Visa fees of more than £15,000 for researchers to come to the UK with their family is one problems academics and researchers face when trying to progress their careers in the UK, Universities UK has highlighted in a report.
The organisation says that visa changes and tackling immigration bureaucracy could help the UK to realise its research superpower ambitions.
Among the recommendations UUK is making to the UK home office is to review visa application costs to ensure they are at least in line with international competitors.
Currently, an individual applying for a five-year visa via the Skilled Worker Route – who is bringing a partner and two children – faces costs of £15,880. UUK says it is an issue “particularly prohibitive” for mid-career researchers who may choose to take their families, and expertise, elsewhere.
