On 6 August 2026 the UK government expanded the Global Talent visa so more than 100 innovative research businesses (including AstraZeneca and Jaguar Land Rover) can now endorse international researchers through UKRI's endorsed funder pathway, spanning the eight Modern Industrial Strategy sectors. It is the first time commercial research firms, alongside universities, can back candidates; the pathway has already helped 12,500+ people from 130+ countries.
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UK opens Global Talent visa endorsement to 100+ R&D companies
Why this matters for founders
R&D-intensive founders whose projects are backed by a UKRI endorsed funder can now recruit top overseas scientists via Global Talent, which needs no sponsor licence and no tie to one employer. Check whether your funder qualifies and route hires through this pathway instead of a costly Skilled Worker sponsorship.
Source: GOV.UK (Home Office / DSIT)
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