| Summary of the new proposed visa route |
|---|
| – £115 million in funding is being invested to attract global science, tech, and creative talent to the UK. – All costs are 100% covered, including visa fees for researchers and their families, removing major relocation barriers. – A new Global Talent Taskforce will identify and support high-potential individuals relocating to the UK. – The initiative supports the UK’s new Industrial Strategy and aims to boost innovation, business, and jobs. |
The UK government has announced a major push to bring the world’s top talent to its shores. Backed by £115 million in funding, the Global Talent Taskforce aims to position the UK as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and world-class research.
This initiative, which complements the upcoming Industrial Strategy, is a key component of the government’s Plan for Change—designed to create secure, high-skilled jobs and foster economic growth.
It will also build on commitments in the recent Immigration White Paper to expand eligible institutions for the High Potential Individual visa and fast-track the brightest and best talent into UK high-growth and strategic industries, such as the science and technology sectors.
According to the press release by the gov.uk, Jonathan Reynolds, Business and Trade Secretarymentioned the importance of this initiative in the following words:
“This is about making Britain the best place in the world to do business. We’re backing talent, boosting British innovation, and creating well-paying jobs for the future.”
Furthermore, Peter Kyle, Science and Technology Secretary, said:
“Genius knows no borders—but the UK offers a unique environment where ideas can thrive and change lives. We want you here.”
What Is the Global Talent Taskforce?
Purpose:
The Global Talent Taskforce is a new government-backed team that will:
| Responsibility | Description |
| Identify Talent | Actively seek out researchers, entrepreneurs, creatives, and investors worldwide |
| Relocation Support | Help top-tier professionals relocate to the UK, covering visa and moving costs |
| Build Talent Networks | Work with UK embassies and international networks to create a global pipeline of talent |
This Taskforce will report directly to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, reflecting the importance of the mission.
How Will the £115 Million Be Used?
The proposed funding will be distributed across several schemes designed to make relocation attractive and seamless for global talent:
| Funding Programme | Amount | Purpose |
| Global Talent Fund | £54 million | Supports relocation and research costs for elite researchers |
| Turing AI Global Fellowships | £25 million | Funds groundbreaking AI research by top global academics |
| Encode: AI for Science Fellowship | Included in £25M | Embeds AI researchers into UK scientific labs |
| National Academies Grants | £30 million | Fast-track fellowship routes via Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering |
Why This Matters?
a) Global Competition for Talent
With countries competing fiercely for high-skilled individuals, the UK is doubling down to stay ahead. The new strategy not only aims to attract talent but also to retain it by offering world-class opportunities and infrastructure.
b) Sectors That Will Benefit
Key industries being targeted include:
- Science and Biotechnology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Green Technologies
- Creative Industries
- Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing
The UK is sending a clear signal: the doors are open for global brilliance. Whether you’re a scientist with a breakthrough idea, a tech entrepreneur with a game-changing app, or a creative shaping the future—Britain wants you.
Additional Announcements
The expansion of the high-potential individual visa scheme to include more global institutions. The UK’s re-entry into Horizon Europe opens the door to even more international research funding. Moreover, the EU’s €500M “Choose Europe” grants will now support talent relocating to the UK.