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The United Kingdom is considering a major change to its visa policy as it looks for ways to attract the best brains from around the world.
One of the key proposals is removing visa fees for highly skilled workers, including Nigerians, who want to move to the UK to work in science, research, technology, and other fields.
Why the UK is making this move
This push comes at a time when the United States, under President Donald Trump, has raised the cost of its H-1B skilled-worker visa to $100,000.
The policy in the US has made it harder for foreign professionals to settle there, and Britain sees an opportunity to benefit from this shift.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has set up a “global talent taskforce,” led by Patrick Vallance, to review how the UK can become a top destination for global experts. Part of the plan is to slash visa fees, reduce paperwork, and speed up applications so that top professionals don’t face unnecessary stress when applying.
The current cost of a UK Global Talent visa
At the moment, the UK’s global talent visa costs £766 per person. Applicants also pay a health surcharge of £1,035, making it expensive for many skilled workers who want to move with their families.
Big companies and universities in Britain have also complained about the long delays in processing visas. To solve these issues, ministers are considering cutting fees to zero and streamlining the system.
What the Global Talent visa offers
The UK’s global talent visa was launched in 2020 to attract high achievers in areas such as:
According to reports, the number of people granted this visa grew by 76% in just one year, reaching almost 4,000 by June 2023. Officials say the scheme helps Britain maintain its position as a world leader in innovation and research.
What Nigerians need to know
For Nigerians and other foreign applicants, there are two main routes to apply for the global talent visa:
Direct application – If you have won a prestigious international award in your field, you can apply directly.
Endorsement route – If you don’t have a listed award, you need an endorsement from a recognised body.
Endorsements are available in research and academia, arts and culture, or digital technology.
Applicants also need a valid passport, proof of nationality, and in some cases, a tuberculosis test result. Nigerians who have recently received a UK scholarship or award will need permission from the granting body before applying.
This is a bigger opportunity for Nigerians
This review comes at a time when more Nigerians are showing interest in working abroad, especially in technology, healthcare, engineering, and academia.
With the UK also expanding its list of companies licensed to sponsor foreign workers now more than 125,000, Nigerians looking for opportunities may find new doors opening.
If the visa fee is removed, the UK could become one of the most affordable and accessible destinations for Nigerian professionals who want to grow their careers on a global stage.
