The Financial Times reported on Monday that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering proposals to eliminate visa fees in order to attract the world’s leading experts, at a time when the United States has adopted a tougher stance on immigration.
According to Reuters, Starmer’s Global Talent Taskforce is working on ideas to bring top scientists, academics, and digital experts to the UK to boost economic growth.
The report cited individuals familiar with the ongoing discussions between 10 Downing Street and the Treasury. One official told the newspaper that the plan to reduce visa fees to zero is aimed at individuals who have studied at the world’s top five universities or who have won prestigious awards.
The Financial Times noted that the reforms were discussed when the Trump administration decided on Sunday to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, which are widely used by U.S. technology companies.
A person involved in the British talks told the Financial Times that Washington’s decision further strengthened the case for those seeking changes to the UK’s high-end visa system, with possible reforms expected before the November 26 budget.
The report added that the current cost of applying for a UK Global Talent visa is £766 (about $1,030), with spouses and children required to pay the same amount. However, both the Treasury and Downing Street declined to immediately comment when approached by Reuters.
