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UK Government Plans to Remove Visa Fees to Attract the Best Minds Worldwide

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BusinessHonor - UK Govt Cuts Visa Fees to Attract Talent

Business Honor
23 September, 2025

The UK plans to remove visa fee and simplify processes in order to attract the best minds: scientists, engineers, and innovators.

The UK government has considered removing visa fees for the world's best scientists and technologists as part of a new strategy to attract the best minds worldwide. The Global Talent Taskforce, that answers directly to Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is looking into the move. A £54 million Global Talent Fund was established earlier this year to support this effort. Aiming to make it easier and affordable for highly skilled people, like top engineers, researchers, and innovators, to move to the UK. Those targeted include recipients of major science and innovation prizes or graduates from the top five universities in the world.

The plan, which affects thousands of skilled workers, especially those from India, comes as the US imposed extra restrictions on its H-1B visa, including a $100,000 application cost. Instead, the UK sees an opportunity to draw in this talent. The team, headed by Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance and business adviser Varun Chandra, is presently simplifying the Global Talent Visa, that was complex and challenging. For a maximum duration of five years, the visa will help complete research teams, covering both migration and research expenses.

The strategy is in line with the UK's broader immigration strategy, aiming to control overall migration levels while attracting people with advanced skills. The government described Reform UK's plans as unachievable and polarizing, despite its promise to deal with the path to permanent residency. The UK expects that this move will help them stay as a leader in science, technology, and innovation in the future. That improves its economy and establishes jobs in advanced sectors.