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Visa explorer

The world's most in-demand work visas

General educational summaries of possible criteria, indicative salary thresholds, processing times and employer steps. These guides do not determine your eligibility.

PROPELLIX does not provide immigration or legal advice. Rules change frequently. Verify all information with the relevant government authority or an independent qualified adviser before acting.

United States

H-1B specialty occupation visa

The main US route for professional roles that require at least a bachelor's degree.

3-6 months
3 years, extendable to 6
Full guide
United Kingdom

Skilled Worker visa

A sponsored-work route for eligible professionals with a qualifying offer from a licensed employer.

3 weeks from outside the UK
Up to 5 years, renewable
Full guide
Germany

EU Blue Card

A major German work route for qualifying professionals from outside the EU.

4-12 weeks
Up to 4 years, renewable
Full guide
Canada

Work permit and Express Entry

Canada pairs a temporary employer-sponsored work permit with a points-based residency system.

2 weeks under Global Talent Stream
Often 1-3 years; residence options vary
Full guide
Netherlands

Highly Skilled Migrant permit

The fastest decision timeline in Europe.

About 2 weeks with a recognised sponsor
Length of contract, up to 5 years
Full guide
Ireland

Critical Skills Employment Permit

Ireland's flagship permit for in-demand occupations.

4-10 weeks
2 years, then Stamp 4
Full guide
Australia

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

A principal Australian employer-sponsored work route.

1-4 months
Up to 4 years
Full guide
France

Talent Passport

A multi-year permit for qualified employees, researchers and founders, with family included on the same application.

4-10 weeks
Up to 4 years, renewable
Full guide
Sweden

Swedish work permit

An employer-driven route rather than a points-based one.

1-4 months
Up to 2 years, renewable
Full guide
Spain

Highly Qualified Professional permit

Processed centrally by the UGE unit rather than local offices, which makes it one of the quicker EU routes.

About 20 working days under the Startups Law
3 years, renewable
Full guide
Switzerland

Swiss B permit, third-country national

Switzerland caps permits for non-EU nationals through annual federal quotas released to cantons.

6-12 weeks
1 year, renewable annually
Full guide
United Arab Emirates

UAE employment residence visa

Employer-led and quick, with no personal income tax on salary.

2-5 weeks
2-3 years, renewable
Full guide
Portugal

Highly qualified activity residence permit

A Portuguese route for qualifying professionals.

2-4 months
2 years, renewable for 3
Full guide
New Zealand

Accredited Employer Work Visa

Employer accreditation and role-specific checks are relevant to this route, but a listing does not establish an applicant's eligibility or guarantee sponsorship.

4-8 weeks
Up to 5 years
Full guide
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