Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

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ATAS certificate requirement

As of 21 May 2021, international researchers applying to enter or remain in the UK under the Skilled Worker, Government Authorised Exchange (Temporary Work) (GAE), or Visitor visa routes must obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

This requirement applies to specific nationalities and research roles in fields where the UK government assesses potential risks related to the development of Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), or associated delivery systems. It also extends to research that could enable the Intangible Transfer of Technology (ITT) relevant to WMD or ACMT programs that threaten UK national security.

To be subject to the ATAS requirement, all of the following criteria must be met.

1) Visa application type

All new and existing staff applying under the following visa routes must obtain ATAS clearance:

• Skilled Worker
• Government Authorised Exchange visa (Temporary Work)
• Standard/Academic Visitor

No other visa routes currently require ATAS clearance.

*Note: ATAS clearance is also required for time-limited visas if the individual is pursuing an ATAS-relevant in the UK (see step 4).

2) Nationality

An ATAS certificate is not required for individuals whose nationality is listed on the exempt nationalities list available here.

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• Work visas
• Certificate of Sponsorship
• Managing Migrant Workers
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3) Type of role

For Skilled Worker and GAE visa applicants, the following SOC codes are subject to ATAS requirements:

• 2111–2119 and 2162 (covering all postdoctoral research positions, including Research Assistants)

Additionally, the following roles are in scope, but only if the individual will conduct PhD-level research as part of the role:

Managerial

• 2161 (formerly 2150) Research and Development Managers

Teaching

• 2311 Higher Education Teaching Professionals

Technicians

• 3111 Laboratory Technicians

For university visitors applying for a Standard Visitor visa (business or academic category), the following activities require ATAS clearance:

• Collaborating, gathering information, or conducting research related to employment overseas or independently
• Conducting personal research while on sabbatical from their home institution
• Participating in formal exchange arrangements with UK counterparts (including doctors) if research falls within an ATAS-liable field (see step 4)

ATAS is not required for visitors attending conferences, meetings, interviews, or workshops.

4) Research field

The field/programme of research must be classified under one or more of the following CAH3 codes:

The faculty/department is responsible for providing the applicant with a completed Statement of Research for their ATAS application. As the information provided will appear on the ATAS certificate, accuracy is essential. The form must be completed in English, including the names of any overseas educational or employer institutions.

Skilled Worker Visa and Government Authorised Exchange (Temporary Work) visa applicants

New staff members requiring a Skilled Worker or GAE visa must obtain an ATAS certificate before a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can be issued

Existing staff members extending their stay or switching to an ATAS-required immigration route may, in some cases, receive a CoS before the ATAS certificate is available. For guidance, please contact the HR Staff Immigration team.

Visitor visa applicants

An ATAS certificate is not required at the time of submitting a Visitor visa application. However, the visit cannot begin until the certificate is provided to the host faculty/department.