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
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)(ATAS) applies to allcertain internationalforeign students and researchers (apartwho fromwant exemptto nationalities)study whoor areconduct subjectresearch toin UKspecific immigrationsensitive controltechnology-related andfields arein intendingthe toUK. studyThe orForeign, researchCommonwealth at& postgraduateDevelopment levelOffice in(FCDO) certainadministers sensitivethe subjects.scheme and issues ATAS certificates.
TheATAS subjectsonly andapplies researchto areasemployers who are thosealso whereholders knowledgeof coulda bestudent usedsponsor inlicence. programmesFor tofurther developguidance Advancedread: ConventionalUK Militaryvisa Technologysponsorship (ACMT),for weaponsemployers: ofcheck masswhether destructionyour (WMDs)worker orneeds theiran meansATAS ofcertificate
Common delivery.terms
We Researchersuse andthe studentsfollowing terms in thesethis sensitiveguidance:
Higher subjectsEducation mustInstitution apply(HEI) forrefers to the university offering a postgraduate programme of study, research or contractual employment.
Research institution is an Academicorganisation Technologywhere Approvalan Schemeindividual (ATAS)is certificateemployed beforeto theyconduct canresearch.
Student studyrefers orto startthose undertaking taught courses or research inat thea UK.Masters or PhD level.
StudentsContracted andresearcher researchersrefers to individuals who are nationalscontractually ofemployed EUby countries,an theHEI Europeanor EconomicResearch AreaInstitution.
Visiting (EEA),academic Australia,researcher Canada,is Japan,someone Newvisiting Zealand,a Singapore,HEI Southor Korea,Research SwitzerlandInstitution temporarily (for up to 12 months) to teach or theparticipate Unitedin Statesresearch ofthat Americadoesn’t dolead notto needa anUK ATASqualification certificate.for them.
ResearchersCommon andAggregate studentsHierarchy ofcode all(CAH3) otheris nationalitiesa mustsubject applycode forlinked anto ATAScourses certificate.or Youresearch mustareas applyoffered ifby youHEIs areor undertakingResearch Institutions.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) is a postgraduatefour-digit courseemployment orcode researchused into certaingroup sensitivejobs subjectsby inthe skills and qualifications needed for the UK.role.
Financial Ifsponsor youis arethe applyingperson toor studyinstitution funding your studies or research.
Duplicate application is when an undergraduateindividual coursetries withto submit a new ATAS application, but they already have an integratedexisting mastersapplication yearin youthe maysystem alsoin needa ATASstate clearance.of ‘submitted’, ‘accepted’, ‘changes required’ and the:
finddate
outofifbirth is identical-
passport number is identical
-
the CAH 3 Code is identical
-
HEI or Research Institution details are identical
When you don’t need an ATAS certificate
If theyou’re guidancestudying onfor howa postgraduate diploma or PGCE, you do not need an ATAS certificate.
You do not need to apply for an ATAS certificate
The
- you
entryhaveclearanceIndefiniteofficerLeave(ECO)towillRemainask(ILR)toinseetheyourUK - you are exempt from UK Immigration Control
- ATAS
certificatedoesasnotpartapplyofto yourapplicationspecificforvisapermissionconditions.toYouentershould read theUK.conditionsAofcaseworkeryourwillvisaalsocarefully
Example: an needindividual towill seenot yourneed an ATAS certificate asif partthey ofhold ana applicationvalid Global Talent Visa for permissionemployment toas staya contracted researcher in the UK.
UKYou immigrationalso lawdo does not allowneed universities to permitapply internationalif studentsyou are a national or researcherscitizen toof: study
-
Australia
-
Austria
-
Belgium
-
Bulgaria
-
Canada
-
Croatia
-
Republic
orofundertakeCyprus -
Czech
researchRepublic -
Denmark
-
Estonia
-
Finland
-
France
-
Germany
-
Greece
-
Hungary
-
Iceland
-
Ireland
-
Italy
-
Japan
-
Latvia
-
Liechtenstein
-
Lithuania
-
Luxembourg
-
Malta
-
Netherlands
-
New
inZealand -
Norway
-
Poland
-
Portugal
-
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
-
Romania
-
Singapore
-
Slovakia
-
Slovenia
-
Spain
-
Sweden
-
Switzerland
-
United States of America
You do not need an ATAS applicablecertificate courseIf untilyou theare studenta dual national or researcherdual hascitizen providedand theone universityof your nationalities/citizenships is for an exempt country listed above.
