Guidance

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:

When you don’t need an ATAS certificate
  • read
  • 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 if:

    The

    • you entryhave clearanceIndefinite officerLeave (ECO)to willRemain ask(ILR) toin seethe yourUK
    • you are exempt from UK Immigration Control
    • ATAS certificatedoes asnot partapply ofto your applicationspecific forvisa permissionconditions. toYou entershould read the UK.conditions Aof caseworkeryour willvisa alsocarefully

    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 orof undertakeCyprus

    • 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.

    YouRead shouldguidance applyon forAcademic yourTechnology ATASApproval certificateScheme as(ATAS): earlyoccupation ascodes

    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

  • Scale-up you’revisa
  • Temporary alreadyWork in- theInternational UKAgreement onvisa
  • Temporary aWork student- Government Authorised Exchange visa
  • 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 newVisit onevisa (including visiting as appropriate.

      Youan shouldAcademic)

    • Global makeTalent visa (for individuals who obtain a noteGlobal ofTalent whenVisa yourand permissionlater decide to enterstudy intoan theATAS UKrelevant iscourse, dueapplies to expire,study toonly)
    • Graduate allowvisa sufficient(applies timestudy only)
    • High Potential Individual visa (applies to completestudy youronly)
    • Innovator ATASFounder andvisa permission(applies to staystudy applicationsonly)
    • Start-up beforevisa your(applies currentto permissionstudy expires.only)
    • UK WeAncestry recommendvisa applying(applies atto leaststudy 4only)
    • British monthsNational beforeOverseas yourvisa current(BNO) permission(applies expires.

      Alreadyto instudy theonly)

    • if UKyou onare a non-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 overseas

    or 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 or permissionResearch toInstitution

    • details stay.of Youyour doprevious notstudies

    • your needfull toname, havedate aof finalbirth, employmentand contractthe beforeaddress of where you applycurrently forlive

    • your anpassport ATASdetails certificate.for Yourthe employerone you will adviseuse whetherin your visa application.  If you are toalready bein employedthe underUK, ainclude standardthe occupationalpassport classificationyou (SOC)entered thaton requiresor ATAS.if it has expired include your current passport

    • Ifdetails you’reof aprevious researcherand comingcurrent toemployment the(if UKapplicable). asIf ayou visitor,have younot needbeen toemployed, obtainput an‘not ATASapplicable certificate/ beforenever beginningemployed’. anyYou relevantshould researchalso activityexplain inon the UK.form However(in youone doof notthe needopen totext doboxes) soany beforegaps youin applyyour employment history, for example if you were unemployed or a UKfull-time visaparent

    • details (whereof relevant).all your published papers (if applicable)

    • Ifcontact details for 2 referees you needhave anideally ATASknown certificatefor asover 3 years. One should be a visitor,referee from your home country and the other an academic referee. If you do not have toa obtainhome thisreferee beforebecause applyingyou forlive aoutside visaof butyour youhome shouldcountry, obtainstate itthis beforeon travellingthe toapplication form in one of the UK.open Thetext HEI/researchboxes instituteand mustinclude checkan thealternative ATASacademic certificateor beforeprofessional allowingreferee

    • details of how you will be financially sponsored within the researchUK. toIf start,you andare ifwaiting on a funding decision from your financial sponsor, state this ison notthe providedapplication youform

    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.

