How to make an ATAS application

You can check if an ATAS certificate is required and apply for one online via the GOV website.

There is no charge for applying for an ATAS certificate.

When you need to apply for your ATAS certificate will depend on which Visa route you are using to come to the UK:

• Individuals on skilled worker and tier 5 (GAE) sponsored researcher visas will need ATAS certification before we can issue a certificate of sponsorship.
• International researchers on the standard visitor visa route will need ATAS certification before beginning any work, it is strongly recommended that this is completed prior to traveling to the UK.

It will take at least two weeks to process an ATAS application for an international researcher though processing times may increase to three weeks at peak times (April - September).

Hosting Departments will need to provide both sponsored workers and those on Standard Visitor Visas with the correct CAH3 code for the relevant subject area. A list of the relevant CAH3 codes are available on the CAH3 subject area codes page.

In addition Hosting Departments will need to provide a statement of Research to be used in the individuals application.This statement should be written by a colleague with a detailed technical knowledge of the activities the researcher will be undertaking from an academic perspective. It is essential that the research statement accurately reflects all the activities that the researcher will carry out.

The HR Compliance team will work with Departments to provide the correct CAH3 codes and research statements for our sponsored workers to enable them to apply for ATAS certification. We will ensure that Certification has been granted through our Right to Work Checks.

It is essential that hosting Departments check that any Visitors undertaking research have ATAS certification before allowing them to undertake research. If this is not provided the visitor must not be permitted onto University premises.

Full guidance has been published by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on what you will need to submit an application.