A select group of private companies, including AstraZeneca and Jaguar Land Rover, can now endorse migrants for the UK's global talent visa. This marks the first time businesses have been granted this power under an expansion of the visa route.
The list of over 100 companies also includes GSK, Arm, and various large companies and research start-ups. These firms will now be able to recommend highly-talented individuals for applications to help boost the UK's research and development (R&D) capabilities.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated that this expansion to businesses employing researchers would strengthen the government's industrial strategy. This strategy is Labour's plan to grow the UK economy over 10 years by focusing on high-growth industries like AI.
Previously, endorsements for the special visa were limited to a select number of bodies or contracted companies, such as Arts Council England and the Royal Society. The government expanded the route in April to fast-track academic appointments and PhD-level roles supporting innovation.
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) is leading on these reforms. The global talent visa costs £766 to apply, with endorsements costing £561 and an annual healthcare surcharge of £1,035.