However, you must have a valid passport from an exempt country listed above and a valid UK visa linked to it. This may show directly in your passport or researchonline instituteif withyou have an eVisa. Your HEI or Research Institution may check this before the correctstart ATASof certificate.your taught course, research programme or employment.
StudentsWhen you need an ATAS certificate
IfStudents you’reand acontracted newresearchers studentof andall needother nationalities that are not listed above must apply for an ATAS certificate,certificate youif willyour needtaught tocourse, getresearch thisor beforeemployment requires it. Those applying for permissionan toundergraduate entercourse thewith UK.an integrated Masters year may also need ATAS clearance.
WhenIf you haveare receivedundertaking a taught course, research at masters or PhD level, or employment your offersubject fromarea will have a Common Aggregator Hierarchy (CAH3) code and your universityHEI youor shouldResearch applyInstitution 6will monthstypically beforeinclude this on your courseofficial offer letter. Or they will start.be able to confirm it separately.
If isyou validare fora 6contracted monthsresearcher, from the dateHEI itor isResearch issued,Institution towill enablealso applicantsconfirm timeif toyour applyemployment forhas theira visa.standard occupational classification (SOC) that requires an ATAS certificate.
For possiblesome fromvisas when you will need to have receivedan aATAS conditionalcertificate offerbefore toapplying studyfor atthe avisa UKso Higherit Educationcan Institutionbe (HEI).
Makechecked sureas part of your ATASvisa certificateapplication. willIf notyour expirecourse beforeor employment requires an ATAS certificate, you applymust forget yourone UKbefore visa.applying for a:
Already
- Student
invisa
- Skilled
theWorker UKvisa
- Intra
onCompany theTransfer student(ICT) routevisa
- Global
(includingBusiness TierMobility 4)
Ifvisa
Other visas do not require you willto needprovide an ATAS certificate forat the HEIpoint when making your visa application, but you aremust attending,always andobtain thean courseATAS ofcertificate study,before includingstarting modulesa programme or proposedemployment research.that Ifrequires anyit ofas thesethis detailswill change,be youchecked shouldby checkyour whetherHEI youor Research Institution. You do not need an ATAS certificate andbefore applyapplying for aa:
- Standard
newVisitonevisa (including visiting asappropriate.YouanshouldAcademic) - Global
makeTalent visa (for individuals who obtain anoteGlobalofTalentwhenVisayourandpermissionlater decide toenterstudyintoantheATASUKrelevantiscourse,dueapplies toexpire,studytoonly) - Graduate
allowvisasufficient(appliestimestudy only) - High Potential Individual visa (applies to
completestudyyouronly) - Innovator
ATASFounderandvisapermission(applies tostaystudyapplicationsonly) - Start-up
beforevisayour(appliescurrenttopermissionstudyexpires.only) - UK
WeAncestryrecommendvisaapplying(appliesattoleaststudy4only) - British
monthsNationalbeforeOverseasyourvisacurrent(BNO)permission(appliesexpires.Alreadytoinstudytheonly) - if
UKyouonare anon-studentdependant of someone who has a Work or Study visa (applies to study only)
IfFor youmore haveinformation Indefiniteon LeaveATAS toImmigration RemainRules (ILR)visit inImmigration theRules UK,Appendix youATAS.
Exchange door notstudy needabroad scheme courses
If an ATAS certificate tois required, it must cover the period of any planned study taking place in the UK.
IfYou you’remay inbe thesubject processto ofUK applyingExport forControl asylumLegislation. inRead theguidance UK,on export youcontrols on academic research.
Joint programmes
You must applytell forus anif ATASyour certificateprogramme toinvolves studyresearch or taught courses that are jointly awarded or delivered at more than one HEI in the UK.
All otherIn time-limitedthe visasATAS needapplication anform ATASyou certificateshould ifinclude youyour aremain studyinginstitution forin anthe ATAS-relevantdrop-down qualificationbox and include all additional institutions in the UK.open text boxes.
StudentsATAS andimmigration researchersrules
You applyingneed your ATAS certificate to severalapply universitiesfor some UK visas.
EachRead certificateabout ishow specificto apply for a visa to thecome course,to researchthe areaUK.
Your andATAS institution.certificate Youis shouldvalid submitfor an6 applicationmonths for eachuse programmeas part of studya orvisa researchapplication areafrom wherethe ATAS applies.
Ifcertificate’s you’redate writingof issue. For some visas your thesis
ATAS certificate will be checked as part of the visa application process.