    • are

      When alreadycompleting conductingthe researchonline inform, you must:

      1. Select the UKoption ‘Taught/research student’.
      2. wereThen aselect:
      • ‘Taught’ visitorif conductingyou researchare incoming to the UK beforeto thestudy requirement(for forexample ATASMEng, certificatesMSc)

      • ‘Research’ wasif introducedyou oncoming 21to Maythe 2021,UK andto youcarry areout continuingresearch this(for researchexample Masters by Research, PhD)

      You

      Your needapplication tomust applyinclude:

      • full forname anof ATASyour certificateHEI ifand you:

          course of study
        • primary supervisor’s name
        • for taught courses, list all elective or optional modules available to you (if there are alreadyno conductingelective or optional modules, list the core modules)
        • for research incourses and PhD’s, describe the UKnature and scope of your main research project and list any core modules. If you applyhave fornot yet been assigned a newresearch visaproject, orgive applythe toHEI’s extenddescription and a list of topics for potential research projects
        • details of your currentcourse visamodules or research proposal should fully reflect what has been listed and agreed by your HEI
        • werepersonal astatement

        Students: visitorfurther conductinginformation

        If your course or research insubject therequires UKit, beforeyou thewill requirementneed foran ATAS certificatescertificate:

        • as waspart introducedof your visa application (for some visa routes)
        • to register on 21your Maycourse 2021where andyou arehave returninglimited permission to thestay/immigration UKstatus (this applies to doalmost researchall visa categories)
        • holdif your course details change
        • you will need an ATAS certificate for asome UKundergraduate coursecourses youthat have undertakenan areintegrated makingmaster’s ayear. new(your applicationHEI forwill aconfirm Skilledif Worker,your Globalundergraduate Businesscourse Mobility,requires Tieran 5ATAS Internationalcertificate)

        Applying Agreement,to ormore Tierthan 5one GovernmentHEI

        You Authorisedcan Exchangesubmit visa.multiple YouATAS needapplications itfor beforedifferent youcourses applyor forresearch aareas visa

      • changeat yourdifferent fieldHEI’s ofconsecutively, researchhowever orthe changesystem wherewill younot conductaccept yourduplicate research
      applications.

      Researchers

      Applying 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 theircontent employmentof oryour researchcourse 2changes
      • your weeksprimary before,supervisor changes
      • your financial sponsor or conditions for financial sponsorship change at any time afterduring theyour startstudy dateor statedresearch

      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:

      1. Select HEI/researchthe institutes

      option ‘Researcher’.
    • Continue completing the application.
    • AnYour ATASapplication certificatemust isinclude applicablethe tofollowing:

      • full onename of your HEI/research institute.or IfResearch youInstitution
      • name areof conductingyour project lead or line manager.
      • the research atstatement moreyou thanagreed 1with institute,your HEI or Research Institution
      • a personal statement explaining why you needwant to applypursue forthat anparticular ATASarea certificateof forresearch each,and whichyour includingfuture informationambitions
      • if onyou theare extending your research project, ensure your application reflects the new length of your visit/employment. You should use the date you willsubmit undertakeyour ATAS extension atapplication eachas HEI/researchthe institute.

        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:

      • informationSkilled aboutWorker yourvisa
      • Intra programmeCompany ofTransfer study/research(ICT) includingvisa
      • Global theBusiness relevantMobility CAH3visa
      • Scale-up code,visa
      • Temporary providedWork by- theInternational HEI/Agreement research institutevisa
      • forTemporary studentWork applications- only,Government yourAuthorised conditionalExchange offervisa
      • a letterGlobal fromTalent yourVisa Higher(for Educationindividuals Institutionwho (HEI)

      Youobtain willa alsoGlobal needTalent Visa and later decide to providestudy informationan on:

        ATAS relevant course)
      • previousHigh studiesPotential Individual
      • previousan andInnovator currentVisa
      • a employmentStart-up (if applicable)Visa
      • alla publishedUK papersAncestry Visa
      • optionala modulesBritish 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 andproject aor descriptionscope (forof research degreeschanges
      • your andjob researchers)title changes
      • fullyour namesfinancial andsponsor contactor detailsconditions of 2financial refereessponsorship changes at any time during your research programme
      • how

      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.

    You shouldcan applysubmit multiple ATAS applications for andifferent areas of research consecutively, but the system will not accept duplicate applications.

    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.

    Guidance

    If 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.

