Best Countries for Visa Sponsorship in 2026: Data-Driven Comparison

9,127,000 Visa Sponsorships Tracked Across 6 Countries

Choosing the right country for visa sponsorship is one of the most important career decisions for international workers. ApplyWave tracks 9,127,000 visa approvals across six countries, providing the data you need to make an informed choice. This comparison covers the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand — the six largest English-speaking visa sponsorship markets. Explore each country's data: US, Canada, UK, Australia, Ireland, NZ.

Country Comparison at a Glance

United States: Largest Market, Hardest to Enter

The US H-1B programme has approved 4.17 million visas since 2009, making it the world's largest work visa system. However, the lottery system means selection is random — in recent years, only 25-30% of registrations are selected. If selected, H-1B is valid for 3+3 years. The Green Card process takes 2-10+ years depending on your country of birth (India and China face severe backlogs).

Explore US H-1B data

Canada: Most PR-Friendly

Canada's LMIA system has processed 1.41 million approvals. Canada stands out for its Express Entry programme, which can grant permanent residency in 6 months without employer sponsorship. Workers with a valid LMIA-backed job offer receive significant bonus points in Express Entry. Canada also offers provincial nominee programmes (PNPs) with lower thresholds.

Explore Canada LMIA data

United Kingdom: Most Transparent

With 2.24 million grants and 139,425 licensed sponsors on a publicly searchable register, the UK offers the most transparent sponsorship system. The April 2024 salary increase to GBP 38,700 reduced volumes significantly (279K→154K), but the system remains accessible for mid-to-senior professionals. ILR after 5 years, citizenship after 6.

Explore UK Skilled Worker data

Australia: Highest Salary Threshold

975,622 grants over two decades with 3,580 sponsors. Australia's system is occupation-focused: your ANZSCO code determines eligibility. The AUD 73,150 TSMIT is the highest minimum threshold of all six countries. However, the Specialist Skills stream (AUD 135K+) opens all occupations. ENS 186 permanent visa available after 2 years.

Explore Australian data

New Zealand: Most Employers Per Capita

176,664 AEWV grants since 2022 with 24,823 accredited employers — the highest employer-to-grant ratio of any country. NZ's system is newer but growing fast. The Green List provides fast-track residence for specified occupations. Lower salary threshold (NZD 31.61/hr) makes it accessible for trades and hospitality roles.

Explore NZ data

Ireland: Fastest to PR

151,306 permits with 19,952 employers. The Critical Skills Employment Permit offers the fastest employer-sponsored path to permanent residency globally: Stamp 4 after just 2 years. EUR 38,000 salary threshold for listed occupations. EU access for travel and potential future opportunities. Spouse can work immediately.

Explore Ireland data

Ranking by Different Criteria

Ease of Getting Sponsored

1. New Zealand — 24,823 employers, lower salary threshold, straightforward process
2. UK — 139,425 sponsors, transparent register, but higher salary bar
3. Ireland — no labour market test for CSEP, Trusted Partner fast-track
4. Australia — occupation-restricted, highest salary threshold
5. Canada — LMIA requires employer to prove no local candidate available
6. US — lottery system, unpredictable

Speed to Permanent Residency

1. Canada — Express Entry: 6 months (no employer sponsorship needed)
2. Ireland — CSEP: 2 years to Stamp 4
3. New Zealand — Green List: 2 years (some occupations immediate)
4. Australia — ENS 186: 2 years + processing
5. UK — ILR: 5 years
6. US — Green Card: 2-10+ years (country of birth dependent)

What to Consider Beyond the Numbers

• Cost of living: NZ and Ireland offer better value outside major cities; London, Sydney, and San Francisco are expensive
• Healthcare: UK NHS is free (but you pay IHS); Canada has provincial healthcare; AU/NZ/IE require health insurance during visa period
• Tax: US taxes worldwide income; UK/AU/NZ/IE/CA tax residents on worldwide income
• Language: all six are English-speaking, but test requirements vary (US has no formal English test requirement for H-1B)