Supporting International Visitors - How to Apply for a Visa

Visitors can apply for a visa up to three months before travelling to the UK, and a decision takes around three weeks. If a visitor will be carrying out research in certain subjects, they may need to obtain permission via the Academic Technology Approval Scheme, which may also take several months.

'Genuine Visitor' requirement

All visitors must show that they are a genuine visitor, and:

• will leave the UK at the end of the visit
• will only undertake permitted activities allowed for the visitor route
• visitors should not be paid, fill or cover a role, do work placements or internships
• will not work for the University, do a work placement, work experience, an internship or take employment in the UK
• will not access medical treatment, claim public funds or live in the UK through successive visits
• will not undertake any prohibited activities
• have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs for the visit, including the cost of the return or onward journey.

Supporting documents

UKVI have guidance on the supporting documents for visit visa application. You may need to include the following:

• An invitation letter from the University which includes a detailed explanation of the reasons for the visit and plans for the visit should be included.
• Other documents showing the visitor's finances, family ties and employment may be required. Official translations may be required.
• Providing a numbered list of documents included in the application can be useful.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) - for Researchers

International visitors taking part in postgraduate level research or study in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects need ATAS approval.

Student and research visitors should apply as early as possible as ATAS approval can take several months. As the timescales are variable, we would recommend obtaining the ATAS certificate before applying for a visa or planning travel to the UK.

Visitors with nationalities including the EU, EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea and the USA do not need ATAS approval.

Further information is available on the ATAS webpages.

How to apply

Visit visa applications need to be made online, and the application process and requirements are set out on the Standard Visitor webpage.  The visitor must:

• obtain ATAS approval (if required)
• apply using the online application form and upload the supporting documents
• pay the relevant fees
• provide biometrics
• provide a passport or other document establishing their identity and nationality
• obtain entry visa
• plan travel to the UK

Most visitors will need to apply for a visa in advance. Some nationalities can apply to enter the UK as a visitor by presenting the relevant documents to an official on arrival at the border, and they may also be able to use the passport eGates which will automatically grant entry clearance as a standard visitor.

International visitors who apply for a visitor visa at the border may need permission to travel to the UK using the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. Further information is available on the Electronic Travel Authorisation webpage.

If you have previously been refused entry to the UK or if you have a criminal record, you may wish to apply for a Visitor visa in advance.

Useful information and links

UKVI Guidance - Check if you need a visa

UKVI Guidance - Standard visitor

UKVI Guidance - Visit visa: guide to supporting documents

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