Academic Technology Approval Scheme
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to all international researchers who require a Skilled Worker or Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange visa are intending to research in certain sensitive subjects.
The 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 must apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before they can start research in the UK.
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.
The requirement for an ATAS certificate applies to all other researchers irrespective of the country of residence when they apply.
UK immigration law prevents Queen Mary from permitting international researchers to commence research in an ATAS applicable course until the researcher has supplied evidence that they have the correct ATAS certificate.
ATAS and Hiring International Researchers
If you intend to hire international reseachers under the Skilled Worker route, or to invite international researchers to Queen Mary to take part in collaborative research then you will need to consider whether they require ATAS certification before they enter the UK.
ATAS certification is a legal requirement. Queen Mary must ensure that all sponsored individuals undertaking reseach in jobs and subject areas that are listed under the ATAS requirements obtain the necessary certification before they make a visa application.
ATAS Requirements
Subject Areas
All subject areas studied at UK Higher Education Institutions are identified by CAH3 code. The subject areas covered by the ATAS requirement are listed below by CAH3 code:
Subjects allied to Medicine:
- CAH02-02-01 - Pharmacology
- CAH02-02-02 - Toxicology
- CAH02-02-03 - Pharmacy
- CAH10-01-06 - Bioengineering, Medical and Biomedical Engineering
- CAH02-05-03 - Others in subjects allied to Medicine
Biological Sciences:
- CAH03-01-02 - Biology (non-specific)
- CAH03-01-03 - Ecology and Environmental Biology
- CAH03-01-06 - Zoology
- CAH03-01-04 - Microbiology and Cell Science
- CAH03-01-05 - Plant Sciences
- CAH10-03-05 - Biotechnology
- CAH03-01-07 - Genetics
- CAH02-05-03 - Biomedical Sciences (non-specific)
- CAH03-01-08 - Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry
- CAH03-01-01 - Biosciences (non-specific)
- CAH03-01-10 - Others in Biological Sciences
Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture and related subjects:
- CAH05-01-02 - Others in Veterinary Sciences
- CAH06-01-02 - Agricultural sciences
Physical Sciences:
- CAH07-02-01 - Chemistry
- CAH10-03-07 - Materials Science
- CAH07-01-01 - Physics
- CAH07-01-02 - Astronomy
- CAH26-01-05 - Others in Geographical Studies
- CAH07-04-01 - Physical Sciences (non-specific)
- CAH07-04-03 - Sciences (non-specific)
- CAH07-04-04 - Natural Sciences (non-specific)
Mathematical and Computer Sciences:
- CAH09-01-01 - Mathematics
- CAH09-01-02 - Operational Research
- CAH11-01-01 - Computer Science
- CAH11-01-02 - Information Technology
- CAH11-01-03 - Information Systems
- CAH11-01-04 - Software Engineering
- CAH11-01-05 - Artificial Intelligence
Engineering:
- CAH10-01-01 - Engineering (non-specific)
- CAH10-01-07 - Civil Engineering
- CAH10-01-02 - Mechanical Engineering
- CAH10-01-04 - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- CAH10-01-05 - Naval Architecture
- CAH10-01-08 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- CAH10-01-09 - Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering
Technologies:
- CAH10-03-03 - Polymers and Textiles
- CAH10-03-01 - Minerals Technology
- CAH10-03-02 - Materials Technology
- CAH10-03-04 - Maritime Technology
Relevant Occupational Codes
The occupation codes covered by the ATAS requirement are:
- 2111 Chemical scientists
- 2112 Biological scientists and biochemists
- 2113 Physical scientists
- 2114 Social and humanities scientists
- 2119 Natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified
- 2150 Research and development managers
- 2122 Mechanical engineers
- 2123 Electrical engineers
- 2124 Electronics engineers
- 2127 Production and process engineers
- 2129 Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified
- 2311 Higher education teaching professionals;
- 3111 Laboratory technicians
- 3112 Electrical and electronics technicians
- 3113 Engineering technicians
- 3114 Building and civil engineering technicians
- 5235 Aircraft maintenance and related trades
Exempt Nationals
The ATAS requirements are based on nationality, not residency. Academics and Researchers who are nationals of the following countries will not require ATAS certification. The requirement for an ATAS certificate applies to all other researchers irrespective of the country of residence when they apply.
