UK to Slash Visa Fees for Top Global Talent as US Raises H-1B Visa Cost to $100,000

According to Financial Times story, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering plans to do away with immigration costs for outstanding international talent. The Trump administration’s announcement of a $100,000 cost for new H-1B visas, which went into effect on21 September, was preceded by the talks that were already taking place inside Number 10 and the Treasury.

According to those briefed on the discussions, Starmer’s “global talent taskforce” is formulating plans to attract the top academics, scientists, and digital specialists to Britain in order to spur economic growth.

A zero-fee system for applicants who have attended one of the top five colleges in the world or received prestigious awards is one alternative being considered, according to FT.

Peeyush Agarwal, Co-founder & CEO of Invest4Edu stated, “Talent acquisition has become a global war, and immigration policies are becoming decisive factors. The US announced just six weeks ago that it would be raising the prices of coveted H-1B visas to nearly $100,000. Such a move may prove detrimental for startups, tech companies, and skilled professionals alike. For decades, the H-1B programme has been the very gateway for talent from across the globe, mainly from India, to enter the US job market. This exorbitant pricing, however, can only mean that the dream of working abroad may be closing further. Seizing the opportunity, the UK is now in the process of slashing visa fees as an inducement for talent acquisition from around the world.”

Kajal Dave, Co-Founder, LaunchEd Global echoed similar sentiments as she stated, “The recent contrast in visa policies between the U.K. and the U.S. is already influencing how global talent makes decisions. The U.K.’s move to cut visa fees for top global talent shows it is serious about attracting skilled professionals and international students. Lowering costs not only makes the U.K. more accessible but also creates a clear message: the country is open and welcoming to talent. On the other hand, the U.S. decision to raise H-1B visa costs to as high as $100,000 is creating concern in India. For years, the U.S. has been the top choice for Indian graduates, especially in technology and management. But with higher costs and ongoing immigration uncertainty, both employers and students may hesitate. Companies could rethink sponsoring talent, and students may wonder if the high cost of a U.S. degree is still worth it when work opportunities are less certain.”

Current Cost of Britain’s Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa presently costs £766 ($1,030) in Britain, and partners and dependents must pay the same amount. Since President Donald Trump signed the proclamation instituting the $100,000 levy, which is frequently used by American software companies to hire Indian employees, the gap with the US has widened.

According to a source close to the UK negotiations who spoke to FT, the US ruling has “put wind in the sails” for those advocating for Britain to reduce the expense of its expensive immigration system before the November 26 Budget. To recruit scientists and IT workers, the UK established a Global Talent Taskforce in June 2024, supported by a £54 million Global Talent Fund.

The taskforce will assist researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, senior engineers, and creatives, according to the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. The funding will be distributed to top universities and research institutions through UK Research and Innovation during a five-year period beginning in 2025. In accordance with Britain’s new Industrial Strategy, these organisations will locate and target certain individuals.

Good News for Skilled Indians Planning for Britain

India is anticipated to play a significant role. The Global Talent visa is an essential tool for luring scientists and innovators, according to Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Research, and Innovation. He stated that India and the UK already have a solid connection and that he believes it is only becoming stronger while speaking at the India Global Forum’s Future Frontiers Forum in London on June 20.

But in reality, everything isn’t driven by government-to-government ties on science. Both the scientist and the person must be scientists. There are significant scholarly connections. “I’d like to see more of that as India becomes an increasingly powerful player in the science and tech space,” he said. India has been moving up the research ladder in the world.

According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, the nation placed in the top five for 45 of 64 essential technologies in 2023. In fields like distributed ledger technology and biological manufacturing, it surpassed the US.