YouSome mustvisas applyhave forparticular antimeframes ATASfor certificatewhen if you arecan applyingapply, solelyfor toexample writebased upon your thesiscourse andstart yourdate previousfor visaa required ATAS
Student visitors
Ifvisa. you’reYou ashould studentcheck comingthe tovisa therequirements UKon asGOV.UK afor visitor,details youbefore willmaking needyour tovisa obtainapplication.
If you need an ATAS certificate it must be approved before startingyou researchcan start in the UK.UK Youas doa notstudent needor tocontracted doresearcher.
The thisATAS beforecertificate youis applyvalid for the duration of your course or research, as long as you have a valid UK visavisa.
If youyour arevisa startingexpires during your course overseasor research period, you must reapply for a new ATAS certificate and a new UK visa.
YouIf onlyyou needapply to obtainextend anyour ATASUK certificatevisa before it expires, your current visa conditions will continue while you are waiting for whena decision, even if the expiry date passes while you planare waiting.
Check when your current visa is due to beexpire studyingand inallow theenough UK.time Howeverto becomplete awarethe ATAS thatapplication and visa renewal processes.
If you couldare beapplying unsuccessfulfor whenasylum in the UK, you must also apply for anan ATAS certificate ATASfor certificateany tocourse comeor toemployment that requires one.
If you are already in the UK
If partyou ofare already in the wayUK throughon a valid UK visa and are changing course or research project, you will still need an ATAS certificate if your course.new course, research project or employment requires it.
TransnationalYou coursesmust mayprovide bethe subjectHEI toor UKResearch ExportInstitution Controlwith Legislation.a Readvalid theATAS guidancecertificate onbefore exportstarting controlsyour new course or area of research.
Read information on academicATAS researchImmigration Rules.
AcademicHow researchersto apply
IfYou you’reneed to create an academiconline researcheraccount, applyingfill in and submit an application form on the SkilledATAS Worker,website.
You Globaldo not need Businessto Mobility,pay Tierfor 5the InternationalATAS Agreement,application.
You andmust Governmentprovide Authorisedthe Exchangefirst routes,name you(given willname) needand tosurname applyof for,your referees, employers, and befinancial granted,sponsors (do annot ATASuse certificateinitials).
When you have completed your application, check your responses carefully before applyingsubmitting.
Your forapplication amust UKinclude:
-
the
visarelevant CAH3 code, provided by the HEI orpermissionResearchtoInstitution -
details
stay.ofYouyourdopreviousnotstudies -
your
needfulltoname,havedateaoffinalbirth,employmentandcontractthebeforeaddress of where youapplycurrentlyforlive -
your
anpassportATASdetailscertificate.forYourtheemployerone you willadviseusewhetherin your visa application. If you aretoalreadybeinemployedtheunderUK,aincludestandardtheoccupationalpassportclassificationyou(SOC)enteredthatonrequiresorATAS.if it has expired include your current passport -
Ifdetailsyou’reofapreviousresearcherandcomingcurrenttoemploymentthe(ifUKapplicable).asIfayouvisitor,haveyounotneedbeentoemployed,obtainputan‘notATASapplicablecertificate/beforeneverbeginningemployed’.anyYourelevantshouldresearchalsoactivityexplaininon theUK.formHowever(inyouonedoofnottheneedopentotextdoboxes)soanybeforegapsyouinapplyyour employment history, for example if you were unemployed or aUKfull-timevisaparent -
details
(whereofrelevant).all your published papers (if applicable) -
Ifcontact details for 2 referees youneedhaveanideallyATASknowncertificateforasover 3 years. One should be avisitor,referee from your home country and the other an academic referee. If you do not havetoaobtainhomethisrefereebeforebecauseapplyingyouforliveaoutsidevisaofbutyouryouhomeshouldcountry,obtainstateitthisbeforeontravellingthetoapplication form in one of theUK.openThetextHEI/researchboxesinstituteandmustincludecheckanthealternativeATASacademiccertificateorbeforeprofessionalallowingreferee -
details of how you will be financially sponsored within the
researchUK.toIfstart,youandareifwaiting on a funding decision from your financial sponsor, state thisisonnottheprovidedapplicationyouform
Apply willonline: Academic notTechnology beApproval permittedScheme on-site.(ATAS) certificate
Students: additional application form guidance
If you are studying towards a researcherpostgraduate alreadyqualification, you should select the ‘student applicant’ option displayed in the UKonline ATAS form even if you are also doing paid research work temporarily.
