plans after completion of research atas

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for Academics/Researchers

Overview of the atas requirements and application process for international academics and research-only staff..

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects.

The subjects and research areas are those where knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) or their means of delivery. Researchers and students in these sensitive subjects must apply for an ATAS certificate before they can study or start research in the UK.

Please note that the guidance below relates to post-doctoral researchers, academic staff undertaking research (including those undertaking teaching and research) as well as visiting academic and research staff, not students . Please refer to the Student Immigration Service ATAS webpage for more information.

The ATAS requirement takes additional time in the recruitment process and can delay when a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can be issued and when an appointed international researcher / academic can start. If you can respond quickly to requests from HR on this matter, it will reduce the delay.

• Who needs to apply for an ATAS Certificate?

You (or your member of staff if you are recruiting them) will be required to apply for an ATAS certificate if all five of the following criteria are met:

• Nationality - you are not a citizen of one of the following countries: EU/EEA countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland and the United States of America;
• Visa Application Type - you will be entering the UK or extending your permission to stay under the Skilled Worker Visa (for employees), Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange Visa (used predominantly for visiting academics/researchers) or Standard/Academic Visitor Visa
• Role Level - you will be carrying out research at PhD level or above
• Role Type - your role is sponsored under one of these Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes
• Subject Area - your subject area falls under one of these academic subject (CAH3) codes
• I'm a visiting academic/researcher, do I need an ATAS certificate?

You will not be required to apply for an ATAS certificate if you are attending a conference, interview, meeting, workshop etc.

If you will be undertaking any of the following PhD level research activities in one of the sensitive subject areas and are not a citizen of one of the exempt countries, you will be required to apply for an ATAS certificate:

• gathering information and facts for a specific project which directly relates to your employment overseas, or conducting independent research
• sharing knowledge or advising on an international project that is being led from the UK, provided you are not carrying out research in the UK
• taking part in formal exchange arrangements with UK counterparts (including doctors)
• carrying out research for your own purposes if you are on sabbatical leave from your home institution

In this case, you will need to obtain an ATAS certificate before beginning any relevant research activity once you arrive in the UK, but will not need to do so before making a visa application (where you are required to do so).

It is strongly recommended that you obtain your ATAS certificate before travelling to the UK. The University is required to check your ATAS certificate before allowing any research to commence, and if this is not provided you cannot be permitted on-site.

If you would like to invite a PhD student to visit, please contact the relevant Doctoral College team who can advise you further:

• Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Faculty of Engineering & Design
• Faculty of Science
• School of Management

For all other types of visitor, please refer to our Inviting Visitors to the University webpage for further guidance.

• I'm already in the UK as a researcher, do I need an ATAS certificate?

You do not need to apply for an ATAS certificate if you are already conducting research in the UK or were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the requirement for ATAS certificates was introduced on 21 May 2021, and you are continuing this research.

You will need to apply for an ATAS certificate if you:

• are already conducting research in the UK and you apply for a new visa or apply to extend your current visa
• were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the requirement for ATAS certificates was introduced on 21 May 2021 and are returning to the UK to do research
• hold an ATAS certificate for a UK course you have undertaken and are making a new application for a Skilled Worker Visa or Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange Visa. You need it before you apply for a visa
• change your field of research or change where you conduct your research
• I will be conducting research at Bath and another HEI/research institute, is it ok for me to have only one ATAS certificate?

No, you will require one ATAS certificate for each HEI/research institute.

• As a line manager, will I be notified if my applicant needs an ATAS certificate?

Where an ATAS certificate is required for an applicant, this will be confirmed to you as the recruiting manager by HR. You will be asked to provide the following information in relation to the research area of the role as part of the recruitment/fixed-term contract extension process (if applicable).

• Academic subject (CAH3) code
• Subject/Area of Research
• Research Statement (max. 2000 characters) - You will be asked to provide a brief summary of the applicant’s area of research. This should include information on the scope and application of the research, and the experimental tests and methods/techniques which might be used. You should include complex technical details where appropriate. The summary should be written in the third person and you should ensure this matches the description of the applicant's role as per the job description

The applicant will then use the information you provide above as part of their ATAS application.

• As an applicant, will I be notified if I need an ATAS certificate?

As either a new starter or existing member of staff, you will be notified by the Staff Immigration Team if you are required to apply for an ATAS Certificate. They will advise you of your SOC code, academic subject (CAH3) code and provide you with the research statement from your line manager. These are some of the details you will need to submit as part of your ATAS application.

• When should I apply?

You will be required to obtain an ATAS certificate before applying for either a Skilled Worker Visa or Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange Visa. As these are both sponsored routes, they will require a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by the University before making the visa application. The Staff Immigration Team will not issue you with a CoS until they have received formal confirmation from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that your ATAS application has been approved.

The entry clearance officer will ask to see your ATAS certificate as part of your application for permission to enter the UK. A caseworker will also need to see your ATAS certificate as part of an application for permission to stay in the UK.

• How do I apply?

To apply for an ATAS certificate, please visit the GOV.UK website .

• What do I need to apply?

Please visit the GOV.UK website for more information on how to apply for your ATAS certificate.

As part of the recruitment process, your line manager will be asked to provide specific information in relation to the research area of the role. This will include a short research statement summarising the research activities you will be required to undertake. You will be provided with this information along with the SOC code and CAH3 code by the Staff Immigration Team.

• How much will it cost?

There is currently no charge to apply for an ATAS certificate.

• How long will the application process take?

Current guidelines advise ATAS applications take at least 30 working days (6 full weeks) to process. Processing times can increase between April and September.

• How long is it valid for?

The ATAS certificate is valid for 6 months.

• What will I receive?

If your ATAS application is successful, you will receive a certificate by email from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). You should check your junk folders regularly to ensure the email has not been filtered out. When you receive your certificate, you should:

• check the details on it are correct and match your research documentation from the University
• if the details are correct, print the certificate and include it in your visa application documentation
• contact the ATAS unit at [email protected] if there are mistakes or inaccuracies

The University will also receive a copy of this email confirming if your application has been successful.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Staff Immigration Team

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Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, to study certain subjects in the UK.

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS ) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects.

The subjects and research areas are those where knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction ( WMDs ) or their means of delivery. Researchers and students in these sensitive subjects must apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS ) certificate before they can study or start research in the UK.

Students and researchers who are nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area ( EEA ), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America do not need an ATAS certificate.

Researchers and students of all other nationalities must apply for an ATAS certificate. You must apply if you are undertaking a postgraduate course or research in certain sensitive subjects in the UK. If you are applying to study an undergraduate course with an integrated masters year you may also need ATAS clearance.

• find out if you need an ATAS certificate
• read the guidance on how to apply for an ATAS certificate

The entry clearance officer ( ECO ) will ask to see your ATAS certificate as part of your application for permission to enter the UK. A caseworker will also need to see your ATAS certificate as part of an application for permission to stay in the UK.

UK immigration law does not allow universities to permit international students or researchers to study or undertake research in an ATAS applicable course until the student or researcher has provided the university or research institute with the correct ATAS certificate.

