CRUK-funded researchers typically tend to apply via Routes 2 and 3 – both fast-tracked routes – depending on whether you’ll be, or are currently, a member of staff employed on a CRUK-grant or based at one of our core-funded Institutes, or if you hold the award yourself as a CRUK Fellow (the latter use Route 2).
I’ll cover Route 3 first here as I’ve heard some misconceptions about this route.
Route 3: For members of staff employed on a CRUK-grant
CRUK is an approved UK research and innovation funder on Route 3, so your application can be fast tracked.
Fast track endorsement under route 3 is available for staff employed on a CRUK grant or those based at a core-funded CRUK Institute.
Your host institution must also be on the list of employing or hosting institutions approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for Global Talent. Most of the institutions CRUK typically funds are on this list, and our core-funded Institutes are also covered.
To be eligible, you’ll also need to:
For endorsement, you’ll need to submit:
- your Grant Award Letter (GAL),
- a statement of guarantee from the organisation that is employing or hosting you.
If you are funded by CRUK, you’ll only need to provide the Grant Award Letter you already have – no additional information will be needed other than the statement of guarantee from your host institution.
To date since 2020, when this application route began, all of our CRUK associated applications via the UKRI endorsed funder route have been endorsed, with none rejected.
For the second application stage, you’ll then apply via the Global Talent Visa via the Government website.
Route 2: For CRUK Fellows
Most of our Fellows are eligible for the fast-track option under Route 2: individual fellowship, either under ‘Exceptional talent’ or ‘Exceptional promise’.
If you hold one of our CRUK fellowship awards approved by the Royal Society you’re guaranteed an endorsement of your Global Talent visa application.
CRUK’s approved fellowship funding schemes are:
‘Exceptional talent’:
- Programme Foundation Award
- Senior Cancer Research Fellowship
‘Exceptional promise’:
- Advanced Clinician Scientist Fellowship
- Career Development Fellowship
- Career Establishment Award
- Clinician Scientist Fellowship
- Clinical Trial Fellowship Award
- Population Research Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Postdoctoral Research Bursary for Clinical Trainees
To apply for Route 2 endorsement, you’ll need a copy of your fellowship Grant Award Letter and you can apply directly on the Government website.
You can apply for the Global Talent visa at the same time as you apply for endorsement, or after you have the endorsement confirmed.
If you are already in the UK, you may also be able to switch to the GTV from other visas.
