UK eyes zero-cost visas to attract elite scientists, tech experts

Mohan Sinha
25 Sep 2025, 16:25 GMT+10

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering sweeping reforms to the UK’s visa regime for highly skilled workers, with proposals that could abolish fees for top global talent
The move comes as the United States hardens its own immigration policies, creating what officials see as an opening for Britain to attract elite professionals
According to the Financial Times, Starmer has tasked a “global talent task force” with finding ways to attract the world’s leading scientists, academics, and digital experts to the UK to boost economic growth

LONDON, U.K.: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering sweeping reforms to the UK's visa regime for highly skilled workers, with proposals that could abolish fees for top global talent.

The move comes as the United States hardens its own immigration policies, creating what officials see as an opening for Britain to attract elite professionals.

According to the Financial Times, Starmer has tasked a "global talent task force" with finding ways to attract the world's leading scientists, academics, and digital experts to the UK to boost economic growth. One idea under discussion is waiving visa charges entirely for individuals who have studied at the world's five most prestigious universities or who hold internationally recognised awards.

Currently, the UK's Global Talent visa costs 766 pounds (about US$1,030), with dependents required to pay the same fee. Advocates of reform argue that such costs can discourage the very candidates Britain is keen to recruit, particularly when competing with other major economies.

Talks in Downing Street and the Treasury began before Washington announced on September 21 that new H-1B visas would carry a $100,000 fee. The U.S. decision, which affects technology firms reliant on international talent, has given momentum to UK officials pressing for change.

One person involved in the discussions told the FT that the American shift had put "wind in the sails" of the proposals, which are expected to feed into the November 26 Budget.

Neither the Treasury nor Downing Street has commented publicly on the reported reforms.