Are you a highly trained professional seeking to opportunities abroad that provide competitive pay and alluring benefits packages? The need for qualified workers is growing rapidly on a worldwide scale, and numerous nations are actively seeking candidates in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and other specialized industries.
To make matters better, a few of these nations cover important talent shortages by paying more than average incomes in addition to providing excellent jobs. This post will explain which nations offer the most alluring work visa schemes for occupations where there is a skills shortage as well as how to apply for one of these lucrative jobs.
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This guide will list the top-demand professions and explain how to apply for them while bringing your family with you on a work visa, from Luxembourg to the US, Canada, the UK, and beyond.
Read Also: Top 10 highest-paid jobs in the STEM field
Table of Contents
Top 12 countries with the best paying Skilled Visa Options
The following seven nations rank highest in the likelihood of securing a well-paying job with a sponsored work permit and dependent visa:
#1. Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, there is a labor shortage. Over the next three years, they will require 300,000 personnel. Learn the procedures for obtaining a work visa in Luxembourg. You need a long-stay visa that permits you to work for longer than ninety days in Luxembourg. Also referred to as national visas, they are granted for a period of one year and are extendable. In Luxembourg, a lot of businesses sponsor work permits, particularly for occupations that are difficult to fill locally. Based on GDP per capita, Luxembourg is the wealthiest nation in the world. social advantages and a high salary.
With only 660,809 people living there in 2023, it is one of the poorest countries. To work in Luxembourg, you do not need a work visa if you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. If you’re not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you must apply for a work permit and a residency permit.
Skill Shortages: IT specialists, engineers, healthcare professionals
Average Salaries:
- Software Engineer: $90,000 – $110,000
- Electrical Engineer: $85,000-$95,000
- Medical Doctor: $100,000-$150,000
Work Visa: How to Process Your Luxembourg Work Visa in 2024 (Types of Work Visas)
#2. United States
There is a soaring global demand for the US visa. Millions of people try to enter the USA every year for a range of reasons, including immigration, studies, work, business, tourism, and diplomatic tours. A large number of applicants are accepted each year, but an even larger number are denied a visa for several reasons, like noncompliance with instructions, visa number limitations, and more. However it appears that the large visa denial isn’t discouraging prospective travelers as the number of people aspiring to visit America continues to increase over the years. You should never be discouraged, as America welcomes millions of visitors and immigrants each year. If you have good reasons for visiting or moving to the US, you may just proceed to apply.
Unfortunately, the visa application process for the US can be a real nightmare. The American immigration system is so advanced and organized that pretty much everything about traveling to the US has been covered, whether you are going for temporary or permanent residence. While this is a great feature as it clarifies and distinguishes incomers according to purpose, it also results in information overload, which leaves most applicants confused.
Skill Shortages: Software engineers, data scientists, medical professionals, and AI specialists
Average Salaries:
- Software Engineer: $120,000-$150,000
- Data Scientist: $110,000-$130,000
- Registered Nurse: $70,000-$100,000.
Work Visa: The H-1B visa is the primary work visa for skilled professionals. USA Visa Application Guide 2024
#3. Canada
Canada, the second largest country in the world in terms of total area or land mass, is located in the northern part of America, which is the continent. The capital of Canada is located in Ottawa, but it also has three major metropolitan areas, which are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, with Toronto being the largest city in the whole of Canada. The official languages of the Canadian country are French and English.
Canada is a very developed country, and according to the World Trade Organization, the country is said to have a highly globalized and stabilized economy and is placed at the world’s 10th largest economy as of 2018. Canada’s educational system is world-class, and that is why it is a study destination for most international students. The country’s universities are ranked among the best in the world, and the courses and programs are taught in English or French according to the student’s language preference. When compared to other study-abroad options, Canada can be said to offer affordable tuition fees for international students. The country is also student-friendly and very accommodating to foreigners and international students.
Skill Shortages: IT professionals, civil engineers, healthcare workers, and construction managers
Average Salaries:
- IT Manager: $90,000-$130,000
- Civil Engineer: $80,000-$100,000.
- Nurse Practitioner: $90,000-$110,000
Work Visa: Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS) offers a fast-track to work permits for skilled professionals, with options for family sponsorship.
#4. United Kingdom
A skilled worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
It also allows you to work in UK waters.
Eligibility
To qualify for a skilled worker visa, you must:
- work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
- Have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ (CoS) from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK.
- Do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations.
- be paid a minimum salary—how much depends on the type of work you do and the date you got your CoS.
Skill Shortages: Cybersecurity experts, engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals
Average Salaries:
- Cybersecurity Specialist: $80,000-$100,000.
- Architect: $70,000-$90,000
- Doctor: $100,000-$130,000
Work Visa: The Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2) allows professionals to bring their families and settle in the UK.
#5. Germany
If you wish to work in Germany, you need to know if you’re also permitted to work while you study and the kind of job opportunities available for you. Working during your studies will help you cover tuition and living expenses and give you work experience.
Skill Shortages: IT professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, and renewable energy experts
Average Salaries:
- Mechanical Engineer: $85,000-$110,000
- IT Consultant: $90,000 – $120,000
- Surgeon: $120,000-$160,000
Work Visa: The Opportunity Card is available for highly skilled workers, offering residency and family visa options.
#6. Australia
International students or professionals seeking to move to a new country can opt for Australia as their go-to country to start a new life. The immigration system in Australia prioritizes skills and employment. Hence, it is important that new immigrants focus on finding a job when they get into the country. There are two types of visas open to immigrants who want to work in Australia; they include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482): This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign skilled workers for positions that are difficult to fill with local talent. Before applying for this visa, you will need to have a job offer from an Australian company. Also, the job must be on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL). This demonstrates that there is a demand for that occupation in Australia. The TSS visa provides a temporary stay of 2 to 4 years, and it can also serve as a pathway to permanent residency.
