Supporting international staff: How to apply for a visa

This information is to guide you through the stages of your visa application, and does not constitute immigration advice.

You should read all information in full before you make your application. You may be eligible for more than one visa, and you can check your eligibility to find the right visa for you.

Check if you need a visa (gov.uk)

International employees can apply for a visa up to three months before travelling to the UK. Decisions take around three weeks for applications from overseas, and eight weeks for applications submitted within the UK.

If you will be carrying out research in certain subjects, you may need to obtain permission via the Academic Technology Approval Scheme, which may also take several months.

As a UK visa holder, you must ensure that you:

will only undertake permitted activities allowed for your visa route
will not claim public funds - UK Government-provided welfare benefits
will not undertake any prohibited activities
will comply with the conditions of your visa
will update your UKVI account if any of your personal details change

Supporting Documents

You can check which documents you need for the visa you are applying for in the UKVI guidance. There is usually a document checklist at the end of your online visa application form.

You may have to upload the same evidence more than once. You may be asked to provide:

A Certificate of Sponsorship (for Skilled Worker and Temporary Worker visas)
A Statement of Guarantee letter (for Global Talent visas)
Your passport and/or your birth certificate
Other documents showing your finances, family ties and employment may be required. Official translations may be required.

Providing a numbered list of documents included in the application can be helpful.

UKVI guidance on uploading documents (gov.uk)

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) - For Researchers

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

If you require ATAS approval, you should apply as early as possible as this can take several months.

You will not need ATAS approval if you are a citizen of the following countries/regions: EU, EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea and the USA.

Further information on ATAS

How to apply

You must apply for your visa online, and the application process and requirements are set out on the UKVI webpage for the relevant visa route.

You must follow these steps:

Keep in touch with HR and your line manager.
Obtain ATAS approval (if required).
Pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (gov.uk)
If you don't already have one, create a UKVI account (gov.uk)
Complete and submit your online visa application using the relevant visa application form and pay the visa fee.
Upload any supporting documents.
Attend an appointment to enrol your biometric information.
Inform HR when you obtain your eVisa.
Access your eVisa to check all details.
Report any incorrect information as soon as possible.
Link your current passport details to your eVisa in your UKVI account (gov.uk).
Plan your travel to the UK and make arrival arrangements in York if required.
Use the view and prove your immigration status to generate a share code for your right to work check.
Make an appointment for a zoom call to complete your right to work check before you start working.

Support

We may be able to reimburse your visa application fee and immigration healthcare surcharge.

Visa Application Fee & IHS Reimbursement policy.

We also offer a salary advance scheme for the cost of the visa application fee and immigration healthcare surcharge for you or your dependants.

Salary advance for UK immigration application fees policy.

We are not legally qualified to give immigration advice on most visa routes, and the University cannot submit visa applications on behalf of employees. However, we can direct you to further sources of information to help with visa or immigration issues.

Working in York

The Relocation Handbook provides useful information if you will be moving to York.

If you are relocating, the University’s Welcome Service can offer you practical advice and support to help you transition into your new life in York.

If you have general questions or require more specific advice about living and working in York, please email welcome-service@york.ac.uk

Useful Information and Links from UKVI

Check if you need a visa (gov.uk)
Uploading documents (gov.uk)
Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (gov.uk)

If you have any questions or queries please contact hr-compliance@york.ac.uk.