Global Talent visa changes: list of endorsed funders updated

The Government has recently published an updated list of endorsed funders and hosting organisations approved by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) under the Global Talent route 3 (endorsed funders).

What is the Global Talent - Endorsed Funders Route?

Endorsed funders are UK-based organisations accepted by UKRI as prestigious funders in research and innovation.

Those working at one of the approved hosting organisations on a research grant or award from an endorsed funder may qualify for fast-track endorsement under the Global Talent route.

To be eligible for endorsement under this route, applicants must demonstrate:

  • That they are working on a research grant or award from an endorsed funder, either in the UK or abroad
  • That the grant or award is worth at least £30,000 and covers a minimum of 2 years
  • That there is at least one year remaining on their employment contract or hosting agreement
  • That they will spend at least 50% of their time working on the grant (Principal Investigators and co-investigators are allowed to work on more than one grant to prove this requirement)
  • That they are essential to the execution of the grant

To prove they meet the requirements, applicants need to provide:

  • A statement of guarantee from the Director of Human Resources or equivalent at the eligible research organisation
  • A copy of the grant award letter(s), or a link to the award on a UKRI-approved database

The following organisations have been added to the list of endorsed funders:

  • Asthma and Lung UK
  • Bowel Cancer UK
  • Danish National Research Foundation (Denmark)
  • Getty Foundation (USA)
  • Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH) (UK)
  • Invest NI (UK)
  • Marie Curie (UK)
  • NDE Research Association (NDEVR) (UK)
  • Novo Nordisk Foundation (Denmark)
  • Ovarian Cancer Action (UK)
  • Yorkshire Cancer Research (UK)

The following organisations have been added to the list of approved hosting or employing organisations:

  • Research Data Scotland

For advice and assistance with your Global Talent endorsement and visa application, contact our Business and Skilled Migration Team