- 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
- Republic of Korea
- Romania
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United States of America
Academic researchers making an application on the Skilled Worker routes will need to apply for, and be granted, ATAS certification before making their visa or permission to stay application. Employment contracts do not have to be finalised before an ATAS application is made.
Queen Mary will advise whether an ATAS certificate is required, a Certificate of Sponsorship cannot be issued without evidence of ATAS certification.
Researchers already in the UK
Those already conducting research in the UK will not need to apply for an ATAS certificate unless they apply for a new visa or apply to extend their current visa.
If an individual holds an ATAS certificate for a course of study they have undertaken in the UK and are making a new application for a Skilled Worker visa they will need to obtain a new ATAS certificate before submitting the visa application.
An individual who changes their field of research or changes where they conduct their research will need to apply for a new ATAS certificate.
Academic researchers making an application on the Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange route may need to apply for, and be granted, ATAS certification before making their visa or permission to stay application. Employment contracts do not have to be finalised before an ATAS application is made. Queen Mary will advise whether an ATAS is required.
Researchers already in the UK
Individuals who are already conducting research in the UK will not need to apply for an ATAS certificate unless they apply for a new Visa or apply to extend your current visa.
Those who were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the ATAS requirement was introduced on 21 May 2021 will not need to apply for an ATAS certificate to continue this research. They will however need to obtain an ATAS certificate the next time they return to the UK to conduct research.
If the individual's changes their field of research or changes where they conduct their research then they will need to apply for a new ATAS certificate.
Researchers coming to the UK as a visitor will also need to obtain an ATAS before beginning any relevant research activity once they arrive in the UK, but will not need to do so before making a visa application.
Researchers on a Standard visitor visa who are attending meetings, conferences, seminars or interviews, or giving speeches and will not be undertaking research during their time in the UK do not require ATAS clearance.
Researchers on a standard visitor visa who are undertaking science and academic activities, such as (non-exhaustive list):
- gathering information and facts for a specific project which directly relates to their employment overseas, or to support independent research;
- taking part in formal exchange arrangements with UK counterparts
- carrying out research for their own purposes or as a group.
Will, if engaged in an ATAS categorised sensitive subject, require an ATAS certificate, regardless of the length of the visit.
Those who require an ATAS certificate as a visitor do not have to obtain this before making a visa application but it is strongly recommended to obtain it before travelling to the UK. Queen Mary is required to check the ATAS certificate before allowing the research to commence, and if this is not provided you will not be permitted on-site.
Researchers already in the UK
Individuals who are already conducting research in the UK will not need to apply for an ATAS certificate unless they apply for a new Visa or apply to extend their current visa.
Those who were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the ATAS requirement was introduced on 21 May 2021 will not need to apply for an ATAS certificate to continue this research. They will however need to obtain an ATAS certificate the next time they return to the UK to conduct research.
Those who change their field of research or change where they conduct their research will need to apply for a new ATAS certificate.
The ATAS certificate must accurately reflect an individual's employer / host, and their research project, job title and duration. Should any of these details change they should re-confirm whether your new details require an ATAS certificate and apply for a new certificate as appropriate.
Researchers applying for ATAS can begin their employment/research two weeks before, or after the start date stated on their certificate.
Individuals should make a note of when their permission to enter into the UK is due to expire, to allow themselves sufficient time to complete the ATAS and permission to stay application processes before their current permission expires. We recommend applying at least 4 months in advance of their current permission expiring. HR will send a reminder when their permission to stay in the UK is due to expire.
If an ATAS certificate is refused
Without an ATAS certificate, the individual will not be granted permission to research in the UK. If they think their application has been treated unfairly they can ask for a review.
Conducting research at multiple HEI/research institutes
An ATAS certificate is applicable to one HEI/research institute, if an individual is conducting research at more than one they will need to obtain an ATAS certificate for each, which details the research they will specifically undertake at each HEI/research institute.
Find out more
An ATAS certificate is needed for those who are undertaking research in certain proliferation sensitive subjects in the UK.
- find out if an ATAS certificate is required
- read the guidance on how to apply for an ATAS certificate
