US H-1B hits $100K: UK eyes to scrap visa fees for top talent – will you qualify?

Dubai: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is exploring proposals to abolish certain visa fees for elite global talent, aiming to attract the world’s best scientists, academics, and digital experts, the Financial Times reported on Monday.

Starmer’s “global talent task force” is developing ideas to lure high-skilled professionals to the UK to stimulate economic growth. The initiative comes as the US has sharply increased the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, making global mobility more expensive, the report said.

Zero-fee visas for top achievers

One proposal under consideration is to eliminate visa charges for individuals who have attended the world’s top five universities or won prestigious prizes, sources told the FT. Officials say this is intended to position the UK as a magnet for global talent ahead of the November 26 Budget.

Momentum from US visa hike

The fee reforms were discussed in Number 10 and the Treasury before the US decision on H-1B visas. A source told the FT that the Trump administration’s move gave “wind in the sails” to those advocating UK visa reforms.

Visa system under review

The UK’s Global Talent visa, introduced in 2020, currently costs £766 per applicant (≈ Dh3,79), plus a £1,035 (≈Dh5,121) annual health surcharge. The route targets leaders in science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, and arts and culture, offering a fast-track to settlement and no employer ties.

Officials stressed that while the Home Office has not formally adopted the zero-fee proposal, visa routes remain under review. “This isn’t about diluting our determination to bring down net migration but about getting the brightest and best into Britain,” one official said.

Tax review complements visa reforms

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reviewing the tax system to ensure it supports attracting top global talent. Changes to the non-dom tax regime have prompted concerns about wealthy individuals leaving Britain, though early data suggests limited impact.

Global Talent visa eligibility and process

Applicants must be leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology and at least 18 years old. Those with eligible prestigious prizes can apply directly; others require endorsement.

The visa allows stays of up to five years at a time, with extensions available, and may lead to indefinite leave to remain. Applications are submitted online, with processing times typically three weeks for overseas applicants and eight weeks for those in the UK.

The Global Talent visa has seen a 76% rise in approvals in the year ending June 2023, reaching 3,901 grants. Officials are exploring ways to reduce bureaucracy and make the visa route more attractive to world-class talent.

Global Talent visa: Complete step-by-step guide

Step 1: Check eligibility

You can apply if you are a leader or potential leader in:

• Academia or research

• Arts and culture

• Digital technology
  You must be at least 18 years old.

Step 2: Determine your application route

• Prize winners: Apply directly if you’ve won an eligible prestigious prize.

• Non-prize winners: Obtain an endorsement proving your leadership or potential.

• Other options: If not eligible, consider a Skilled Worker visa.

Step 3: Obtain an endorsement (if needed)

• Relevant for professionals in academia, arts & culture, or digital technology.

• Must be endorsed by a Home Office-approved organisation.

• Apply for the visa within 3 months of receiving the endorsement.

Step 4: Prepare documents

You’ll need:

• Valid passport or ID document

• Tuberculosis test results (if required)

• Written permission if you had a recent UK award/scholarship

• Certified translations for non-English/Welsh documents

• Prize verification (if applicable)

Step 5: Apply online

• Apply online from inside or outside the UK.

• Can apply at a visa application centre if required.

• Follow the correct procedure if switching or extending within the UK.

Step 6: Prove your identity

• Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or

• Provide biometric information (fingerprints & photo) at a visa centre.

• Bring your passport if required.

Step 7: Pay fees (Visa system under review)

• The UK’s Global Talent visa is under review, with potential zero-fee visas to attract top talent without increasing net migration.

  • Standard visa fee: £766 (≈ Dh3,792)

  • Endorsement route: £561 (endorsement) + £205 (visa) (≈ Dh2,781 + Dh1,018)

  • Prize route: £766 (≈ Dh3,792)

  • Partner/children: £766 each (≈ Dh3,792)

  • Annual healthcare surcharge: £1,035 (≈ Dh5,121) per person

Step 8: Wait for decision

• Outside the UK: ~3 weeks

• Inside the UK: ~8 weeks

• Optional priority processing available

Step 9: Visa duration & extensions

• Initial stay: up to 5 years

• Extensions: 1–5 years at a time

• Possible indefinite leave to remain after 3–5 years depending on route

Step 10: Switching to a Global Talent visa

• Eligible if already in the UK on a valid visa (not visit, short-term student, seasonal worker, domestic worker, or similar).

• Prize winners can apply directly; others need an endorsement.

• Student visa holders must have completed their course or studied a PhD full-time ≥24 months.

• Apply before your current visa expires; partner/children must apply separately.

• Apply within 3 months of endorsement; cannot apply if endorsement withdrawn.

• Stay up to 5 years, with possible indefinite leave to remain after 3–5 years.

• Pay £766, plus healthcare surcharge, and submit biometrics.

• Apply online, saving and completing the form as needed.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent, Agencies