You doare nota need‘visiting student’ if you intend to applyvisit forthe UK temporarily as part of an ATASoverseas certificatestudy ifor you:research project that will lead to a non-UK qualification equivalent to a UK masters or PhD.
areWhen
alreadycompletingconductingtheresearchonlineinform, you must:- Select the
UKoption ‘Taught/research student’. wereThenaselect:
-
‘Taught’
visitorifconductingyouresearchareincoming to the UKbeforetothestudyrequirement(forforexampleATASMEng,certificatesMSc) -
‘Research’
wasifintroducedyouoncoming21toMaythe2021,UKandtoyoucarryareoutcontinuingresearchthis(forresearchexample Masters by Research, PhD)
YouYour
needapplicationtomustapplyinclude:- full
fornameanofATASyourcertificateHEIifandyou:- course of study
- primary supervisor’s name
- for taught courses, list all elective or optional modules available to you (if there are
alreadynoconductingelective or optional modules, list the core modules) - for research
incourses and PhD’s, describe theUKnature and scope of your main research project and list any core modules. If youapplyhavefornot yet been assigned anewresearchvisaproject,orgiveapplythetoHEI’sextenddescription and a list of topics for potential research projects - details of your
currentcoursevisamodules or research proposal should fully reflect what has been listed and agreed by your HEI werepersonalastatement
Students:
visitorfurtherconductinginformationIf your course or research
insubjecttherequiresUKit,beforeyouthewillrequirementneedforan ATAScertificatescertificate:- as
waspartintroducedof your visa application (for some visa routes) - to register on
21yourMaycourse2021whereandyouarehavereturninglimited permission tothestay/immigrationUKstatus (this applies todoalmostresearchall visa categories) holdif your course details change- you will need an ATAS certificate for
asomeUKundergraduatecoursecoursesyouthat haveundertakenanareintegratedmakingmaster’sayear.new(yourapplicationHEIforwillaconfirmSkilledifWorker,yourGlobalundergraduateBusinesscourseMobility,requiresTieran5ATASInternationalcertificate)
Applying
Agreement,toormoreTierthan5oneGovernmentHEIYou
AuthorisedcanExchangesubmitvisa.multipleYouATASneedapplicationsitforbeforedifferentyoucoursesapplyorforresearchaareasvisa- Select the
changeatyourdifferentfieldHEI’sofconsecutively,researchhoweverorthechangesystemwherewillyounotconductacceptyourduplicateresearch
ResearchersApplying alsofor undertakingcourses awith coursethe ofsame study
HEI and CAH3 code
SkilledTo Worker,apply Globalfor Businessmore Mobility,than Tierone 5course Internationalat Agreement,the same HEI and Tierthe 5courses Governmenthave Authorisedthe Exchangesame visaCAH3 holderscode, mayyou alsomust undertakewait for a coursedecision ofto study.be Youmade needon tothe applyfirst forapplication, 1before ATASsubmitting certificatea butsecond application.
After you shouldreceive includethe bothfirst theATAS researchcertificate, projectyou andcan studythen activitiesapply ina yoursecond application.time using the same HEI and CAH3 code.
If your circumstancescourse changedates afterhave ATASchanged
You certificatewill isneed issued
Thea new ATAS certificate mustif accuratelyyour reflectcourse theend HEI/researchdate instituteis whichdelayed employs/hostsby 3 months or more. In this situation, contact your research,HEI and notify the researchATAS project,team jobfor titlefurther andguidance.
Contact duration.the ATAS team by email: ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk
If anyyour field of thesestudy detailshas changechanged
If you shouldhave checka whetherUK youvisa requirewith an
ATAS certificate andyou applycan foronly astudy newwithin certificatethe iffield you needapplied one.for.
ResearchersYou applyingmust apply for a new ATAS cancertificate beginif:
- the
theircontentemploymentoforyourresearchcourse2changes - your
weeksprimarybefore,supervisor changes - your financial sponsor or conditions for financial sponsorship change at any time
afterduringtheyourstartstudydateorstatedresearch
Applying onto theirwrite certificate.a thesis
MakeIf ayour notevisa ofexpires whenbefore youryou permissionhave towritten enteryour intothesis, theyou UKmust isreapply duefor toan expire,ATAS certificate and allowrenew sufficientyour timevisa.
