The research and development (R&D) sector is in a tricky position when it comes to talking about immigration. On the one hand, there is a healthy amount of evidence showing the benefits of skilled immigration into the sector and public support for skilled immigration. On the other, it is a relatively small voice in a much louder debate around overall immigration into the UK and has historically struggled to cut through. The outcomes of this can be seen in UK immigration policy that still poses many barriers to the sector.
People and skills
The science base is as strong as the people and skills in it. We work with our members and the R&D community to develop policy recommendations that will help ensure the UK has a diverse and talented skills base to meet the requirements of an R&D-intensive economy.
Explore
Barriers in the visa system for UK R&D organisations
23 Sep 2025
In this briefing CaSE has collated insights from 15 research organisations demonstrating the barriers they face in the UK visa system.
CaSE’s Guide for Engaging the Public with Researcher Immigration
07 Oct 2025
We want to help advocates tell a more compelling story about the value of researcher immigration for the UK.
