Visitor visas

Visitor Visas overview

The University of York collaborates across the globe through partnerships, networks and research. Welcoming and supporting our international visitors is key to making this collaboration happen.

UK immigration rules are complex and confusing, but we have a duty to ensure that all visitors are on the right visa type. The main purpose and duration of the visit will determine which visa route your visitor should use. We have developed a visitor visa tool to highlight some of the more commonly used visa routes.

Unless they are undertaking a Paid Permitted Engagement, visitors should not be paid, fill or cover a role, do work placements or internships.

The main purpose and duration of a visit to the University will determine which visa route your visitor should use. We have developed this tool to highlight some of the more commonly used visa routes.

This is a simplified list, and visit purposes that fall outside of these groups may require a different visa, or may not be possible under the immigration rules. Please email hr-compliance@york.ac.uk if you need help.

  • attend meetings, conferences, seminars, interviews
  • give a one-off or short series of unpaid talks and speeches
  • collaborate, gather information and facts, or conduct research, either for a specific project which directly relates to their employment overseas, or independently
  • take part in a formal exchange
  • take a PhD oral (viva) examination
  • sit an entrance exam, re-sit an examination or retake a module
  • negotiate and sign deals and contracts
  • undertake work-related training if the visitor is employed overseas and the training is not available in their home country
  • gather information for their employment overseas
  • install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on equipment, computer software and hardware, if there is a contract with the University

Visa they should apply for: Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months)

Further information can be found on the Standard Visitor Visa website

If the visitor is employed overseas and is being invited as an expert in their profession, they can:

  • give a lecture or series of lectures
  • speak at a conference
  • be a student examiner or panel member
  • carry out relevant professional activities for artists, entertainers or musicians

Visa they should apply for: Visitor Visa: Permitted Paid Engagement (up to 30 days after arrival in the UK)

Further information can be found on the Permitted paid engagement website

If the visitor is a student registered on a degree course overseas, they can:

  • study a course
  • undertake unpaid research relevant to their course overseas or learn about research
  • complete unpaid elective courses linked to their overseas medical/nursing/clinical study

Visa they should apply for: Visitor Visa: Visit to Study (6 months)

Further information can be found on the Visit to study website

The visitor must be a highly qualified academic, scientist or researcher working overseas at an overseas academic institution and on sabbatical leave during their visit to the UK.

Visa they should apply for: Visitor Visa: Science and Academia (12 months)

Further information can be found on the Science and Academia website

Sponsored Temporary Worker (up to 2 years)

Further information can be found on the Temporary worker website

If the main purpose of the visit is not listed, it may not be permitted under the immigration rules. Please contact HR Compliance - email hr-compliance@york.ac.uk

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

International visitors who will be studying or carrying out postgraduate level research in STEM subjects must obtain Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) approval before they start the research. ATAS approval can take several months and further information is available on the ATAS webpages.

Practical Arrangements

  • Where appropriate, reasonable expenses can be paid to cover travel and subsistence costs in line with University policy.
  • Issue a visitor invitation letter to the visitor.
  • Check whether the visitor requires ATAS approval and obtain a copy of the ATAS certificate.
  • The visitor’s visa must be checked on arrival in the department

Supporting Visitors to the UK

There is further information on how to apply for a visa

Useful information and links

UKVI Guidance - Check if you need a visa

UKVI Guidance - Standard visitor

Should you have any questions or queries you can contact the team at hr-compliance@york.ac.uk.