The ATAS application processing time for research staff has recently been updated to align with the Student application processing time of at least 20 working days (four full weeks), and during peak times between April and September, at least 30 working days.
ATAS applies to the sponsored UK work visa routes, including Skilled Worker and Government Authorised Exchange (formerly Tier 5), and the UK Visitor visa (Standard or Academic). For further information on ATAS including eligibility criteria and the sponsorship process, please see the University UK Visas and Immigration SharePoint site for staff and visitors – ATAS
If you are a Researcher and you need to extend or switch your visa under a sponsored work route and you are subject to ATAS, please allow at least ten weeks to apply for and obtain ATAS clearance before your current visa expires and for the University to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship. The University will only provide a Certificate of Sponsorship once approval confirmation is received from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (UK Government department).
If you are a hiring manager or line manager of a current/prospective sponsored employee, please be aware of the updated ATAS processing times and consider this timeframe, where possible, in any recruitment start date or contract extension request.
You may also be interested in the following links to the sponsored work visas:
- University UK Visas and Immigration SharePoint site for staff and visitors – Skilled Worker for Managers
- University UK Visas and Immigration SharePoint site for staff and visitors – Skilled Worker for Employees
- University UK Visas and Immigration SharePoint site for staff and visitors – Government Authorised Exchange (formerly Tier 5)
Please contact Ask HR if you have any initial queries.
