UK Plans Zero Visa Fees To Attract Global Talent, Including Nigerians, Lists Criteria

• UK is now considering slashing visa fees and reducing the challenges for applications to lure global talents
• The move comes as Trump hikes US H-1B visa costs to $100,000 and urges firms to priorities American nationals
• Britain’s global talent taskforce, chaired by Patrick Vallance, explores measures to boost growth and attract world-class professionals

Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.

Britain is weighing plans to slash visa fees and speed up applications for leading foreign academics and digital experts.

This move is expected to attract top US scientists away from home, attract global talent, and challenge President Donald Trump’s efforts to keep talent in America

The Financial Times UK said Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s “global talent taskforce” is reviewing measures to reduce costs and streamline paperwork, officials said.

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Treasury ministers are also exploring ways to attract elite researchers and innovators as part of a growth strategy.

Why UK is reviewing its global talent visa?

The proposals to adjusts UK global talent visa come after Donald Trump administration raised the price of skilled-worker visas to $100,000 and urged universities and technology firms to prioritise American nationals in senior roles.

Although UK visas are far cheaper, the global talent route costs £766 per person plus a £1,035 health surcharge.

Major employers have complained about red tape and lengthy processing delays.

UK Ministers are now considering cutting fees “to zero" GuardianUK reports.

UK global talent visa

Britain’s global talent visa was introduced in 2020, targets high achievers in science, engineering, medicine, digital technology, humanities, and the arts.

Report has it that the number of visas issued jumped 76% in the year to June 2023, reaching 3,901.

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A Home Office spokesperson said the scheme was designed to:

Attract and retain high-skilled talent, particularly in science, research and technology, to maintain the UK’s status as a leading international hub for emerging talent and innovation.

For Nigerians applying for the UK Global Talent visa depends on various circumstances.

The UK government said applicants from abroad can apply directly for the visa if they have won an eligible prestigious prize.

To apply UK government said:

"Applicants must provide a valid passport or other proof of identity and nationality, along with tuberculosis test results if required by their country of origin. Those who received a UK award or scholarship within the past year must also submit written permission from the granting agency or government.

"If you have not won a listed prestigious prize, you will need to apply for an endorsement instead. Endorsements are available to applicants working in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology."

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US clarifies $100,000 H-1B visa fee: What it means for Nigerians, Indians, and global talent

UK companies sponsored visa

In a related development, Legit.ng reported that the United Kingdom has released its 2025 list of organisations licensed to sponsor skilled workers into the country.

According to check there are now over 125,880 approved companies.

Nigerians ready to work in technology, commerce, engineering, media, or caregiving can search for eligible companies

Source: Legit.ng