UK Immigration Costs Are Slowing Science and Engineering Recruitment

The UK is home to some of the world’s top research institutions and universities, but for many global employers in science and tech, hiring international talent is becoming more difficult. Rising visa costs - among the highest globally -are discouraging international scientists and engineers from relocating to the UK. This challenge is not only slowing down research but also threatening economic growth.

If your company is hiring global talent for roles in science, engineering, or research, here’s what you need to know about the impact of UK visa costs.

Why Are Visa Costs in the UK So High?

According to the Royal Society, immigration fees for foreign researchers in the UK are up to 17 times higher than the average for other leading science nations. A significant portion of this is due to the upfront Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which currently costs £1,035 per year per adult.

Even for visa routes designed to attract specialists - like the Global Talent Visa - the UK ranks as the most expensive among 18 leading science countries, including the U.S., Germany, Japan, and France.

These high fees have been driven by successive government efforts to reduce net migration. Recent policies have increased both visa fees and the minimum salary threshold for foreign workers by nearly 50%, making it more expensive for employers to fill roles with international candidates.

What Does This Mean for Employers Hiring in STEM?

The cost burden is falling on both sides. Employers are often willing to cover visa costs for the employee - but not for their families. That’s led many candidates to turn down offers, even for roles at top research institutes.

Employers like Cancer Research UK estimate they will spend £700,000 annually on immigration-related fees - funds that could otherwise support scientific research. Meanwhile, scientists and engineers are increasingly choosing destinations where visa fees are lower and the process is more predictable.

This is especially concerning given the UK’s existing STEM skills shortage. At the end of 2023, 46% of job vacancies were in science, tech, engineering, and math fields. Talent shortages are particularly severe in engineering, where higher salary thresholds and regional pay disparities make it harder for businesses outside London to compete.

How Are These Costs Impacting Talent Mobility?

Visa demand in science and engineering is already falling. In the second half of 2024, visas granted for these roles dropped by a third compared to the previous year, following the fee and salary increases.

More than just a policy issue, this becomes a productivity issue. Delays in hiring qualified researchers mean slower innovation and missed opportunities in sectors like biotech, clean energy, and AI.

High visa costs may also limit the UK’s ability to attract talent from the U.S., where cuts to research funding under the Trump administration had pushed some scientists to consider relocating. But if the UK can’t offer a competitive and welcoming alternative, these candidates will look elsewhere.

How Should Employers Respond?

While the UK government is reviewing labour shortages in sectors like IT and engineering, changes may take time. In the meantime, employers hiring internationally should:

• Reassess relocation budgets to cover the full scope of visa-related costs.
• Communicate transparently with candidates about what is and isn’t covered, especially for dependents.
• Track the impact of visa costs on hiring timelines and applicant numbers.

If your company is relocating international talent to the UK, working with a global mobility partner like Jobbatical can help reduce delays, avoid repeat applications, and manage the financial impact of these rising costs.

Next Steps: Adjusting to the 2025 Increases

The latest UK fee increases, introduced in April 2025, affect sponsor licenses, Certificates of Sponsorship, Skilled Worker visas, and temporary work routes. These updates come on top of January's changes to salary thresholds and represent a broader policy tightening.

If you’re sponsoring scientists, engineers, or other STEM specialists, adapting to these changes is critical for staying competitive in the global talent market.

Need support relocating international talent to the UK?

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