LONDON: The UK government is reportedly considering a plan to eliminate visa fees for top-tier international talent in an effort to boost economic growth and stay competitive globally, according to a report by the Financial Times.
Also read: Trump slaps USD100,000 fee on H-1B; jolts tech industry
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration has launched a “global talent task force” focused on bringing world-class scientists, academics, and tech professionals to the country. The proposed policy could offer visa fee waivers to individuals with degrees from the world’s top five universities or recipients of internationally recognised awards, the report said, citing sources familiar with discussions inside 10 Downing Street and the Treasury.
This move comes as the United States adopts a more restrictive approach to skilled immigration. Over the weekend, the Trump administration implemented a new $100,000 fee for first-time applicants of the H-1B visa, a programme heavily relied upon by American tech firms.
While discussions on the UK visa reforms began before the US changes were made public, the American decision has reportedly strengthened the argument among UK officials advocating for a more welcoming immigration strategy. One source involved in the talks described the US move as having “put wind in the sails” of British policymakers looking to overhaul the high-skill visa system ahead of the Autumn Budget on November 26.
Currently, applying for a UK Global Talent visa costs £766 (approximately $1,030), with dependents (spouses and children) required to pay the same amount. Neither the Treasury nor the Prime Minister’s Office have yet commented on this.
NEW US VISA POLICY HITS INDIANS THE MOST
US President Donald Trump has announced a major policy shift by imposing a $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa applications and renewals, a move expected to hit Indian nationals the hardest. The decision takes effect on September 21, 2025.
The H-1B visa programme, designed for specialised professionals in fields such as information technology, engineering and mathematics, has long been dominated by Indian applicants.
Also read: Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee delivers heavy blow to Indian workers
Reports suggest Indian citizens account for more than 70 per cent of all H-1B visas issued, placing them at the centre of the latest restrictions.
The new measure, which is likely to face legal challenges, was announced in Washington on Friday alongside the launch of a $1 million “gold card” residency programme that Trump had previewed months earlier.