If you’re a new student and need an ATAS certificate, you will need to get this before applying for permission to enter the UK.

When you have received your offer from your university you should apply 6 months before your course will start.

An ATAS certificate is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued, to enable applicants time to apply for their visa.

You should apply for your ATAS certificate as early as possible from when you have received a conditional offer to study at a UK Higher Education Institution ( HEI ).

Make sure your ATAS certificate will not expire before you apply for your UK visa.

Already in the UK on the student route (including Tier 4)

If you’re already in the UK on a student visa you will need an ATAS certificate for the HEI you are attending, and the course of study, including modules or proposed research. If any of these details change, you should check whether you need an ATAS certificate and apply for a new one as appropriate.

You should make a note of when your permission to enter into the UK is due to expire, to allow sufficient time to complete your ATAS and permission to stay applications before your current permission expires. We recommend applying at least 4 months before your current permission expires.

Already in the UK on a non-student visa

If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you do not need an ATAS certificate to study in the UK.

If you’re in the process of applying for asylum in the UK, you must apply for an ATAS certificate to study in the UK.

All other time-limited visas need an ATAS certificate if you are studying for an ATAS -relevant qualification in the UK.

Students and researchers applying to several universities

Each certificate is specific to the course, research area and institution. You should submit an application for each programme of study or research area where ATAS applies.

If you’re writing your thesis

You must apply for an ATAS certificate if you are applying solely to write up your thesis and your previous visa required ATAS

Student visitors

If you’re a student coming to the UK as a visitor, you will need to obtain an ATAS certificate before starting research in the UK. You do not need to do this before you apply for a UK visa

If you are starting your course overseas

You only need to obtain an ATAS certificate for when you plan to be studying in the UK. However be aware that you could be unsuccessful when you apply for an ATAS certificate to come to the UK part of the way through your course.

Transnational courses may be subject to UK Export Control Legislation. Read the guidance on export controls on academic research .

Academic researchers

If you’re an academic researcher applying on the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, Tier 5 International Agreement, and Government Authorised Exchange routes, you will need to apply for, and be granted, an ATAS certificate before applying for a UK visa or permission to stay. You do not need to have a final employment contract before you apply for an ATAS certificate. Your employer will advise whether you are to be employed under a standard occupational classification (SOC) that requires ATAS .

If you’re a researcher coming to the UK as a visitor, you need to obtain an ATAS certificate before beginning any relevant research activity in the UK. However you do not need to do so before you apply for a UK visa (where relevant).

If you need an ATAS certificate as a visitor, you do not have to obtain this before applying for a visa but you should obtain it before travelling to the UK. The HEI /research institute must check the ATAS certificate before allowing the research to start, and if this is not provided you will not be permitted on-site.

If you are a researcher already in the UK

You do not need to apply for an ATAS certificate if you:

• are already conducting research in the UK
• were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the requirement for ATAS certificates was introduced on 21 May 2021, and you are continuing this research

You need to apply for an ATAS certificate if you:

• are already conducting research in the UK and you apply for a new visa or apply to extend your current visa
• were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the requirement for ATAS certificates was introduced on 21 May 2021 and are returning to the UK to do research
• hold an ATAS certificate for a UK course you have undertaken are making a new application for a Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, Tier 5 International Agreement, or Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange visa. You need it before you apply for a visa
• change your field of research or change where you conduct your research

Researchers also undertaking a course of study

Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, Tier 5 International Agreement, and Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange visa holders may also undertake a course of study. You need to apply for 1 ATAS certificate but you should include both the research project and study activities in your application.

If your circumstances change after ATAS certificate is issued

The ATAS certificate must accurately reflect the HEI /research institute which employs/hosts your research, and the research project, job title and duration. If any of these details change you should check whether you require an ATAS certificate and apply for a new certificate if you need one.

Researchers applying for ATAS can begin their employment or research 2 weeks before, or any time after the start date stated on their certificate.

Make a note of when your permission to enter into the UK is due to expire, and allow sufficient time to complete the ATAS and permission to stay application processes before your current permission expires. We recommend applying at least 4 months before your current permission expires.

Conducting research at more than 1 HEI /research institutes

An ATAS certificate is applicable to one HEI /research institute. If you are conducting research at more than 1 institute, you need to apply for an ATAS certificate for each, which includes information on the research you will undertake at each HEI /research institute.

How long applications take

Student and researcher  ATAS  applications take at least 30 working days (6 full weeks) to process.

To ensure fairness and consistency we process applications in order of receipt. There is no ‘fast track’ service. You should submit your ATAS application as early as possible.

What you need to apply

To apply online you need:

• information about your programme of study/research including the relevant CAH3 code, provided by the HEI / research institute
• for student applications only, your conditional offer letter from your Higher Education Institution ( HEI )

You will also need to provide information on:

• previous studies
• previous and current employment (if applicable)
• all published papers
• optional modules you might take in a taught Masters (if unsure please include all possible modules)
• your area of research and a description (for research degrees and researchers)
• full names and contact details of 2 referees
• how you will be sponsored whilst in the UK

You should apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS ) certificate online .

You should not make a duplicate application if your existing one is currently under process, as this can cause further delays to your current application..

Guidance on how to apply for an ATAS certificate

Follow the advice closely to ensure there are no delays to your application:

• provide the full names of your referees, employers and sponsors (provide a first name and last name and do not provide initials instead of first names)
• provide details for 2 referees you have ideally known for over 3 years, one of whom should be an academic referee
• if you have not been employed, indicate ‘not applicable / never employed’
• ensure the details of the passport you will use to enter the UK are provided in full and are accurate
• provide (where applicable) research statements as specifically agreed with your HEI /employer and an adequate personal statement
• if you are extending your research, ensure your application features the new length of your visit/employment. You should include the date you submit your ATAS extension application as the start date
• ensure there are no long gaps in your employment / education history. If you were unemployed or, for example, a full-time parent, you should indicate this on the form
• ensure you enter the correct CAH3 code for your course or research area before you submit your application as you will have to re-apply if you do not include this information
• information you provide when you apply is printed on the certificate. When you have completed your application, please read through your entries carefully before you submit it

Find out more about how to apply .

Updates to this page

Removal of site maintenance dates

Amendment to unavailability message timing

Offline maintenance message updated

ATAS online applications will be unavailable from 5pm on 25 January to 9am 26 January (GMT).

ATAS application processing times may take longer than usual between 22 December 2023 to 2 January 2024. Do not contact the enquiries team within 6 weeks of submitting your application.

Updated how long student and researcher ATAS applications take to process.

The ATAS application system will not be available between 5pm on Friday 7 July 2023 to Sunday 9 July 2023, due to scheduled technical maintenance.

The ATAS system will be offline between 5pm (British Summer Time) on Friday 16 June 2023 to 6pm on Sunday 18 June 2023 due to scheduled maintenance.

Update to 'How long applications take' section. Student and researcher ATAS applications take at least 20 working days to process. During April to September, it can take at least 30 working days to complete.

ATAS application processing times may take longer than usual between 23 December 2021 to 4 January 2022. Do not contact the enquiries team within 6 weeks of submitting your application.

