employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers aiming for permanent residency.
  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): Temporary work visa with pathways to PR.
  • Spousal Work Rights: Partners of primary visa holders are eligible for open work rights. Children can access education while included in PR applications.
Australia offers STEM professionals predictable, stable, and flexible pathways—much more reliable than the U.S. H-1B lottery.

Why Indian Families Are Choosing Australia After the H-1B Fee Hike

Beyond career prospects, Australia is attracting families with quality healthcare, free or subsidized education, and an inclusive society. For Indian professionals, this ensures not only a work opportunity but also a secure long-term future.

Why Australia Makes Sense for Indian STEM Talent

  • Affordable Fees & Faster Processing

Fee Type Australia U.S. (H-1B)
Work Visa Application AUD $4,240 (~USD $2,700) Included in H-1B petition
Employer Sponsorship AUD $4,115 (~USD $2,600) Included in H-1B petition
Petition Fee — USD $100,000
  • Family-Friendly Policies: Spouses get work rights, and children benefit from free or subsidized schooling.
  • Transparent Immigration System: Points-based PR system, unlike the lottery-driven H-1B process.
  • Healthcare & Education: PR holders enjoy access to Medicare and world-class education.
  • Pathway to PR and Citizenship: Clear route from temporary work visa to PR, then citizenship within 3–4 years.
  • Safe & Inclusive Society: Ranked among the world’s safest and most livable countries.

Australia vs. U.S.: The Smarter Choice for STEM Professionals

With the U.S. becoming more expensive and restrictive, Australia offers affordable visa fees, faster processing, family benefits, and a transparent route to PR.

For many Indian professionals, Australia is not just a career opportunity—it’s a pathway to a secure and prosperous future.

Looking to build your future in Australia? Let Apical Immigration Experts simplify your immigration journey.

Email: info@immigrationxperts.com Call us: +91-9999467686, +91-8447-696555