JLR joins UK Global Talent visa scheme to back top researchers

London,UPDATED: Aug 6, 2026 21:26 IST

Jaguar Land Rover, owned by Tata Motors, has been included in a list of more than 100 research-led companies that can now support applications under the UK’s Global Talent visa. The expanded fast-track route is aimed at exceptional scientists and engineers from around the world, including India, to work on funded projects in Britain.

The move broadens a visa scheme that was earlier open through higher education institutions, academic bodies and independent research institutes. With the latest expansion, selected companies such as JLR, IBM and AstraZeneca can also back eligible researchers, as the UK looks to make it easier for top global talent to work on projects in the country.

Announcing the change on Thursday, UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said: "By expanding the Global Talent visa to more than 100 businesses, we are making it easier than ever for our most innovative companies to recruit eligible researchers who will develop the medicines, technologies and industries of the future right here in the UK, underpinning our industrial strategy, creating skilled jobs and driving growth in the process."

Indians are already among the top three nationalities using the tightly controlled route, which was launched in 2022. More than 700 Global Talent visas have been granted so far. Professor Christopher Smith, , Talent and Skills Champion at UK Research and Innovation, said: "The expansion of the Global Talent visa to innovative businesses across the country will ensure these benefits are felt across more of the country and in a wide range of sectors, from medicines and AI to the creative and cultural economy."

The visa allows individuals to move between projects as they build their research careers in the UK. UKRI said its endorsed funder pathway, which now includes research-focused companies such as JLR, IBM and AstraZeneca, will give eligible candidates a faster route to pursue their work in the country. The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade said: "The move will help secure the arrival of some of the world's best and brightest to drive breakthroughs in clean energy, life sciences and AI, while helping key businesses to innovate, scale and stay in the UK, in one more step towards re-industrialising Britain." It added: "For the first time, exceptional researchers coming to the UK to work on funded projects can be supported in their move by UK research-intensive businesses thanks to the country's premier visa route for research talent."

The Global Talent visa is open to individuals at all career stages who have already shown their ability through routes such as a senior academic appointment, a competitive fellowship or being named on a funded research grant. It also has a peer review route for established or potential research leaders who do not have an eligible appointment, fellowship or grant. Under this week’s expansion, researchers can now be backed by more than 100 commercial research businesses as well as approved universities and research institutes.

According to the department, the selected firms were chosen for work in areas such as sustainable technologies including nuclear fusion, medicines, the car industry and the use of technology in creative industries. UKRI said allowing these businesses to support globally mobile research talent would clearly benefit the UK’s research delivery plans. Overall, the expansion brings companies such as JLR into a wider visa route designed to attract leading researchers to funded projects across Britain.

With PTI Inputs

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