September update added to "How long applications take" section.

Updated with additional information for researchers

Updated to reflect borders and immigration system changes

The ATAS online certificate service is not available from 5 to 9 October 2020

Updated to include Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT) as a subject in scope for ATAS certification

ATAS is currently unavailable due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Application process update: ATAS applications can now take up to 30 days.

ATAS information updated for study/research for less than 6 months.

Added information on the ATAS certificate requirements for postgraduate students.

Note added on email messages to Chinese students.

Note added on Christmas availability.

updated detailed guide

updated notice

Easter announcement.

Service update: ATAS application website now up and running.

Service update notice added: The ATAS application website is down temporarily.

Added "Important: ATAS Service Update" section

Updated contact information

Removing downtime message as ATAS will not be affected by downtime after all.

Added a note to online application to notify of downtime on 4th May.

‘ATAS is currently accepting applications. Note that the existing service is scheduled to be replaced by a new online service shortly. Your application should not be affected by the change.’ replaced ‘The ATAS service is currently closed to new applications pending its re-launch on 15 April. Due to technical difficulties the site is re-opening one week later than originally scheduled. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please ask your University to contact us on your behalf if your application will consequently require urgent attention after 15 April.’

The ATAS service is currently closed to new applications pending its re-launch on 15 April. Due to technical difficulties the site is re-opening one week later than originally scheduled. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please ask your University to contact us on your behalf if your application will consequently require urgent attention after 15 April.

Added apply online information.

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Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Information on the academic technology approval scheme (atas) requirements for a skilled worker, tier 5 (gae) sponsored researcher visa and visiting researchers.

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is for security clearance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for studies and research where an individuals 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  Tier 5 (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 exit qualification studying in sensitive subjects may also require ATAS. For Department, Faculty and College staff please refer to the student website for advice specific to making a student ATAS application.

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.

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

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

• before the Staff Immigration Team (SIT) can issue the Skilled Worker or Tier 5 (GAE) Sponsored Researcher Certificate of Sponsorship
• before commencing their research if visiting under the Standard Visitor route

ATAS Refusal

The Staff Immigration Team will offer support and guidance when an ATAS application is refused by the FCDO, following the published  ATAS Staff Policy .  

Sensitive Subjects

The Home Office provides a list of academic subjects that require an ATAS Certificate in the immigration rules . These are referred to as CAH3 codes. 

Please see the full list of CAH3 codes  for all subjects. This list provides the 'Overall Term' and a 'Definition' and confirms if ATAS clearance is required.

A project plan may fall under several CAH codes due to its interdisciplinary nature, for example medical research but involving artificial intelligence - computer science. All relevant CAH codes must be identified and if an aspect requires ATAS clearance, an ATAS application must be progressed. You are not looking for the 'best fit' under one CAH code.

The identification of the CAH code(s) applicable to the research project must be taken with the upmost diligence, and with input from the Principle Investigator/Supervisor directly involved with the research project.

Research Statement and Letter Template

The Department, Faculty or College will need to provide details on the employment/visit, including the start date, short research title, and research statement and confirm the appropriate CAH3 code. 

It is essential that the information provided is accurate and used by the individual when completing the online application to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Please refer to the:

• ATAS HR Template Letter (Skilled Worker & Tier 5)
• ATAS HR Template Letter (Visitors)

The ATAS example research statements  provides good and bad examples of the short research statement which must be included in the HR Letter.

ATAS Application

The ATAS application is free, submitted online and takes 10 working days (15-20 working days between April and September) to be decided. 

To complete the application, information on the correct CAH3 code, approved research statement and details of the research arrangements must be provided by the Department, Faculty or college to the individual using the template letter provided by the Staff Immigration Team.

The online application has 10 sections which request information on;

• Personal details
• Contact details
• Other education
• Published Papers
• Employment history

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

The ATAS certificate must match the details entered onto the Skilled Worker/Tier 5 (GAE) Sponsored Researcher Certificate of Sponsorship or for the research visit. Any errors will lead to delays in the visa application, the visa application being refused, or the planned visit being unable to go ahead.

There is no option for a priority application, but in some cases the Staff Immigration Team may be able to chase up an application that has not been processed within the published timescales.

ATAS Certificate

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 Student Visa Compliance Office and Staff Immigration Team 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 Tier 5 (GAE) Sponsored Researcher visa must be applied for. Department, Faculty and Colleges 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.

Skilled Worker/ Tier 5 (GAE) Sponsored Researchers

• 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

The ATAS certificate is not required for any Standard Visitor Visa application (where applicable) but will need to be presented to the hosting Department, Faculty or College and checked prior to visit commencing.

Failure to obtain the ATAS certificate or errors on the certificate will stop the visit from being able to commence. It is therefore strong recommended that the ATAS certificate is applied for and obtained before travelling to the UK. 

Changes that require a new ATAS Application

Research institute.

The ATAS certificate is applicable to one Higher Education Institute or Research Institute only. Conducting research at more than 1 institute will require an ATAS application for each.  Changing employer or moving research to another Institute will also require a new ATAS application.

Changes to research project

The ATAS certificate must accurately reflect the research project, the Staff Immigration Team should be contacted as soon as possible to discuss the changes and determine whether a new ATAS certificate will need to be obtained.

Extending a Skilled Worker or Tier 5 (GAE) Sponsored Researcher visa

A new ATAS application must be made prior to extending a Skilled Worker (or Tier 2) or Tier 5 (GAE) Sponsored visa. An application should be submitted in good time to allow  time for the new ATAS certificate to be issued.  The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office recommends applying at least 4 months before the current permission expires.

Any last minute extension application should be discussed with the Staff Immigration Team as soon as possible so that further support can be provided.

Medical Sciences / Humanities / GLAM / UAS / Continuing Education

Angelina Pelova, Email:  [email protected]  

Paul Deeble, Email: [email protected]

MPLS / Social Sciences / Colleges

Lyn Davis, Email: [email protected]

Richard Birt, Email: [email protected]

Popular links

• Forms & Guidance
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• UKVCAS Sopra Steria

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• Working in the UK

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

From 21 May 2021 the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to international researchers, or posts which contain an element of research at PhD level or above in a sensitive subject, where an individual's knowledge could be used to develop military technology, weapons of mass destruction.

Nationals from the EU, EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea and the USA are currently exempt from the ATAS requirements.

All non exempt international researchers will need to apply for an ATAS certificate to undertake any research at PhD level or above in a sensitive subject area under the following Visa routes:

• Initial and extension Skilled Worker and Tier 5 (GAE) Sponsored Researcher visa. The ATAS certificate must be obtained before the University can issue the Certificate of Sponsorship
• Visiting researchers undertaking research under the Standard Visitor Visa, unless their activity is entirely restricted to attending meetings, conferences, seminars or interviews, or giving speeches.

A new ATAS certificate will be required if there is a change to the planned research activity or area.

The ATAS requirement applies to the following subject areas:

• Biological Sciences
• Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture and related subjects
• Physical Sciences
• Mathematical and Computer Sciences
• Engineering
• Technologies

Full details of the ATAS scheme are available on the GOV website .