Contracted toResearchers: completeadditional application form guidance
If you are working on a full or part-time basis as a contracted researcher, you should select the ‘Researcher’ option displayed in the online application form. The ATAS andresearcher permissionroute applies to staycontracted applicationresearchers processesthat beforeare youremployed currentin permissiona expires.HEI Weor recommendResearch applyingInstitute atin leastthe 4UK monthsor beforewho yourhave currentan permissionoffer expires.of employment in the UK, and to visiting academic researchers.
Conducting
When researchcompleting atthe moreform, thanyou 1must:
- Select
HEI/researchtheinstitutesoption ‘Researcher’. - Continue completing the application.
AnYour ATASapplication certificatemust isinclude applicablethe tofollowing:
- full
onename of your HEI/researchinstitute.orIfResearchyouInstitution - name
areofconductingyour project lead or line manager. - the research
atstatementmoreyouthanagreed1withinstitute,your HEI or Research Institution - a personal statement explaining why you
needwant toapplypursueforthatanparticularATASareacertificateofforresearcheach,andwhichyourincludingfutureinformationambitions - if
onyoutheare extending your research project, ensure your application reflects the new length of your visit/employment. You should use the date youwillsubmitundertakeyour ATAS extensionatapplicationeachasHEI/researchtheinstitute.start date
HowContracted longResearchers: applicationsfurther takeinformation
StudentIf andyou researcher apply for an ATAS applications takecertificate atas leasta 30contracted workingresearcher, daysyou (6can fullbegin weeks)your toemployment process.
Toon ensureor fairnessat andany consistencytime weafter processthe applicationsissue instart orderdate ofon receipt.your ThereATAS iscertificate.
You nodo ‘fastnot track’need service.to Youhave shoulda submitfinal youremployment contract before applying for an ATAS applicationcertificate, asbut earlyyou asmust possible.have an agreed research proposal/statement.
What
If you needhave toone apply
Toof applythese onlinetypes of visas, you need:can study on a course alongside your research:
informationSkilledaboutWorkeryourvisa- Intra
programmeCompanyofTransferstudy/research(ICT)includingvisa - Global
theBusinessrelevantMobilityCAH3visa - Scale-up
code,visa - Temporary
providedWorkby-theInternationalHEI/Agreementresearchinstitutevisa forTemporarystudentWorkapplications-only,GovernmentyourAuthorisedconditionalExchangeoffervisa- a
letterGlobalfromTalentyourVisaHigher(forEducationindividualsInstitutionwho(HEI)
Youobtain willa alsoGlobal needTalent Visa and later decide to providestudy informationan on:
- ATAS relevant course)
previousHighstudiesPotential IndividualpreviousanandInnovatorcurrentVisa- a
employmentStart-up(ifapplicable)Visa allapublishedUKpapersAncestry VisaoptionalamodulesBritish National (Overseas) Visa
If you mightplan to take inan aadditional taughtcourse Mastersalongside (ifyour unsureresearch, pleaseyou must include allinformation possiblefor modules)both the research project and the course when you apply for an ATAS certificate.
You must apply for a new ATAS certificate if:
- your
areaHEI or Research Institution of employment changes - the content of your research
andprojectaordescriptionscope(forof researchdegreeschanges - your
andjobresearchers)title changes fullyournamesfinancialandsponsorcontactordetailsconditions of2financialrefereessponsorship changes at any time during your research programmehow
Contact the ATAS team by email: ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk
Researching at more than one HEI or research institute
If ATAS is a requirement or a condition of your UK visa and you willare bejoining sponsoreda whilstjoint research programme that is jointly awarded or delivered at more than one HEI or Research Institution, you should submit one ATAS application form but list all institutions on the form.
Include your main institution in the UK
drop down box and list all additional institutions in one of the open text boxes.
Apply online: Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)(ATAS) certificate online.
If your employment start date is delayed
You shoulddo not makeneed to apply for a duplicatenew applicationATAS ifcertificate yourwhilst existingthe current one is currentlyvalid.
However, underyou process,must asapply thisfor cana causenew furtherATAS delayscertificate toif your currentvisa application..expires during your employment.
GuidanceIf onyou howdo not have a research proposal letter
You should provide (where applicable) the research statements specifically agreed with your HEI or Research Institution.
Visiting Academic Researcher
If you’re visiting the UK temporarily (up to 12 months) for professional research you should apply for an ATAS certificate using the ‘Researcher’ option in the online form.
