Fewer Options When Leaving the U.S.

Across 25 countries, the composite immigration-tightening index rose about 320% from 2014–2019 to 2020–2025.

Immigration tightening increased by approximately 320% across the 25 countries studied. In plain terms, the composite tightening index is now about 4.2× as high as it was in the earlier period. The Core Comparison Metric 2014–2019 (Previous Period) 2020–2025 (Recent Period) % Difference Major policy changes per country 1–2 3–5 +150% to +250% Income threshold increases +10% to +20% +50% to +200% +400% to +900% Residence requirement increases 0–1 year 2–5 years +300% to +500% Countries adding civic/language tests 3 of 25 12 of 25 +300% Golden Visa programs closed/restricted 1 of 25 8 of 25 +700% Countries reducing quotas 2 of 25 10 of 25 +400% Composite Tightening Index (average) 8.4 35.3 +320% Income Thresholds Country 2014–2019 2020–2025 % Difference Mexico ~$1,500/month ~$4,500/month +200% Costa Rica ~$1,000/month ~$2,500/month +150% Greece (Golden Visa) €250,000 €800,000 +220% Portugal (Golden Visa) €250,000 €500,000+ +100% UK (Skilled Worker) £30,000 £38,700 +29% Canada (Express Entry) ~$45,000 ~$55,000+ +22% Australia (Skilled) ~$53,000 ~$70,000+ +32% Thailand (Retirement) 800,000 THB 3M THB insurance +275% Residence Requirements for Citizenship Country 2014–2019 2020–2025 % Difference Portugal 5 years 10 years +100% Sweden 5 years 8 years +60% Norway 3 years 7 years +133% Finland 4 years 6 years +50% UK 5 years 15–30 years +200% to +500% Denmark 5 years 8+ years +60% Japan 5 years 10 years (proposed) +100% Golden Visa Changes Country 2014–2019 2020–2025 % Difference Portugal €250,000–€500,000 Closed −100% Spain €500,000 Closed (April 2025) −100% Ireland €500,000 Closed (2023) −100% Greece €250,000 €800,000 +220% Italy €500,000 €500,000+ (stricter) +0% to +20% Language and Civic Requirements Country 2014–2019 2020–2025 % Difference France A2 language A2 + civic exam (80% pass) +100% Denmark A2 language B1+ language +50% Austria A2 language B1 language +50% Germany A2 language B1 language +50% Finland None B1 language + work history New requirement Japan None Language + income (planned) New requirement Visual Summary Immigration Tightening Index (2014–2025) 2014–2019: Score: ~8 2020–2025: Score: ~35 % difference: +320% Golden Visa Programs 2014–2019: Open: 25 countries 2020–2025: Open: 17 countries % difference: −32% (programs closed) Civic/Language Tests Required 2014–2019: 3 of 25 countries 2020–2025: 12 of 25 countries % difference: +300% The door is closing more than four times as quickly as it was in the earlier period. Disclaimer: Scores are composite estimates based on income thresholds, residence years, language requirements, quota changes, and program closures. Actual policy impacts vary by individual circumstance. Always verify with official sources.