British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is looking at proposals to eliminate Global Talent Visa fees. Discussions inside Number 10 and the Treasury began before the Trump administration announced its $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, which starts on Sunday.
Starmer’s global talent taskforce working on ways to attract the world’s best scientists, academics, and digital experts to Britain. It boost economic growth, according to sources.
One option considered is a no-fee system for applicants who studied at the world’s top five universities or received prestigious awards, FT reported.
Cost of the Global Talent visa
Britain currently charges £766 ($1,030) for the Global Talent visa, with partners and dependents paying the same fee. The difference with the US become more noticeable after President Donald Trump signed the proclamation. It imposes the $100,000 levy, commonly used by American tech companies to hire Indian workers.
A person involved in the UK discussions told FT that the American decision encouraged those advocating for Britain to lower costs on its high-end visa system before the November 26 Budget.
The £54 million talent fund
In June 2024, the UK launched a Global Talent Visa Taskforce supported by a £54 million Global Talent Fund. It attract science and tech professionals. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology stated that the taskforce would assist researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, senior engineers, and creatives.
Funding, to distributed over five years starting in 2025, go through UK Research and Innovation to top universities and research institutions. These organizations will identify and target individuals in line with Britain’s new Industrial Strategy.