Failure to comply with this requirement could result in the loss of the University UKVI Sponsorship licence for students, staff and visitors.

If you have any queries regarding ATAS certification please contact the HR Compliance team .

Contact HR Services

hr-enquiries@york.ac.uk

01904 32 4835

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You will find below the answers to some common questions on ATAS. If our webpages do not answer your questions, please contact us .

If you are applying for a visa, please see our website for guidance.

We recommend that you apply for ATAS as early as possible (up to 6 months before you need it). It will normally take at least 30 working days for a decision to be made on your application, and there are no fast-track options.

If you are applying for a Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange visa, you will in most cases need your ATAS certificate before we can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you. The certificate can take up to a month to be granted (and in some cases, longer) and this will only start at the point at which that the ATAS team receives a completed and correct application with no other details required, so you should check your application carefully before submitting it. If you are asked to submit further information, this may 'reset the clock'.

If you have been waiting for a decision on your application for more than 30 working days, please email us . 

However, when/if you apply to extend your current visa, or switch into a new visa route, you might need to apply then. If you are extending your current visa for 3 months or less, contact ATAS to ask whether you will need to apply for a new certificate. 

ATAS suggests 1 hour, but we have been made aware that it has taken much longer for some applicants, particularly those with a long list of publications. You can complete the sections in any order, and save your progress as you go, but please set aside a reasonable amount of time to complete your application. 

You will not be able to update your application once you have submitted it.

There is no charge for an ATAS application.

Please see the Statement of Research (form HR58) provided to you by your Department. If you do not yet have a Statement of Research, please request it.

Try registering with a different email address, ideally an internationally recognised email such as Outlook, Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail or similar (ATAS have experienced difficulties with firewalls for local servers) or from a different computer.   Alternatively, try using a different web browser. The ATAS website works best with Google Chrome. You may experience difficulties when using Internet Explorer or Firefox to complete the form. 

The ATAS certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue – it must be valid when the visa application is submitted, but does not need to remain valid for the duration of the visa. 

Both student and researcher ATAS applications take at least 30 working days (6 full weeks) to process.

To ensure fairness and consistency, the ATAS team processes applications in order of receipt. There is no ‘fast track’ service.  

Email ATAS giving your application reference number and passport number. Explain the mistake and provide the correct information, then follow any instructions in their reply. 

No, you would only need to reapply if you were applying for a new visa.

If you need to apply for a Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa, you will normally need an ATAS certificate before we can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you. However, if you are submitting your visa application in the UK, we may be able to assign a CoS to you based on your ATAS application reference number.

Once you have your CoS, you must submit your visa application before your existing permission expires . However, please do not submit your biometric information and other supporting documents until you have received your ATAS certificate.

Please go through each section of the application and save changes until the end, and the application says complete. You should then be able to resubmit your application.

ATAS will email your certificate to the email address you specified on your application form if you are successful. Please: 

• check your spam or junk folders regularly to ensure the email has not been filtered out;
• read your ATAS certificate carefully to check that the details on it are correct;
• send a copy to your Department.

If there are errors or omissions on the ATAS certificate (for example your given/family names, date of birth), ATAS will not correct the certificate if the mistake was yours, so you will need to apply again. If you did not make a mistake in your application, please contact us .

Please email ATAS , quoting your ATAS reference number, to provide your new passport details. You should also include a scan of the old and new passport details in your email.  In most cases ATAS will update your certificate accordingly but, in some circumstances, you may be required to apply for a new ATAS, for instance if you have changed nationality. 

You should ask your supervisor for a new Statement of Research (HR58 form) which includes details about the research you are working on and the focus of your studies, then submit a new application as a Taught Student undertaking research.

The gov.uk website states that “The ATAS certificate must accurately reflect the HEI/research institute which employs/hosts your research, and the research project, job title and duration. If any of these details change you should check whether you require an ATAS certificate and apply for a new certificate if you need one.” 

We would therefore suggest contacting ATAS to explain any changes changed and ask whether a new certificate is required.

If you are in the UK and your existing visa is due to expire, you must submit your visa application online before the expiry date even if you have not received a response from ATAS. Please wait to upload your biometric information and supporting documents until you know whether a new ATAS certificate is required. 

• The certificate is only valid for the person named on it.
• The certificate is only valid for the University stated on it.
• The certificate is only valid for the research stated on it.
• If you decide to work at/visit another university and/or change your field of research, you will need to apply for another ATAS Certificate if one is required.
• The certificate is valid for use in a visa application for up to 6 months from the issue date.
• If you apply to extend your existing Tier 2/Skilled Worker/Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange/Visitor visa by more than 3 months, or to switch from another visa route into one of these, you will need a new ATAS certificate.

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Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

ATAS: Frequently asked questions

Please see below for answers to frequently asked questions about the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).

Which students are covered by the ATAS scheme?

The requirement for an ATAS certificate applies to all non-UK nationals irrespective of where you are living when you apply. Students of the following nationalities are exempted:

Australia; Austria; Belgium; Bulgaria; Canada; Croatia; Republic of Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; South Korea; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United States of America.

Do I need to apply for ATAS clearance?

If you are applying for a course that requires ATAS clearance, we will let you know by email. If you are applying for a Postgraduate Taught or Undergraduate course which requires ATAS, you will receive the email in May (or within 1 week of receiving your offer).

Only courses in certain sensitive subject areas require ATAS clearance. If you are an undergraduate student, you will only require ATAS clearance if your course leads to a Masters qualification, for example an MEng or MPhys, in certain subject areas.

You can also find out if you need ATAS clearance on the UK government webpages:

Find out if you need an ATAS certificate

I am applying to the University of Sheffield under the Departmental Exchange or Study Abroad scheme. Do I need to apply for ATAS clearance?

You may require ATAS clearance if you apply for and are accepted on certain Level 4 or Level 6 modules.

If you are required to apply for ATAS clearance we will tell you by email.

I do not require a Student visa. Do I still need an ATAS certificate?

Yes. If you have been informed that the study or research you are undertaking requires ATAS clearance, you will require an ATAS certificate in order to register at the University, even if you are travelling on a Visitor visa.

I am applying to more than one university. What should I do?

Each ATAS certificate is specific to a course and a university. You should submit an ATAS application for each course where ATAS applies. You can submit as many ATAS applications as you hold offers.

When should I apply for ATAS clearance?

You should apply for ATAS clearance when you receive module information from us, and at least six weeks before you intend to apply for your visa.

Can I apply for my visa before I get ATAS clearance?

No, if your course requires ATAS clearance you will need your ATAS certificate to apply for your visa.

Will I be able to register for my course without ATAS clearance?

If your course requires ATAS clearance, UK immigration law does not allow universities to register International students until the student has received an ATAS certificate.

If you entered the UK on Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 5 or Dependant's visa you must still apply for ATAS clearance before you begin your studies. You will not be allowed to register until you have received an ATAS certificate.

Where do I find the CAH3 code and modules I should list in my ATAS application?

We will tell you the relevant CAH3 code for your course by email. We will also send you a link which includes all the modules you must include in your application.

