The United Kingdom (UK) is considering a plan to remove visa fees for highly skilled professionals as part of efforts to boost economic growth, according to a report by the Financial Times.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s “global talent task force” is reviewing proposals aimed at drawing world-leading scientists, academics, and digital specialists to the UK. The plan is under discussion at Number 10 and the Treasury, sources familiar with the matter told the newspaper.
One option being considered is to waive visa fees entirely for individuals who have graduated from the world’s top five universities or have won prestigious international awards, an official was quoted as saying.
The talks began before the United States announced a sharp increase in fees for new H-1B visas—a program widely used by the American tech sector. Starting Sunday, the US requires applicants to pay $100,000 per visa, a move that has intensified calls in Britain to make its own system more attractive to high-end talent.
Supporters of the UK reforms believe lowering costs could give Britain an edge and encourage more skilled professionals to move there, especially ahead of the November 26 Budget.
Currently, Britain’s Global Talent Visa costs £766 ($1,030) per applicant, with the same fee applied to partners and dependents.
Neither the Treasury nor Downing Street immediately commented on the report.