The UK has expanded its Global Talent visa scheme to more than 100 innovative research companies, allowing them to support leading scientists and engineers from around the world to live and work in the country.
The expansion, announced on Thursday, August 6, 2026, is designed to help UK businesses attract international researchers working in areas including artificial intelligence, clean energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and quantum technology.
The UK government said the move would strengthen the country’s position as a destination for highly skilled global talent while helping innovative companies expand their operations and create skilled jobs.
For the first time, exceptional researchers working on funded projects can be supported in their move to the UK by research-intensive commercial businesses.
The newly approved companies include major firms such as AstraZeneca and Jaguar Land Rover, alongside fast-growing businesses including Added Value Solutions, Denroy Plastics and Ffilm Cymru.
The companies involved operate across eight high-growth sectors identified under the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, including advanced manufacturing, digital and technologies, clean energy, life sciences and the creative industries.
Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, said the expansion would make it easier for innovative British companies to recruit researchers capable of developing new medicines, technologies and industries.
“The UK is already a magnet for the world’s most brilliant minds,” Reynolds said, adding that the discoveries made by these researchers could help grow the economy and create skilled employment.
The government said the Global Talent visa has already helped more than 12,500 talented people from over 130 countries build research careers in Britain through the endorsed funder pathway.
Under the expanded scheme, commercial research companies will join universities, academic institutions and independent research bodies that can already support eligible international researchers.
Who can qualify for the Global Talent visa?
The Global Talent visa is aimed at individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent or promise in fields including science, research, engineering, medicine, humanities and the arts.
Researchers can qualify through several fast-track routes, including a leading academic appointment, an eligible competitive fellowship or being named on a funded research grant.
There is also a peer-review route for established or potential research leaders who do not hold an eligible academic appointment, fellowship or research grant.
The government said the scheme could also give researchers more flexibility to move to another company or establish a spin-out business in the UK.
More opportunities for international researchers
The latest announcement follows changes made in April to simplify the Global Talent visa’s fast-track academic appointment route.
The changes expanded eligibility to cover roles at approved UK institutions in academic, research, innovation leadership and development, as well as PhD-level positions where research and innovation is the primary function.
The government is also preparing to expand the Future Technology Research and Innovation (FTRI) scheme, which allows eligible UK companies working on critical technologies to host international researchers, scientists, interns and technical specialists for up to two years.
The proposed expansion will open the FTRI scheme to more research and development-focused businesses working in areas such as AI, quantum technology and engineering biology.
The government said the measures form part of a wider strategy to attract international researchers at different stages of their careers and strengthen the UK’s science and technology sectors.
It is also using a £54 million Global Talent Fund to attract research group leaders to Britain, while a Global Talent Taskforce has been established to identify and attract highly skilled international talent.
The government said the combined measures are intended to help bring more international expertise to Britain, support innovation and strengthen the country’s economy.
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