Overview
- The government announced on Thursday that more than 100 research-intensive private companies have been added to UK Research and Innovation’s 'endorsed funder' pathway to the Global Talent visa.
- Named firms on the published list include AstraZeneca, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and IBM, which can now formally back exceptional researchers to enter the UK for funded projects.
- Under the route, eligible companies will provide endorsements that speed applicants into the visa process and preserve visa-holder flexibility to move between UK projects and roles.
- Application costs remain unchanged: a £561 endorsement fee plus a £205 visa fee and an annual immigration health surcharge of £1,035 per person.
- The expansion is framed as part of an industrial strategy to accelerate private-sector R&D in priority areas and could widen opportunities for overseas researchers, noting the scheme has already granted over 700 visas with Indians among the top nationalities.