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2h ago

UK Weighs Waiving Global Talent Visa Fees to Attract Scientists After US H-1B Hike

Starmer’s Global Talent Taskforce is reviewing fee cuts as part of a £54m push to recruit top researchers.

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If not US, then UK: Starmer seeks to lure global talent with visa fee cuts as H-1B fee hikes
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Overview

  • Anonymous officials told the Financial Times the government is considering reducing Global Talent visa costs to zero and speeding decisions, though no policy has been announced.
  • President Donald Trump’s order imposing a $100,000 H-1B application fee took effect on Sunday, which has accelerated UK discussions.
  • The UK Global Talent visa currently costs £766 plus a £1,035 health surcharge per person, and employers point to fees, paperwork and delays as deterrents.
  • The recruitment drive is anchored by a £54m Global Talent Fund and a taskforce chaired by Varun Chandra and Patrick Vallance that reports to the prime minister and chancellor.
  • Officials signal a broader package under consideration to streamline processes, with some reports indicating potential adjustments to planned non‑dom inheritance tax changes.