For postgraduate applicants, the CAH3 code will also be on your offer letter.

Even though the application form only asks for elective modules you intend to study, you should list all the modules for your course . 

For undergraduate courses it is only the fourth year modules which are required. You should copy and paste all modules as they are shown in the link which we send to you.

For PhD applicants you should copy and paste your research summary from the ATAS Sheet attached to your offer letter.

Who do I list as Referees?

You will need to provide details of two referees who have known you for a minimum of three years.

If you have studied at degree level, at least one of the referees should be from the university where you studied. If you have not previously studied at degree level, you should provide at least one referee from the institution where you completed your most recent studies.

If you have work experience, a referee from your employment would also be acceptable.

A referee from your home country is preferable but is not essential if you have studied and/or worked in another country.

Family members are not acceptable as referees.

Who is my Sponsor?

You must provide details of who is going to fund your study in Sheffield. If you are funding your study yourself, please put your own name and address in the relevant boxes. If a family member is funding your study, put down their details.

Who do I list as my Supervisor?

If you are a applying for postgraduate research, your supervisor will be listed on your offer letter.

If you are applying for a taught course, we advise you to enter the Head of Department in this section. You can find the Head of the Department for your course on your department's webpages. You can find a list of academic departments here:

Academic departments

Should I select 'Taught/Research Student' or 'Researcher'?

If you have an offer of a study place with us, you should select 'Taught/Research Student'.

You will then be asked 'What type of study are you undertaking?'

If you are applying for a taught course (for example MEng, MSc), you should select 'Taught'. If you are applying for a research course (for example PhD), you should select 'Research'.

If you have a contract of employment with the University of Sheffield, you should select 'Researcher'.

How long will it take for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to process my ATAS application?

It will take at least 20 working days (four complete weeks). Processing times will increase between the months of April and September, when it can take 30 or more working days (six weeks). When you submit your ATAS application you will be given an estimated decision date by which you should receive a decision on your ATAS application. There is no fast track service available.

If you have already submitted your ATAS application and have not yet received your certificate, please do not submit another ATAS application because this will delay the process.

I have not received my ATAS certificate. What should I do?

If you have not received your ATAS certificate by your estimated decision date, please check your spam/junk folder to make sure that the email containing your certificate has not been filtered away from your inbox.

Unfortunately, the University has no control over your ATAS application and we will be unable to expedite it. If it is 1) more than 20 working days (four weeks) since you submitted your application and 2) after your estimated decision date, you should contact the ATAS team at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at [email protected] .

What do I do if I am refused ATAS clearance?

If your course requires ATAS clearance, without an ATAS certificate you will not be granted a visa to study in the UK.

Applications for visas to study on other courses that do not require ATAS clearance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you think your application has been treated unfairly you can ask the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to review your case.

How long does my ATAS clearance last?

Your ATAS certificate is valid for six months from the date it was issued. This means that must submit your visa application no later than six months after the date of your ATAS certificate.

I have Indefinite Leave to Remain. Do I still need to apply for ATAS clearance?

If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, which does not have an end date, you do not need ATAS clearance to study.

I am in the process of applying for asylum in the UK. Do I need to apply for ATAS clearance?

Yes. Unless you hold indefinite leave to remain, you must apply for ATAS clearance. 

I have received ATAS clearance but I have changed my passport. What should I do?

Send an email to [email protected] including your applicant number/UCAS ID, ATAS reference number and new passport number, with a scan of your new passport attached. We will ask the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to issue a new ATAS certificate with your new passport number.

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How to Complete the Online Application Form for ATAS Certificate – Part 2

• December 13, 2023
• Study Abroad , Study in UK

Page Content

Understanding the key sections, tips for a smooth application journey:.

Heading towards an ATAS certificate means diving into an online application that’s got like 10 sections. You gotta fill it all in, making sure every bit is spot-on, so they can process your application without any hiccups. It’s the same form for researchers and students, so you’ve got this chance to show how serious and dedicated you are by giving super detailed answers.

Note: Any type of incorrect information in your ATAS application will cause delays in processing.

Here’s a breakdown of the main parts:

• Chosen Course of Study or Area of Research: Here, you’ll share what you plan to study or research, guided by the details provided by your prospective university or research institute. They’ll likely give you a code (like CAH3) and specific wording to use. Be sure to include these and dive deeper into your intentions in the ‘Personal Statement of Intent’ box. That’s where you can really explain your passion and goals.
• Personal Details: Your info here will go on your ATAS certificate, so accuracy is key. If you’ve been in the armed forces or trained in CBRN, definitely mention it. Also, any government-funded research should get a shout-out. Details need to match your passport exactly to avoid any hiccups.
• Marital Information: If you’re married and planning to bring your partner along to the UK, mention it here. If they’re also into an ATAS-relevant subject, they’ll need their own certificate.
• Contact Details: Make sure they’ve got the right email to send your ATAS certificate to and other contact details should also be accurate. Keep this information up to date!
• Academic History: This is your chance to lay out your educational journey in detail. Talk about your undergrad and postgrad studies to give them the full picture. If you’ve done any other courses that might relate to what you’re applying for, spill the beans. They want to see your whole academic profile.
• Other Details: Do you have any academic or professional papers under your belt? Show off a bit here! It’s a chance to highlight your contributions to your field.
• Employment History: In this section, provide details  about any job roles or internships you’ve taken. They’re interested in jobs that connect to what you want to study or research. Don’t forget to mention roles that tie into your proposed course.
• Referees: Find two folks who’ve known you for a good three years, and one must be from the academic world. If you tend to have employment history then you’re supposed to include one referee from your professional life as well. They need to vouch for your academic or professional abilities.
• Financial Sponsors: In case someone is funding your studies, you should let them know who they are. It is always a good idea to give them a heads up if you are still awaiting a decision. Please make sure you enter the correct amount of money and other details if you are paying the bill yourself or if it is a family affair.
• Organize in Advance: Collect and arrange all necessary documents prior to commencing the application.
• Adhere to Guidelines: Follow the specific guidelines regarding document format, size, and content set by the application portal.
• Precision is Key: Ensure all provided information is accurate and aligns with details in your offer letter or CAS.
• Apply Early: Submit your application well ahead of your intended start date to allow ample processing time.

Completing the ATAS online application demands attention to detail and adherence to guidelines. Your commitment to furnishing accurate information in each section is crucial for a smooth and successful application process, paving the way for your academic or research pursuits in the UK.

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The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Some MEng degrees and other postgraduate qualifications require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) security clearance certificate from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the UK Government.  

Do I need ATAS clearance?

Whether you need an ATAS certificate depends on your specific area of study. You will receive an in-tray message from Admissions if your course requires ATAS clearance. 

For more information about which subject areas and qualifications need an ATAS certificate, and to apply for one if you need it, see the   UK Government website  

If you are studying one of these courses, you need to apply for an ATAS certificate before you make your application for Student immigration permission.  

You will need to show your ATAS certificate when requesting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS ) from Queen Mary.  

If you have any other type of immigration permission, you still need an ATAS certificate before you can start the course if your course requires ATAS clearance.   

