UK's Global Talent Visa supports mobility of scientists and researchers
22 Feb 2021
Are you a researcher or a scientist seeking a fast route into the UK post Brexit? There's still time to benefit from the Global Talent Visa. With an extended COVID-19 concession until 31 July, this streamlined access path for EU and international applicants allows researchers to undertake vital research, start spinouts, and bring family.
One year since its launch, the Global Talent Visa has enabled hundreds of scientists and researchers to come to the UK to undertake vital research that contributes to challenges like Covid-19 and economic recovery.
The visa was designed as a fast and efficient route into the UK for leading scientists and researchers from around the world, as well as their teams.
It supports the international mobility of researchers and other specialists, which is vital to the pursuit of new ideas and technology.
Four routes to a UK visa
It is open to EU and international applications and has four routes: a senior appointment or an individual fellowship at an approved institution, through a grant by an endorsed funder and through peer review.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) operates the endorsed funder route of the visa. Its global mobility team worked to simplify the application process and reduce the bureaucracy involved in obtaining a visa to do research in the UK.
The pandemic’s arrival proved that the UK benefits from the quick arrival of bright minds to work on a range of priority research and innovation areas.
A Covid-19 concession was introduced for the Global Talent Visa so that some scientists and researchers could come to the UK to work on the pandemic response.
Linda Holliday, deputy director for global mobility and inclusion at UKRI said: “The Global Talent Visa frees up researchers to focus on groundbreaking, ambitious research.
“Research doesn’t always follow a straight path, and we’ve designed the visa to reflect that. Global Talent Visa holders can change employers or start spin out companies.
“This visa’s flexibility means researchers can work part-time, move research jobs and bring their families with them. It’s an inclusive and practical approach.
“Its flexibility was tested, and proved, by the arrival of Covid-19. UKRI had to make sure people could get into the country to conduct the research and innovation that has helped us tackle the pandemic.
“Scientists and researchers were able to arrive safely in the UK and get to work quickly.”
Now, the visa’s Covid-19 concession has been extended until 31 July 2021 and the visa is open to researchers from around the world, including the EU.
The Global Talent Visa is open for applications. Scientists and researchers can find out more by visiting: https://www.ukri.org/our-work/collaborating-internationally/get-funding-and-visas-to-do-research-in-the-uk/
