Can US H1-B visa chaos be an advantage for UK, China and other countries?

The Trump administration’s decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa applications has triggered responses from other nations seeking to attract those same workers.

For decades, the United States has been the premier destination for highly skilled professionals, particularly in technology and research.

Now, countries across Europe and Asia are accelerating their efforts to position themselves as alternative hubs for innovation and growth.

The administration described the measure as part of a broader strategy to prioritise American workers and limit reliance on foreign labour.

The H-1B programme has long been used by US companies to hire specialised professionals in sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance. However, critics of the programme argue that it has, at times, displaced domestic workers and suppressed wages.

The new fee dramatically alters the financial calculus for companies, especially those with large numbers of foreign employees. Big Tech firms are among the most affected.

According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services data, Amazon employed more than 14,000 H-1B visa holders as of June 2025, far exceeding other companies.

Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google each had over 4,000 workers under the programme during the same period.

India, one of the largest sources of H-1B visa applicants, voiced its concerns, warning that the policy could have humanitarian consequences.

Many Indian professionals view the H-1B as a pathway to long-term employment and residency in the US, and the new fee may put that dream out of reach for thousands of families.

How the UK has responded

As the US imposes new restrictions, the United Kingdom is charting a different course. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is spearheading efforts to make Britain a magnet for the world’s brightest minds through a series of reforms aimed at attracting top scientists, researchers, and technology experts.

Discussions about visa reform began before the US announced its fee increase but have gained new urgency since Trump’s decision.

The Financial Times reported that one proposal under active consideration is to eliminate visa fees altogether for highly accomplished individuals, such as those who have studied at the world’s top five universities or have won prestigious international awards.

Currently, the UK charges £766 ($1,030) for a Global Talent visa, with an identical fee applied to each partner or dependent.

Reducing or abolishing these charges would make Britain significantly more competitive in the global talent market, especially as the US moves in the opposite direction.

A source involved in the planning told FT that the American decision had “put wind in the sails” of those advocating for cuts ahead of the country’s November 26 budget announcement.

In June 2024, the UK launched the Global Talent Taskforce, supported by a £54 million Global Talent Fund designed to attract elite professionals in science and technology.

The fund will be disbursed over five years beginning in 2025 and will be managed by UK Research and Innovation, a national funding body.

The programme aims to identify and recruit outstanding individuals across multiple fields, including research, entrepreneurship, engineering, and the creative industries.

It builds upon recommendations outlined in the May Immigration White Paper, which included adjustments to existing immigration routes such as the High Potential Individual pathway.

When announcing the initiative, Peter Kyle, Secretary for Science and Technology, pointed out the UK’s unique position to foster innovation.

“Genius is not bound by geography. But the U.K. is one of the few places blessed with the infrastructure, skills base, world-class institutions and international ties needed to fertilise brilliant ideas,” Kyle said.

“My message to those who are advancing new ideas, wherever they are, is simple: we want to work with you, to support you, and to give you a home where you can make your ideas a reality we all benefit from.”

Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Business and Trade Secretary stated, “Competition for elite global talent is high, and by establishing this taskforce we are solidifying our position as the first choice for the world’s brightest sparks.”

British universities are expected to play a central role in the initiative. They will use their extensive networks to identify and connect with researchers and innovators worldwide.

“UK universities are already pivotal players in attracting global talent and the creation of the Taskforce and Fund will further leverage their role in building our future technologies and driving long-term growth,” said Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK.

India is seen as a particularly important partner in this endeavour. Speaking at the India Global Forum’s Future Frontiers Forum in London in June 2025, Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, highlighted the depth of collaboration between the two countries.

“There is already a strong relationship between India and the U.K., and I think it’s growing. But government-to-government relationships on science aren’t actually what drives everything. It has to be a scientist and a scientist as well. There are important academic links. I’d like to see more of that as India becomes an increasingly powerful player in the science and tech space.”

India’s standing in the global research arena continues to rise. According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, India ranked in the top five for 45 out of 64 critical technologies in 2023, surpassing the US in areas like biological manufacturing and distributed ledger technologies.

How China has responded

China has also entered the race for global talent with the introduction of a new visa category designed specifically for young science and technology professionals. The K visa, which takes effect on October 1, 2025, represents a significant expansion of China’s existing visa system.

This new visa type offers greater flexibility than the current 12 ordinary visa categories.

It allows multiple entries, extended validity periods, and longer stays, making it easier for foreign professionals to participate in China’s innovation ecosystem.

Upon arrival, K visa holders will be able to engage in activities spanning education, culture, science, technology, entrepreneurship, and business ventures.

Unlike many other visas, the K visa does not require a domestic employer or sponsoring organisation, simplifying the application process and removing barriers for independent researchers and entrepreneurs.

Applicants must still meet specific qualifications related to age, education, and experience, but the overall process has been streamlined to encourage participation.

Chinese officials described the move as part of a broader strategy to enhance international collaboration and develop a world-class workforce. By opening its doors to young innovators, Beijing aims to position itself as a leader in emerging technologies and scientific advancement.

How the UAE has responded

While the US tightens its rules, the United Arab Emirates has been steadily building a flexible, multi-tiered visa system that caters to a diverse range of skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors.

This approach provides alternatives for those disillusioned by the complexities of programmes like the H-1B.

The UAE’s offerings are structured to accommodate different professional needs and stages of career development, with costs that are a fraction of the new US fee:

• Standard Work Visa: Employer-sponsored, valid for 2-3 years, costing between $820 and $1,910.

• Remote Work Visa: One-year residency without employer sponsorship, requiring proof of $3,500 monthly income, with fees ranging from $290 to $430.

• Green Visa: Five-year self-sponsored option for freelancers, skilled workers, and investors, starting at $620, including family sponsorship.

• Golden Visa : Five- to ten-year residency for top professionals, scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors, starting at $1,220, with family benefits included.

• Blue Visa (2025 launch): Ten-year residency focused on sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental research contributors, with no investment requirement.

Beyond visas, the UAE is investing heavily in infrastructure, education, and healthcare to build a thriving expat ecosystem.

Zero income tax, internationally accredited schools, and world-class facilities make the country attractive to both professionals and their families.

While the US is tightening access, other nations are moving rapidly to lower barriers and court global talent.

With inputs from agencies