    • provide

      The theHEI fullor namesResearch ofInstitution yourmust referees,check employersyour andATAS sponsorscertificate (providebefore aallowing firstthe nameresearch andto laststart. nameIf andyou do not provide initialsthis, insteadyou ofwill firstnot names)

    • providebe detailsable forto 2start.

      Apply refereesonline: Academic youTechnology haveApproval ideallyScheme known(ATAS) forcertificate

      The overapplication 3process years, 

      ATAS applications onetake ofat whomleast should30 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 anlonger academicduring referee

    • ifthis youperiod. have 

      The ATAS IT system does not accept duplicate  applications.

      After your application has been employed,submitted, indicateyou ‘notcan applicableonly /change neveryour: 

      • 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 passportATAS youteam by email: ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk

      Outcome of your application

      The ATAS team will usetell toyou enterthe outcome of your ATAS application by email. They will also tell the UKHEI areor providedResearch Institution involved.

      Check your spam or junk folders regularly in fullcase andthe areemail accurate

    • has been filtered out.

      Successful applications

      The ATAS certificate will be emailed to you.

      When you receive the certificate, you should:

      1. provide

        Check (wherethe applicable)details researchon statementsit asare specificallycorrect agreedand match with your HEI/employeroffer andor anresearch adequatearea personalagreed statementwith your HEI or Research Institution.

      2. if

        Upload youyour areATAS extendingcertificate youras research,part ensureof your visa application featuresdocuments.

      3. Contact thethe ATAS Team newat ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk lengthif any of yourthe visit/employment.details Youon shouldthe includeATAS thecertificate dateare younot submitcorrect.

      If your ATASapplication extensionis applicationunsuccessful

      You ascannot study or conduct research in the startUK date

    • ensurewithout therean areATAS nocertificate longif gapsit inis youra employmentcondition /or educationrequirement history.of Ifyour youvisa.

      You weremust unemployedwait or,90 days before reapplying for example,an aATAS full-timecertificate parent,for youthe shouldsame indicatecourse thisor onresearch at the form

    • ensuresame youinstitution enterwith the correctsame CAH3 codecode. 

      You can apply again for youran ATAS certificate for a different course or research area beforeat the same HEI, or you submitcan yourapply applicationto asa different  HEI.

      Appeals

      If you willare haverefused ATAS clearance you can ask for an appeal by contacting the ATAS Team at: ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk

      Contacting the ATAS team

      For application enquiries email: ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk 

      The ATAS team works from Monday to re-applyFriday if9am youto do5pm.

      We notaim includeto answer your email within 5 working days, but this information

    • informationmay youtake providelonger whenduring youbusy applyperiods.

      Privacy ispolicy

      We printedwill store your ATAS application on theour certificate.secure server. When youwe have completedmade a decision on your application, pleasewe readwill throughshare this with UK Visas and Immigration, Home Office and the HEI you have applied to. We will not share your entriesdetails carefullywith beforeanyone youelse submitunless it

    there are justified grounds to do so.

    FindFor outfurther moreinformation, view aboutour howprivacy to applynotice.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2013
    Last updated 198 FebruaryJanuary 2024 2025 + show all updates
    1. Guidance fully reviewed and updated.

    2. Removal of site maintenance dates

    3. Amendment to unavailability message timing

    4. Offline maintenance message updated

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

    6. 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.

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

    8. 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.

    9. 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.

    10. 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.

    11. 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.

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

    13. Updated with additional information for researchers

    14. Updated to reflect borders and immigration system changes

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

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

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

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

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

    20. Added information on the ATAS certificate requirements for postgraduate students.

    21. Note added on email messages to Chinese students.

    22. Note added on Christmas availability.

    23. updated detailed guide

    24. updated notice

    25. Easter announcement.

    26. Service update: ATAS application website now up and running.

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

    28. Added "Important: ATAS Service Update" section

    29. Updated contact information

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

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

    32. ‘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.’

    33. 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.

    34. Added apply online information.

    35. First published.

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