FollowVisiting theResearchers advicecan closelyapply for a Standard Visitor visa before you get an ATAS certificate, however, you will need to ensureobtain therean areATAS nocertificate delaysbefore starting any research activity in the UK. You should do this before travelling to yourthe application:UK.
provideThe
theHEIfullornamesResearchofInstitutionyourmustreferees,checkemployersyourandATASsponsorscertificate(providebeforeaallowingfirstthenameresearchandtolaststart.nameIfandyou do not provideinitialsthis,insteadyouofwillfirstnotnames)providebedetailsableforto2start.Apply
refereesonline: AcademicyouTechnologyhaveApprovalideallySchemeknown(ATAS)forcertificateThe
overapplication3processyears,ATAS applications
onetakeofatwhomleastshould30 working days (6 weeks) to process, and some complex ones can take longer. There is no ‘fast track’ service’.More people apply from April to August, so processing times may be
anlongeracademicduringrefereeifthisyouperiod.haveThe ATAS IT system does not accept duplicate applications.
After your application has been
employed,submitted,indicateyou‘notcanapplicableonly/changeneveryour:- email
employed’address ensurephone number- marital status
If your passport expires or is lost whilst your application is being processed, you must email the ATAS team the details of your new passport.
Contact the
passportATASyouteam by email: ATAS@fcdo.gov.ukOutcome of your application
The ATAS team will
usetelltoyouenterthe outcome of your ATAS application by email. They will also tell theUKHEIareorprovidedResearch Institution involved.Check your spam or junk folders regularly in
fullcaseandtheareemailaccuratehas been filtered out.
- email
provideCheck
(wheretheapplicable)detailsresearchonstatementsitasarespecificallycorrectagreedand match with yourHEI/employerofferandoranresearchadequateareapersonalagreedstatementwith your HEI or Research Institution.ifUpload
youyourareATASextendingcertificateyourasresearch,partensureof your visa applicationfeaturesdocuments.-
Contact
thethe ATAS Teamnewat ATAS@fcdo.gov.uklengthif any ofyourthevisit/employment.detailsYouonshouldtheincludeATASthecertificatedateareyounotsubmitcorrect. ensurewithoutthereanareATASnocertificatelongifgapsitinisyouraemploymentcondition/oreducationrequirementhistory.ofIfyouryouvisa.You
weremustunemployedwaitor,90 days before reapplying forexample,anaATASfull-timecertificateparent,foryoutheshouldsameindicatecoursethisoronresearch at theformensuresameyouinstitutionenterwith thecorrectsame CAH3codecode.You can apply again for
youran ATAS certificate for a different course or research areabeforeat the same HEI, or yousubmitcanyourapplyapplicationtoasa different HEI.Appeals
If you
willarehaverefused ATAS clearance you can ask for an appeal by contacting the ATAS Team at: ATAS@fcdo.gov.ukContacting the ATAS team
For application enquiries email: ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk
The ATAS team works from Monday to
re-applyFridayif9amyoutodo5pm.We
notaimincludeto answer your email within 5 working days, but thisinformationinformationmayyoutakeprovidelongerwhenduringyoubusyapplyperiods.Privacy
ispolicyWe
printedwill store your ATAS application ontheourcertificate.secure server. Whenyouwe havecompletedmade a decision on your application,pleasewereadwillthroughshare this with UK Visas and Immigration, Home Office and the HEI you have applied to. We will not share yourentriesdetailscarefullywithbeforeanyoneyouelsesubmitunlessit
Successful applications
The ATAS certificate will be emailed to you.
When you receive the certificate, you should:
If your ATASapplication extensionis applicationunsuccessful
You ascannot study or conduct research in the startUK date
FindFor outfurther moreinformation, view aboutour howprivacy to applynotice.
Updates to this page
Published 25 March 2013Last updated
-
Guidance fully reviewed and updated.
-
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.
-
First published.
Update history
2025-06-10 13:39
Information has been added about a current issue for people applying for an ATAS certificate using a Gmail address.
2025-01-08 13:56
Guidance fully reviewed and updated.
2024-02-19 16:35
Removal of site maintenance dates
2024-02-02 09:42
Amendment to unavailability message timing
2024-01-30 12:21
Offline maintenance message updated
2024-01-23 17:21
ATAS online applications will be unavailable from 5pm on 25 January to 9am 26 January (GMT).
2023-12-21 11:36
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.
2023-10-09 09:49
Updated how long student and researcher ATAS applications take to process.
2023-07-04 14:20
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.
2023-06-09 12:37
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.
2022-05-27 11:46
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.