How to apply for ATAS

You should make an application for ATAS clearance through the gov.uk website .  

It can take 30 working days (six weeks) for an ATAS certificate to be issued and sometimes longer during busy periods. We recommend that you apply as early as possible.  

There is no charge for applying for an ATAS certificate and you can apply for as many certificates as you have offers.  

The ATAS website will ask you to indicate if you are a 'Taught / Research student', or a 'Researcher'. PhD students must select Taught / research student.

You cannot write a start date in the past on your ATAS application form. If you are a continuing student, please write the day after your visa expires, which is the start of the next period of visa sponsorship.   

If your course did not previously require ATAS, but due to changes you have now been asked by Queen Mary Immigration Compliance Team to provide ATAS clearance, you can put the date you submit the application as the start date. 

You must include a copy of your ATAS certificate with your visa supporting documents if you are applying for a Student visa for an applicable course.

Nationalities not requiring ATAS

Nationals of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, USA, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and Australia are exempt from the ATAS requirement.   

What to do if my ATAS is delayed?

If you have not had a response from the FCDO, check your Junk/Spam folder, in case it has been filtered out. You can also contact the ATAS Team at the FCDO on:  [email protected]  if it is more than 20 working days since you applied. The ATAS team aim to respond to your query within 5 working days, but this may not be possible during busy periods.   

Sometimes ATAS applications take longer than the service standards, so it might take more than 50 working days to receive your certificate. Please rest assured that the ATAS Team are working as quickly as possible to process ATAS applications. They process applications in the order they are received. We are not currently receiving responses from the ATAS Team more quickly than applicants and any interventions on our part may cause a delay to the processing of your ATAS application. We recommend that you wait for the outcome of your application. We are not able to speed up a decision on your ATAS application.   

If you are a PhD student, you will not be able to enrol remotely until you have received your ATAS clearance. If you are unable to receive your ATAS certificate before the start date of your course, speak to your Supervisor about deferring the start date of your course. There may be some flexibility with when you can start your course,  but do check any funding implications if you are sponsored too.   

However i f you are making your immigration application in the UK and your existing permission is due to expire within three weeks, and you applied for your ATAS certificate more than 30 working days ago, you can complete our contact form for guidance .    

What if something changes after I apply for my ATAS certificate?

If you have been granted an ATAS certificate, but something has changed, you will need to apply for a new ATAS certificate with your new details  within 28 calendar days  of any such changes being agreed.  

Relevant changes include if:  

• You change your programme and your new programme also requires ATAS approval. You must get the new approval before starting the new programme.  
• The completion date stated on your CAS is postponed by three calendar months or more .  
• The length of your programme changes, for example you need to re-sit a failed module or if your research takes longer than expected .  
• Changes to your course, e.g. changes to your area of research, your programme content (modules), or your lead/main supervisor
• You move to another institution .  

If you need a new ATAS certificate, we recommend that you apply for your new ATAS certificate as soon as possible, so that you will know if you will be allowed to complete your studies.  

In certain scenarios you may be able to make specific changes to an existing—valid—ATAS certificate.   

If a student has a valid ATAS certificate and the course is extended/deferred within this period of validity, the student will not need a new ATAS certificate.

Students are  do not require a new ATAS certificate  if they have switched from Student permission to permission in another category, providing the course remains the same.

The ATAS certificate must accurately reflect that Queen Mary hosts the research, the research project and the duration. If any of these details change students should check whether they require a new ATAS certificate.

For how long is my ATAS certificate valid?

Your ATAS certificate will be valid for si x months, and you must submit your Student visa application within this six month period .  

How can I check what my CAH3 code is?

If you are a new student, you should check your conditional offer letter. The Admissions Department will be able to provide more information if required. You can email:  [email protected]    

If you are a continuing student, p lease ask your supervisor to contact the immigration compliance team on [email protected] providing a synopsis of your research and the HECOS code , after which they can tell you the CAH3 code for your ATAS application.

What should I write for 'sponsor'? 

I f Queen Mary is your official financial sponsor (i.e. paying your tuition fees and providing you with a stipend), then you can copy the contact details from your sponsorship letter. This would usually be the details of your academic department.  

If you are meeting all the costs of your studies yourself, please put your own name and address in the relevant boxes. If another family member is meeting the costs, put down their details.   

What if my ATAS application is refused?

Unfortunately, universities and individuals are unable to ascertain the reason for an ATAS refusal, because the UK government considers it a matter of national security.  

You will have the option to request a review. For the case to be reviewed, you need to go through the review request process. You should have received the instructions on how to do this when you received the notification of refusal.  

In your review request, you should include a detailed statement from yourself including at least the following information:  

• Your previous studies and how these relate to the PhD you are due to undertake ;  
• Why you are interested in studying in this specific subject area ;  
• Details about the research you will undertake at Queen Mary (agreed with your proposed Supervisor) ;  
• What you intend to do after you have completed your course, and where  

You could attach a letter from your Supervisor on headed paper with your review request. This letter could include such information as why you were given an offer for this course at Queen Mary and academic information about your research proposal with details about how you will conduct your research. If your Supervisor has previously supervised PhD students researching similar topics, they could include an explanation about what these students are doing now, if they have this information.   

Please note that we are not aware of any Queen Mary students who have successfully challenged an ATAS refusal. 

If your review request is not successful, you do have the option to reapply for ATAS clearance. Whilst it is possible that a reworded research proposal could result in the grant of ATAS clearance, we are not aware of any Queen Mary students who have been granted ATAS clearance following a refusal.  Since February 2024, refused applicants have been blocked for a period of 90 days from resubmitting an application for the same CAH, area of research and institution. Applications submitted within the 90 days for another course, or another institution are still permitted.

If your review request is unsuccessful, you also have the option to   seek legal advice   about applying for judicial review of the decision.    

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What is ATAS?

If you're applying for a PhD or Masters-level course in certain science or technology subject areas and you'll be studying in the UK on a visa, you'll need to apply for ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance.

The following applicants are exempt:

• those who have been granted indefinite leave to remain
• nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland
• nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Korea.

If ATAS clearance is required, it will be a condition of your offer and you'll need to apply online. The application is free and managed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Visit the FCDO ATAS website for further guidance.

Your ATAS Certificate

You'll find your ATAS research statement on your Self-Service account; this is the statement you must use in your application.

Once you've received ATAS clearance, you'll be issued a certificate. You must upload this certificate to your Self-Service account.

You may  not  commence your studies without a valid ATAS clearance certificate for the course to which you have been admitted. If you change course, you'll need to obtain new ATAS clearance.

An ATAS clearance certificate must be provided as a supporting document for a student visa application where it is required. You must obtain this clearance before making your visa application.

If you have more than one offer from different universities or institutions,  you will need to apply for separate ATAS clearance certificates  for each university or institution and programme of study.

Does my course require an ATAS?

Select your course from the drop-down list to check if an ATAS is required.

