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 economic growth, Financial Times reported. This comes at the same time as the United States has introduced a 100,000-dollar fee for new H-1B visas, a programme heavily used by American technology companies.
According to the FT 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. One official told FT: “We’re talking about the sort of people who have attended the world’s top five universities or have won prestigious prizes. We’re kicking around the idea of cutting costs to zero.”
What the UK currently charges
The UK’s global talent visa currently costs £766 per applicant. Partners and children have to pay 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.
If the fees are waived, Indian professionals who qualify under this route could save thousands of pounds for themselves and their families. This would make the UK a much more attractive destination for high-skilled Indians at a time when the United States has sharply increased costs for its most popular work visa.
Trump’s decision gave UK reformers “wind in the sails”
Officials involved in the UK discussions said Donald Trump’s recent visa fee decision in the US had strengthened the case for reforms in Britain. One person told FT: “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.”
This means that the US move is indirectly pushing the UK to offer a more affordable and welcoming path for the same group of people, including Indian scientists, engineers and technology professionals.
Who is driving the plan
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. One official said: “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.”
This shows that the proposed changes are not about increasing overall immigration but about attracting a specific category of high-skilled individuals, which includes many Indians working in science, research and technology.
Tax changes also under review
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is 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. If the tax system becomes friendlier to incoming professionals, this could make the UK even more competitive in drawing skilled workers from countries like India.
Numbers already rising
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.”
What it means for Indian professionals
For Indian scientists, academics and digital experts who meet the eligibility criteria, the UK’s move could open a cheaper and faster pathway compared with the increasingly expensive US option. The removal or reduction of visa fees and health surcharges would significantly cut upfront costs. It would also signal that the UK wants to become the preferred destination for high-end talent at a time when the US is pricing some applicants out.
If the proposals go through, Indians who would otherwise look to the US for career opportunities, may now find Britain more attractive because of lower costs, easier entry and a welcoming policy focused on innovation and growth. This shift could lead to more Indian professionals moving to the UK’s universities, research labs and technology companies in the coming years.
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