Academic Technology Approval Scheme

Information on the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requirements for a Skilled Worker, Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Sponsored Researcher visa and Visiting Researchers

ATAS

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is for security clearance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for studies and research where an individual’s knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) or their means of delivery. 


An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate is required when undertaking an element of research at PhD level or above in certain sensitive subjects, including science, engineering, medicine and technology and the individual is:

  • Applying for an initial or extension Skilled Worker or  Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Sponsored Researcher visa.  
  • Visiting to undertake research under the Standard Visitor route.

Graduate students or students on undergraduate course which leads to a postgraduate qualification studying in sensitive subjects may also require ATAS.

For school staff, please refer to the homeofficecompliance@salford.ac.uk for advice specific to making a student ATAS application.

Additional information
Exempt nationalities

The following nationalities are exempt from the ATAS requirement:

  • UK, EU/EEA and Swiss nationals
  • Nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, or the United States of America.

Dual nationals who hold one of the listed nationalities above will also be exempt.

Exemption of nationality is not based on place of residence, but on nationality only.

Process

The ATAS certificate must be obtained from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO):

  • Before the HR-UKVI Team can issue the Skilled Worker or Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Sponsored Researcher Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Before commencing their research if visiting under the Standard Visitor route
When should I apply for ATAS clearance?

An ATAS clearance certificate is valid for six months from the date of issue by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). You can apply for an ATAS certificate up to six months in advance of the beginning of your role or research.

We strongly recommend that you apply for ATAS clearance as soon as you can because it can take approximately 20 working days (four weeks) to process the application. Please be aware that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have confirmed that, during peak times, delays should be expected. Peak times are between April and September. If applicants apply between April and September, it can take at least 30 working days to complete.

Apply for your ATAS

If, after reading this guidance, you have confirmed that you require ATAS clearance, please apply as soon as possible. An ATAS application is free, should be submitted online, and takes 20 working days to be decided.

To complete the application, information on the correct CAH3 code (provided by the university), approved research statement and details of the research arrangements must be provided by the school or line manager.

The online application has 10 sections which request information on:

  • Research 
  • Personal details
  • Spouse
  • Contact details.
  • Education
  • Other education
  • Published Papers
  • Employment history
  • Referees 
  • Sponsors

Guidance on the ATAS application from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office should be read carefully, alongside the information provided by the school.

What is a research statement, and do I need one?

If you are a new member of staff applying for a Skilled Worker/Government Authorised Exchange Visa, you are required to provide research statement. It’s a simple and straight forward application, most of the details you need will be in your job description.  If you need further clarification on the statement, please contact the school of line manager for support.

Name of Sponsor:
University of Salford
City or town: Salford
County, area district or province: Greater Manchester
Postcode: M5 4WT
Email address to be provided as part of the application: salford-atas@salford.ac.uk

Skilled Worker/GAE Sponsored Researcher

  • The ATAS certificate is checked to ensure the details are correct
  • The Certificate of Sponsorship will be issued stating the ATAS certificate reference number. 
  • A copy of the ATAS certificate must be included with the visa application supporting documents.

Failure to include a copy of the ATAS certificate with the visa application is likely to lead to a visa refusal.

Visiting researcher

An ATAS certificate may be required for any Standard Visitor Visa application where the research undertaken relates to a CAH3 code that requires ATAS clearance. This certificate must be presented to the school and checked before any visit commences. 

Failure to obtain the ATAS certificate or errors on the certificate will stop the research from commencing. It is therefore strongly recommended that the ATAS certificate is applied for and obtained before travelling to the UK.

ATAS Certificate outcome

The university and the applicant are notified of the outcome of the application via email. For the University the notification is sent to a generic email address for which The Home Office Compliance Team and HR-UKVI has access. 

If the application is successful, an ATAS certificate is provided, which is valid for 6 months during which time the Skilled Worker or Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Sponsored Researcher visa must be applied for. School and line managers will be notified immediately of any unsuccessful application (which are rare).

An individual can begin their research up to 2 weeks before or any time after the start date stated on their certificate.

If I have any further questions – who should I contact?  
You can also contact the HR-UKVI team via emailing:

hr-ukvi@salford.ac.uk

HR-UKVI Team
Student Administration 
University House