Important notes

• You will not be able to obtain your visa until you have ATAS clearance.
• An ATAS Certificate does not guarantee a visa will be granted.
• It can take  20 working days  to obtain an ATAS certificate. Between April and September this can increase to 30 working days or more.
• Apply for your ATAS as early as possible but no more than 6 months prior to the course start date. This is because an ATAS certificate is only valid for 6 months. Errors and omissions in your ATAS application may cause delays to the process so take care to complete the application accurately and in full.

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The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

• FAQs about ATAS
• Completing the online form

ATAS aims to ensure that those coming for study or research in sensitive subject areas do not acquire knowledge that could  be used in the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or  Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT) programmes. If your course is in one of the listed subjects you will need to get ATAS clearance and submit the certificate with your Student visa application. If you are using a different kind of visa to study, you need a certificate to enrol or continue study. Some nationalities are exempt from the scheme.

1. What is ATAS?

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is a vetting process managed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for courses where students’ knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) or their means of delivery.  It has been in place since 2007 and mostly relates to DPhil and MScRes courses in Science, Technology and Medicine and a few postgraduate taught Masters; and at Oxford this also includes the four-year undergraduate courses in Physics and Materials.

If this relates to your subject (see 2. below) you must get clearance (an approved ATAS certificate) before you can apply for a Student visa. This can be a very lengthy process so please read the information below carefully and plan to do this well in advance. It can also be done whilst your offer is conditional and before your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is issued but you must check the exact course start and end dates and information required for ATAS with your department/college (see 3. below)

2. How do I know if I need to apply?

Your offer letter/ATAS letter should explain if you need to apply for ATAS and it will also be stated in your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) email. The CAS number is required for your visa application and will only be issued when you have met all your academic and financial conditions.

You can also check the list of graduate courses that need ATAS on the graduate admissions website

For undergraduates, the only courses that require ATAS are the 4-year undergraduate masters courses in these subjects: Materials; Physics; Physics and Philosophy and Mathematical and Theoretical Physics.  

If you are coming as a visitor for a short period of study relating to one of these subject areas, you will also need ATAS. Although you don't have to submit the ATAS certificate with a Visitor visa application or show it on arrival when arriving as a visitor, you must have the ATAS certificate before you start the study. This means that due to the long processing times you must apply for it well in advance of travel and it is best to have it before you arrive. 

If you will be studying a subject requiring ATAS on a visa type other than Student, for example as a Dependant you will still need to have an ATAS certificate before you start the study.

You do not need an ATAS certificate if one of the following applies to you:

• If you have indefinite leave to remain
• You have pre-settled or settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
• You are a national of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland
• You are a national of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, or the USA.

3. When should I apply?

Before you can apply for ATAS, you will need your offer letter/ATAS letter containing essential information about your course, the course start and end dates and a subject code (CAH3 code) that you must use for the ATAS online form. For postgraduate research students you will need an agreed research statement from your supervisor, for undergraduate students you will need a list of course modules from your college.

You do not need to wait until your offer is unconditional to apply, and you can apply before your CAS is issued to save time. ATAS applications can take a long time: expect at least 20 working days, or 30 working days or longer during the busy period from April to September. Many students in 2021 and 2022 had to wait for more than 10 weeks for their ATAS certificates. 

If you are approved for ATAS clearance you will receive a certificate by email that is valid for six months to use with a visa application. You can apply for your visa once you are within six months before your course start date if applying outside the UK, or 3 months if applying in-UK where allowed, for a new/second course or to complete a started course.

You will need your ATAS certificate before you can apply for your visa, so it is best to apply as soon as possible but within the timeframes explained above and with the official information provided by your department/college.

For in-UK applicants, note that you must not overstay the end of your existing visa without having submitted a new visa application, so if you are waiting for ATAS and running out of time, contact us for advice on whether you can submit an emergency visa application before you receive ATAS: [email protected]

4. When would I need to apply for a new ATAS certificate?

You will need to apply again for ATAS for each visa application, for example if you have to apply for a further visa because you need more time to complete your current course, or if you are applying for a visa to start a new course. If you transfer course, you will also need to apply again, whether or not you need a new visa, and if your research project changes fundamentally check with your department whether you need to apply again.

If your ATAS application is severely delayed, or you think you have made a mistake when you submitted it, do not submit a second application unless you are specifically instructed by the ATAS team to reapply. Read FAQs 18 and 19 if you have been waiting for a long time. Read FAQ 13 if you think you have made a mistake. 

5. Can I apply for ATAS certificates for different courses at the same time?

If you have offers for more than one course, or offers from different universities, you will need to make a separate application for each course.

6. How do I apply?

The application form is online and will take about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. There are ten sections. You can save the form as you progress and return to it later if necessary.

Read the following ATAS pages for information on completing the application form:

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Guidance on how to apply for an ATAS certificate - GOV.UK  

For section-by-section tips specifically for Oxford applicants, click on the 'Completing the online form' tab at the top of this page.  

7. Do you have any tips on filling in the application form?

You should check everything again very carefully before you submit the final application as any errors will mean the ATAS team will need to contact you by email and sometimes the processing time will be re-set from the beginning again which will further delay your application. If you think you have made an error on an application you have submitted, please do not submit a new application, see FAQ13.

For section-by-section tips specifically for Oxford applicants, click on the 'Completing the online form' tab at the top of this page.

8. Is there a fee to apply for ATAS?

No, the application is free.

9. The form asks for a referee from my home country, but I have not studied there for many years, what should I do?

There is information on this in our guide to completing the online form, click on the tab at the top of this page and see section 9.

10. What do I need to say about employment?

Include any paid work you have done and any long-term voluntary or unpaid work since you left school. You do not need to include temporary jobs you have done during university vacations. If you have been employed but there are any long gaps when you were neither employed or in education, use this section of the form to explain what you were doing in this period, for example full-time parenting, or unemployed.  There is further information on this in our guide to completing the online form, click on the tab at the top of this page. 

11. What start and end dates should I use for my Oxford course?

See FAQ 3, ‘When should I apply’ above as the dates will need to match your CAS start and end dates when that is issued. Your department (graduate students) or college (undergraduate) will confirm these dates.  If you are applying for ATAS because you need a new visa to continue your studies, use the date of submitting your ATAS application for the start date.

12. What sponsor information do they require? academic or financial?

On the application form, ‘Section 10: Sponsors’ is about financial sponsorship so you will be entering the details of any scholarship or student funding award you will be receiving here. You will already have entered the details of Oxford as your ‘visa sponsor’ in an earlier section of the form.

If you are waiting for a funding decision, include this and note the decision is pending. If you are going to be self-funded, include your name and address in the relevant boxes. If another family member is paying for your studies, include their details.

13. What should I do if I realise I have made a mistake in the application after I have submitted it?

Do not submit a new application to try to rectify your mistake (unless the ATAS team specifically instructs you to do so). Instead, we suggest that you email the ATAS team [email protected] with your application reference number and passport number, explain where you think you have made the mistake and provide the correct information. Follow any instructions in their reply. Check your certificate when you receive it to make sure the details are correct.

14. I am a continuing student needing to make a further visa application to finish my studies, but I am only writing up, do I need a new ATAS?

Yes, you need a new ATAS certificate for every student visa application until you have completed your course. You will still need to provide a research statement, but you can explain that you are at the writing-up stage.

