The Labour government is reported to be exploring a reduction in UK work visa fees. The news comes at a time when the United States has sharply increased H-1B visa charges, opening up an opportunity for the UK to present itself as a more competitive destination for global talent.
The newly established Global Talent Taskforce is expected to play a role in shaping the scope and delivery of any reforms.
Cut in UK work visa fees?
Officials have suggested that certain fees could be reduced significantly, or even waived, for priority applicants.
At present, applicants face substantial Home Office costs. For example, the Global Talent visa carries a fee of £766, while the Immigration Health Surcharge adds £1,035 per year for visas over 6 months. For families relocating with dependants, the total outlay quickly becomes prohibitive.
The government is likely to apply reductions selectively rather than across all visa routes. The focus will be on categories aligned with the UK’s strategic economic priorities, which could include:
1. STEM specialists and researchers
Applicants in technology, life sciences and academia are expected to be prioritised. The government is presenting this policy as part of a wider commitment to innovation and research leadership.
2. Families and dependants
Dependants represent a significant multiplier in overall visa costs. Any reduction for spouses and children would improve the financial feasibility of relocation for professionals with families.
3. Start-ups and scale-ups
Smaller employers competing for scarce talent often struggle with the upfront costs of sponsorship and visa applications. Fee reductions would help to lower barriers and make UK opportunities more attractive to skilled candidates.
4. Targeted visa categories
Not all visa types are expected to benefit. Reductions are likely to be concentrated on high-skill, long-term routes. Lower-skilled or short-term visas may remain subject to existing charges.
What to expect next
The next steps will determine whether this is a symbolic proposal or a structural shift in UK visa policy. With the US increasing H-1B costs, the UK has an opportunity to gain a comparative advantage by making its system more accessible and affordable for global talent. MPs and committees are expected to press on fairness, fiscal implications and wider impacts on the immigration system. Tech, life sciences and higher education sectors are lobbying strongly for broad eligibility, and their input is likely to shape the eventual scope of any reductions.
We will of course update as further details emerge.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
