The visa exemption is expected to apply to leading scientists, scholars and technology experts. This move was made in the context of the US having just imposed a "huge" fee of 100,000 USD for H-1B visas, a program widely used by US technology corporations.
Mr. Starmer's "global talent" working group is said to be discussing the possibility of exempting all visa fees for candidates who have studied at 5 top universities in the world or have won prestigious awards.
We are talking about people who have graduated from top 5 universities around the world or won prestigious international awards. The idea of eliminating fees altogether is being discussed, said a British official.
Currently, the British Global Talent visas have a fee of around £766 ($930) per defendant, with dependents also having to pay the same fee. Applicants also have to pay an additional £1,035 ($1,260) in annual medical fees per person.
British officials said that US President Donald Trump's new visa policy has "added a wind" to efforts to reform the high-end visa system in the UK, aiming to boost growth ahead of the budget announcement on November 26.
The working group led by economic advisor Varun Chandra and Minister of Science Patrick Vallance is considering the proposal. The UK Home Affairs Ministry has not yet officially accepted it, but said it is reviewing the visa routes.
This does not mean that we are loosening the goal of reducing net immigration, but to bring the brightest minds to England. The government fully agrees with this orientation, an official said.
Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is also considering reforming the tax system to strengthen the UK's competitiveness. Although the change in the non-domicile tax regime has raised concerns that the super-rich may leave, initial data shows that the impact is not much. The non-domicile tax applies to individuals residing in the UK but are not considered to intend to be permanently attached to the UK.
In the fiscal year ended in June 2023, the number of global talent visas granted by the UK increased by 76%, reaching 3,901 applications. Leaders of universities expressed their welcome but called for more support. Mr. Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International, commented: "To attract global talent, the UK not only needs a favorable visa, but also needs to ensure funding, autonomy and a smooth integration process".
The British spokesperson emphasized: Our global talent visa routes are attracting and retaining highly skilled human resources, especially in science, research and technology, to maintain the UKs position as a leading international center for innovation and talent.
