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Guidance for new employees on working in the UK

All employees and workers must have permission to live and work in the UK, and your right to work will be checked before you start working.

There are many visa types which allow working in the UK, and some visa types such as Skilled Worker, Temporary Worker and Student visas include conditions which limit the type or amount of work that can be undertaken. You may be eligible for more than one type of visa.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for researchers

International researchers on Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker visas who will be carrying out postgraduate level research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects must obtain Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) approval before starting the research. Most visa holders who will be studying courses in STEM subjects will also need ATAS approval before they start studying.

ATAS approval is not required for citizens of the following countries/regions: EU, EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea and the USA.

Timescales

Decisions on visa applications usually take around 3 weeks for applications submitted from outside the UK, or eight weeks for applications submitted within the UK.

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

Candidate responsibilities

As a candidate or employee, you must:

  • Indicate if you need to obtain work permission to start or continue working in the UK.
  • Obtain ATAS approval if required for your role.
  • Follow instructions to apply for the relevant visa.
  • Pay your visa and Immigration Healthcare Surcharge fees and any required additional fees.
  • Keep in touch with HR and your line manager.
  • Inform HR if your visa application is not successful.
  • Understand and comply with the conditions of your eVisa.
  • Arrive in the UK within the time limits specified in your eVisa.
  • Apply for a visa extension or indefinite leave to remain before your current visa expires.
  • Keep your personal details and passport information updated in your UKVI account.
  • Generate a share code and ensure you have completed your right to work check before starting work and whenever new work permission is obtained.

University responsibilities

  • Manage recruitment in a way which supports the requirements for work permission visas where possible.
  • Assess eligibility of roles for work permission visas, eg Global Talent, Skilled Worker.
  • Obtain documents and information required for the relevant visa route and notify the successful candidate accordingly.
  • Manage employment in line with the visa conditions.
  • Assess applications for reimbursement of visa fees and salary advances in line with policy.
  • Manage visa expiries within three months of the visa expiry date.
  • Retain right to work and work permission information as required by the Home Office.
  • Comply with work permission, sponsorship and ATAS regulations.
  • Direct individuals to further sources of information to help with visa or immigration issues.

HR is not legally qualified to give immigration advice on most visa routes, and the University cannot submit visa applications on behalf of employees. 

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