15. Do I have to apply for ATAS if I am a dual national (and one of my nationalities is exempt from the requirement?)

No, you would be exempt from the requirement. However, if you are applying for your visa using a passport of a non-exempt country, you will need to make sure that you provide proof of your exempt nationality as well and you should ask your department/college to include a note on your CAS so that it is clear when you make your visa application why you are not including an ATAS certificate.

16. What should I do if ATAS is refused?

Please note if your ATAS application has been refused you will only be able to submit a new application for the same course once 90 days has passed from the date of the email from FCDO notifying you of the refusal. 

For national security reasons the ATAS team will not explain either to the applicant or the University why the ATAS clearance was refused so it is not possible for us to advise or speculate on the reason for refusal. You should talk to your supervisor about any concerns the ATAS team might have about your research project description.

What you can do about a refusal:   1. Check your original application. Usually, if you have omitted any information from your application, the ATAS team would contact you to ask for it. However, you should check that you applied correctly. Read these government pages about ATAS and how to apply: Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Guidance on how to apply for an ATAS certificate - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)   2. Discuss the refusal with your Supervisor (DPhil or research degrees), Graduate Studies Assistant (taught masters) or your college (undergraduate masters) as it could possibly relate to a specific area of your research or financial sponsorship; you will need their input for a review/appeal or reapplication.   3. Ask the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office for a review/appeal of the decision by emailing [email protected]   - we cannot tell you what to write in your review request, but make sure you address any omissions there may have been from your original application. Ask for a support statement from your supervisor, we cannot tell them what to write for this but if they feel that your research could not be used for the purposes that ATAS aims to prevent, they could explain why.   4. The review process can take several weeks. If you have not received a reply after a month, we can make enquiries about your review request, but the ATAS team cannot influence how fast it is processed as the review is passed to independent reviewers. If you would like us to ask about it, email us at [email protected] 5. If the review is unsuccessful and you think the refusal was because of your research area, discuss with your Supervisor, Department or College as appropriate whether you can change your research area and if you can, you can apply again for ATAS.

6. It is possible to apply again for ATAS either for the same or a different area of research or course.

17. Do I need to reapply if my funding has changed while I am waiting for the certificate?

Email the ATAS team [email protected] and explain the change in your funding, and any other significant changes. If you put in your application less than 20 working days ago, you may not receive a reply to your email until that time has passed, and it normally takes at least 5 working days to get a response. Do not submit a new application because of the change unless the ATAS team instruct you to do so.

When you first make your application, you should include details of funding you have applied for but have not yet had a decision on.

18. How long do ATAS applications take and is there a priority service?

During the summer period (April to September) the processing time is 30 working days or longer, and about 20 working days during the rest of the year. In July and August (the busiest months for ATAS) we frequently see longer delays. The ATAS team deal with applications in date order and there is no priority service.

19. Can you help if my ATAS certificate is delayed?

If you put in your application between April and September and you have been waiting for more than 40 working days (8 weeks), or you applied at another time of year and have been waiting more than 30 working days, we can check by emailing the ATAS team, but we cannot expedite the application.

Email [email protected] with ‘ATAS delay’ in the subject line and give us your name and student number, your ATAS application reference number, the date you applied for ATAS, whether you have received any communications from the ATAS team and why the application has now become urgent (for example you are running out of time for applying for your visa).

This tab contains some pointers for completing the online ATAS certificate application. 

Starting off

• read the information about ATAS in your offer letter.  You must use the research statement or list of modules provided in it for your ATAS application
• Pay attention to the guidance in the separate sections of the online ATAS application form
• Use this guide: Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Start the application form here
• Select the CAH3 code provided by your Department or College
• For the question: "Are you a taught/research student or are you a researcher?" You MUST select ‘taught / research student’ DO NOT select Researcher- as this is only for employees taking up a paid research position

The application is in 10 sections, here are some tips for individual sections

Section 1: Proposed study

What subject will you be studying Please enter the programme title from your CAS or offer letter, here are some examples: Doctor of Philosophy in Atomic and Laser Physics Master of Physics MSC by research Physiology Anatomy and Genetics

Course start and end dates You will need to use the same start and end dates as on your CAS for your ATAS application. If your CAS has not been issued yet check these dates with your department/college. Note that for DPhil students your course end date on your CAS will normally be 4.5 years which is the maximum submission date plus 6 months to allow for viva and corrections; for MScRes it will normally be 3.5 years.

CAH3 course code You must use the CAH3 code from your offer letter or ATAS letter,  or check with your Department (graduate students) or college (4-year undergraduate masters students). The CAH3 code and description is always set by the programme title and cannot be changed, if your research is multi-disciplinary it may not match your programme title exactly. It is not possible for a student or supervisor to decide that a programme or research area does not need ATAS. 

Supervisor name at UK university For DPhil/MSc by research courses use your supervisor’s name For undergraduate masters use your lead tutor name or if you do not know who your lead tutor is then you can use your college academic administrator (see your ATAS letter from college which will include this).

Why do you want to study this?

Make sure you provide a full and clear explanation here otherwise the ATAS team may ask you to expand on the description which could slow down your application. You can write up to 2,000 characters in this section.

What are your goals when you complete your intended programme?

As above you can write up to 2,000 characters here and if it is too short you may be asked to provide a further explanation which will delay the processing time.

Section 2: Personal details

Please make sure your entries match the details from the passport you will be using for your visa application. This must also be the passport listed on your CAS.

Section 3: Spouse

This section asks about your marital status and whether your spouse/partner will be coming to the UK with you and asks you to provide their personal details.

Section 4: Contact details

Use your contact details as they are at the time you submit your ATAS application, not for example the contact details you will have after you have started your course, unless you are a continuing student.

Section 5: Undergraduate / Postgraduate studies

This section asks about your previous studies, and you should make sure you provide a full description in the ‘what you studied’ section. Be careful to complete the dates correctly.

Section 6: Other studies

Complete this section carefully about any other studies not listed in section 5.

Section 7: Published papers

Provide details of any academic or professional papers you have published

Section 8: Employment history

Include any paid work you have done and any long-term voluntary or unpaid work since you left school. You do not need to include temporary jobs you have done during university vacations. If you have been employed but there are any long gaps when you were neither employed or in education, use this section of the form to explain what you were doing in this period, for example full-time parenting, or unemployed.

Section 9: Referees

You must have known your referees for at least 3 years. You need to give details of at least two referees and at least one of them should ideally be an academic from your country of origin. However, the ATAS guidance says: “A referee from your home country is not essential if you have studied and/or worked in another country.” If this is the case, we suggest you make this clear in the second referee section by typing this in the address box in the first line: “I have not studied in my home country since (ENTER YEAR) so I am unable to supply a referee from my home country” then type the address of the referee. Including this explanation will help avoid your application being queried or delayed because you do not have a referee from your home country. If you have already been studying in the UK for at least 3 years, you can use referees from the UK. 

Section 10: Sponsors

This section is about financial sponsorship so you will be entering the details of any scholarship or student funding award you will be receiving here.

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