UK considers scrapping visa fees to attract top global talent

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is weighing proposals to abolish visa fees for leading scientists, academics, and digital experts as part of efforts to drive growth, the Financial Times reported. The move comes as the United States has introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, a programme heavily used by American technology companies.

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According to the report, Starmer’s “global talent task force” is discussing options that could include waiving costs entirely for people who have attended the world’s top five universities or received prestigious awards. “We’re talking about the sort of people who have attended the world’s top five universities or have won prestigious prizes,” one official told FT. “We’re kicking around the idea of cutting costs to zero.”


The UK’s global talent visa currently costs £766 per applicant, with partners and children paying the same fee. In addition, applicants usually face an annual health surcharge of £1,035 per person. The visa route, introduced in 2020, is aimed at recognised leaders in science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, and arts and culture.

Officials involved in the discussions said Donald Trump’s recent visa fee decision in the US had given momentum to those pushing for reforms in Britain. “Trump’s decision had put wind in the sails of those wanting to reform Britain’s high-end visa system to boost growth ahead of the November 26 Budget,” a person told FT.

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The task force is chaired by Starmer’s business adviser Varun Chandra and science minister Lord Patrick Vallance. While the Home Office has not yet formally taken up the proposals, officials confirmed that visa routes remain under review. “This isn’t about diluting our determination to bring down net migration but it’s about getting the brightest and best into Britain. There is unity across government on this,” said one official.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is also reviewing the tax system to ensure it supports the UK’s ability to attract top global talent. Her recent changes to the non-domicile tax regime have raised concerns about wealthy individuals leaving Britain, though early data suggests the impact has been limited.

In the year ending June 2023, the number of global talent visas granted rose 76 per cent to 3,901. University leaders have welcomed government efforts but urged more action. Jamie Arrowsmith, director of Universities UK International, said: “Ultimately to attract global talent we need to be able to offer funding and autonomy and make the transition as smooth as possible.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Our global talent routes attract and retain high-skilled talent, particularly in science, research and technology, to maintain the UK’s status as a leading international hub for emerging talent and innovation.”