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): Also, the skilled independent visa is designed for skilled workers who possess in-demand skills in Australia but do not have a job offer. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through Skill Select and wait for an invitation to apply. Additionally, the eligibility of applicants will be tested based on a points system, which will consider factors like age, language proficiency, and work experience. However, achieving the required points does not guarantee an invitation, but it’s an important step towards eligibility.
Skill Shortages: Software developers, healthcare professionals, mining engineers
Average Salaries:
- Software Developer: $90,000 – $110,000
- Mining Engineer: $100,000-$130,000
- Registered Nurse: $70,000-$100,000.
Work Visa: Australia Work Visa 2024: Step-by-Step Process
#7. Netherlands
To get a work permit in the Netherlands as a student, you need first to secure a job with a duly recognized company by the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Netherlands (IND). Thus, it is the company’s responsibility to apply for a work permit on your behalf, as you are not allowed to apply yourself.
Here are some specific steps that will help you figure out whether you are eligible to work in the Netherlands while studying or not.
EU Citizens
If you’re from any of the European Union countries, there are a few requirements for what you need to work in the Netherlands while studying:
- BSN (Burgerservicenummer): A BSN is a unique number given to every citizen of the Netherlands. That means you need to apply for one immediately after you start studying in the Netherlands.
- Insurance: if you wish to work in the Netherlands, you must possess Dutch health insurance. If you don’t have one, then a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can cover that.
Non-EU Citizens
- Insurance: Non-EU citizens studying in the Netherlands must have Dutch health insurance. If you want to work, health insurance will cover you in the insurance space.
- BSN (Burgerservicenummer): A BSN is a unique number given to every citizen of the Netherlands. You need to apply for one immediately after you start studying in the Netherlands.
- Time Restrictions: For part-time jobs in the Netherlands, non-EU students can work for a maximum of 16 hours per week. However, as a freelancer, you can work for unlimited hours.
- Residence Permit with Authorization: if you have been working while studying, it means that when you graduate, you need to switch the reason for your residence permit. Generally, you should switch your residence permit to a residence permit for highly skilled migrants. Or, you can get a residence permit to find a job if you don’t have one already and wish to find one upon your graduation.
- Zoekjaar (Search Year): A “zoekjaar” is generally a grace period the Dutch government grants you after completing your studies to look for a befitting job in the Netherlands or further your studies. So, you need to apply for this directly upon graduation and pay the required fee. You can only apply for a “zoekjaar” once after completing each study. Consequently, you must apply for a “zoekjaar” within the first three years of completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Netherlands.
Skill Shortages: Data scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals
Average Salaries:
- Data Scientist: $90,000 – $120,000
- Electrical Engineer: $85,000-$110,000
- General Practitioner: $100,000–$140,000
Work Visa: The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant) is popular for bringing in talented professionals along with their families.
#8. Finland:
Finland’s Job Seeker Visa extends a warm welcome to qualified professionals. With this visa, you can remain in the nation for a maximum of six months while you look for work. This is your opportunity to network with possible employers and get a taste of Finnish culture.
Work Visa: https://migri.fi/en/residence-permit-to-look-for-work
#9. Iceland:
The work visa for skilled professionals in Iceland is the key to discovering this Nordic treasure’s charms. This visa is an excellent choice for people with specialized knowledge because it is designed for those with certain abilities that are in low demand in the area.
Work Visa: https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-ottawa/work-and-live-in-iceland/
#10. Croatia
The EU Blue Card for Croatia makes it possible for competent non-EU individuals to live and work in this stunning nation. With its emphasis on vital industries like engineering, IT, and healthcare, it’s an excellent chance to forge a rewarding career in the EU.
Work Visa: https://mup.gov.hr/aliens-281621/stay-and-work/stay-and-work-of-highly-qualified-third-country-nationals/281692
#11. Bulgaria:
Bulgaria grants highly qualified non-EU professionals an EU Blue Card. The goal of this visa is to draw elite talent to important fields including engineering, IT, and medicine.
Work Visa: https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/bulgaria-highly-qualified-worker_en
#12. Romania:
The Long-Stay Visa for Work in Romania is your pass to this quickly developing country. It facilitates the entry and employment of qualified professionals in Romania, bolstering the country’s expanding economy.
Work Visa: https://www.mae.ro/en/node/2054
How to Get Skilled Jobs Abroad
Countries like the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Luxembourg are constantly searching for exceptional talent in these fields. Not only do they offer competitive pay, but they also simplify the visa application procedure to make it as simple as possible for you to bring your family and your abilities to their country. Here’s a brief summary of how to land one of these highly sought-after positions:
#1. Locate Jobs With Skill Shortage
Examine major recruitment websites, government employment portals, and niche STEM organizations. Many of these firms will gladly sponsor a visa for you and your family.
#2. Talk About Your Benefits
Talk to potential employers about dependent visa alternatives, relocation benefits, and visa conditions in addition to income. Many employers will help with your family members’ visa expenses.
#3. Get the appropriate work visa
You will be applying for skill shortage visas, such as the EU Blue Card in Germany, the H-1B in the US, or the Global Talent Stream in Canada, depending on the country. These visas are intended only for experts working in vital industries, and they frequently include extra advantages like expedited processing and family inclusion.
#4. Submit a Dependent Visa Application
The majority of work visas automatically allow you to bring your spouse and children with you. It’s time to apply for family visas after you’ve obtained your work permit so that everyone can accompany you on your exciting new overseas journey.
In conclusion, the information provided here is intended to get you familiar with the visa application process for the most popular visas. Links provided in the article will often lead to other links until you find every bit of information you need for all visa types. You can learn all about this program by following the links in this article.
