Guidance for Applicants (ATAS)

I’m already in the UK as a researcher, do I need an ATAS certificate?

You do not need to apply for an ATAS certificate if you:

  • are already conducting research in the UK
  • were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the requirement for ATAS certificates was introduced on 21 May 2021, and you are continuing this research

You do need to apply for an ATAS certificate if you:

  • are already conducting research in the UK and you apply for a new visa or apply to extend your current visa
  • were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the requirement for ATAS certificates was introduced on 21 May 2021 and are returning to the UK to do research
  • hold an ATAS certificate for a UK course you have undertaken and are making a new application for a Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, Tier 5 International Agreement, or Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa. You need it before you apply for a visa.
  • change your field of research or change where you conduct your research

 

As an applicant, will I be notified if I need an ATAS certificate?

Yes. 

  • For Skilled Worker/Temporary Worker (GAE) visa applicants HR will advise you if an ATAS certificate is required and provide you with a form to use as part of your application.
  • For Standard Visitor visa applicants, managers will confirm whether an ATAS is required and will provide you with a form to use as part of your application.

 

Do I need a new certificate if I am extending my visa?

Yes, a new ATAS certificate will be required.  The ATAS guidance recommends that you apply for your ATAS certificate at least 4 months before your current visa expires.

 

How much does it cost?

There is no cost for an ATAS certificate.

 

When should I apply?

  • If you are extending your Skilled Worker/Temporary Worker (GAE) visa, the ATAS guidance recommends that you apply for your ATAS certificate at least 4 months before your current visa expires.  HR are not able to issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship until they have received the ATAS certificate. 
  • If you are a new Skilled Worker/Temporary Worker (GAE) visa applicant we recommend that you apply as soon as you receive confirmation from HR that an ATAS is required but no earlier than 6 months prior to your proposed work start date.  HR are not able to issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship until they have received the ATAS certificate. 
  • Standard Visitor visa applicants do not need to have their ATAS certificate in place at the time of applying, however, it is strongly recommended that the ATAS certificate is applied for and obtained before travelling to the UK.

 

What route do I chose?

You should choose ‘Researcher’ on the application unless you will be coming to the UK to work and study for a PhD at the same time.  In that case, choose ‘Taught/Research student’.

 

What do I need to apply?

To apply online you need:

  • information about your programme of study/research including the relevant CAH3 code, which we will provide to you

You will also need to provide information on:

  • previous studies
  • previous and current employment (if applicable)
  • all published papers
  • your area of research and a description
  • full names and contact details of 2 referees
  • how you will be sponsored whilst in the UK

 

I’m going to be a researcher and will also be undertaking a period of study, what do I need to include?

Researchers also undertaking a period of study should include both the research project and study activities in their application.

 

How do I apply?

You should apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate online.

 

What is my CAH3 code?

This will be confirmed on the ATAS Research Statement Form you will receive.

 

What start date should I enter on the form?

  • If you are a new visa applicant you should enter the proposed work start date.
  • If you are applying to extend your visa you should enter the start date for the visa extension application (the day after your current visa expires). 
  • If you already hold a relevant visa and are applying for permission to undertake different, new or additional research activity you should enter a start date which gives you enough time to apply for and obtain the ATAS certificate before you commence the new research activity. 

Start dates must be in the future, retrospective applications are not permitted.

 

Who is my named supervisor?

  • For Skilled Worker/Temporary Worker (GAE) visa applicants HR will provide you with a form which confirms this information.
  • For Standard Visitor visa applicants, managers will provide you with a form which confirms this information.

 

How will I get the research statement?

  • For Skilled Worker/Temporary Worker (GAE) visa applicants HR will advise you if an ATAS certificate is required and provide you with a form to use as part of your application.  This form will include the research statement.  You should not make any changes to the information on the form.
  • For Standard Visitor visa applicants, managers will confirm whether an ATAS is required and will provide you with a form to use as part of your application.  This form will include the research statement.  You should not make any changes to the information on the form.

 

Where do I find information about my sponsor?

This relates to your financial sponsor i.e. research funder.

  • For Skilled Worker/Temporary Worker (GAE) visa applicants HR will provide you with a form which confirms this information.  
  • For Standard Visitor visa applicants, you must be able to support yourself or have funding from someone else to support you.  Those are the details you need to provide.  

 

How long does it take?

ATAS applications take at least 20 working days (4 full weeks) to process. If you apply between April and September, it can take at least 30 working days to complete.

To ensure fairness and consistency applications are processed in order of receipt. There is no ‘fast track’ service therefore, you should submit your ATAS application as early as possible.

 

How long does an ATAS last?

An ATAS certificate is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued, to enable applicants time to apply for their visa.

 

What will I receive?

If your ATAS application is successful, you will receive a certificate by email. You should check your junk folders regularly to ensure the email has not been filtered out. When you receive your certificate, you should:

  • check the details on it are correct and match your offer/research documentation from your HEI or research institute
  • if the details are correct, print the certificate and include it in your visa application documentation
  • contact the ATAS unit at ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk if there are mistakes or inaccuracies

 The University will also receive an email if your application has been successful.

 

Can I use one ATAS for another institution?

An ATAS certificate is applicable to one HEI/research institute. If you are conducting research at more than one institute, you need to apply for an ATAS certificate for each, which includes information on the research you will undertake at each HEI/research institute.

 

What happens if I enter the incorrect information, or the information on my ATAS certificate is incorrect?

ATAS applications with incorrect information will cause delays to processing your application.

Contact the ATAS unit at ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk if there are mistakes or inaccuracies.  You may be required to re-apply for another ATAS certificate.

 

How do I contact the ATAS team?

Email ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk if you have a query about your application.  They will not reply to any query on an application that is not at least 20 working days old.

The ATAS team usually works from Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and they aim to answer emails within 5 working days but this may not be possible during busy times.