Overview

• Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s team is examining options to abolish some charges under the high‑end immigration route, according to the Financial Times.
• One proposal would cut fees to zero for candidates who graduated from the world’s top five universities or who hold prestigious awards.
• Officials say the ideas are being developed inside Number 10 and the Treasury, with no formal Home Office sign‑off at this stage.
• The push follows the US move to impose a US$100,000 fee for new H‑1B visas, which UK proponents view as an opportunity to lure top talent.
• Current costs for the UK global talent visa include a £766 application fee and an annual £1,035 health surcharge per applicant, which remain in place pending any change.