The Financial Times has reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his newly established Global Talent Taskforce are exploring the possibility of abolishing visa fees for exceptional international talent. This move is aimed at making the UK a more attractive destination for the world’s brightest professionals—particularly in light of the U.S. decision under the Trump administration to raise H-1B visa costs by $100,000.
What’s on the table?
The UK Government is reportedly reviewing whether to reduce the application fees for the Global Talent visa to zero for prestigious applicants. At present, the visa costs are:
- £766 per applicant (plus the same amount for each dependent)
- £1,035 annual Immigration Health Surcharge per person
For many high-potential candidates, these costs, especially when applying with dependents, can be a barrier. Removing or reducing fees could provide the UK with a competitive edge in attracting top-tier talent.
Why this matters for HR professionals
Employers competing in sectors such as technology, life sciences, academia, and the creative industries will be watching this development closely. Lower visa costs could:
- Broaden the pool of available global talent
- Ease budget pressures for both candidates and employers
- Strengthen the UK’s position in the international talent market, especially compared with the U.S.
Potential simplification of the application process
Alongside fee reforms, the Government is said to be reviewing the application process for Global Talent applicants. Currently, individuals must:
- Secure endorsement from a qualifying body, or
- Demonstrate eligibility via a recognised international prize
This can be a time-consuming and sometimes repetitive process, with multiple endorsement attempts required before success. Streamlining the system would reduce administrative friction and improve accessibility for highly skilled professionals.
Why the Global Talent visa stands out
The Global Talent visa is already considered one of the UK’s most attractive immigration routes because it offers:
- Fast-track settlement: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in just 3 years (compared with 5 years for other routes)
- No sponsorship requirement: Employers do not need to hold a sponsor licence or meet salary thresholds, unlike the Skilled Worker visa
These advantages make it a particularly flexible and cost-effective option for employers seeking to hire world-leading talent.
What HR teams should do next
While no changes have yet been confirmed, HR professionals may want to:
- Monitor policy updates – especially if recruiting internationally in high-demand sectors
- Review workforce planning – a reduction in costs could widen hiring opportunities
- Engage with stakeholders – finance teams, hiring managers, and leadership may benefit from early insights into potential policy shifts
For further insights on what this change could mean for you or business, please reach out to Migrate UK at info@migrate-uk.com