The expansion, announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) on August 6, 2026, extends the endorsed funder pathway of the Global Talent visa to eligible businesses involved in research and development. The Global Talent visa provides a flexible route for leading researchers and specialists to build their careers in the UK. UKRI said the change will allow innovative businesses across the country to access a wider pool of global research talent. More than 100 businesses have now been added to the list of organisations approved by UKRI for the Global Talent visa pathway. The UK Global Talent Visa expansion comes as governments and businesses worldwide compete to attract researchers, engineers, scientists and technology specialists.