Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) guidance

An ATAS certificate is required when research at PhD level or above involves sensitive subjects in science, engineering, medicine or technology.

The scheme is designed to prevent knowledge being used in programmes that develop advanced conventional military technology, weapons of mass destruction, or their delivery systems.

Students at the University should contact International Advice in Academic Registry for guidance on ATAS certificates linked to their studies.

An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate is needed for anyone carrying out research in the UK, whether employed or visiting, including academics whose work involves research.

A certificate is required if all of the following apply:

• applying under the Skilled Worker, Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) or Visitor immigration routes
• not a citizen of an exempt country
• researching in a sensitive subject listed by the Home Office as requiring an ATAS certificate (known as CAH3 codes)

Other visa routes, such as Global Talent and Points Based System (PBS) dependent, do not currently require an ATAS certificate.

Existing staff who meet these criteria do not need to apply for an ATAS certificate unless they are extending their visa or switching into one of the routes above.

You will need an ATAS certificate if all of the following apply:

• the immigration route you are applying under is subject to the ATAS requirement. If it is not one of the eligible routes, you will not need an ATAS certificate
• you are not a citizen of an exempt country – these include countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and eight others
• your role or activities involve academic research. ATAS is only required where the role includes research
• the field of research is listed under the CAH3 codes, which cover many areas in arts, humanities and cultures, biological sciences, engineering and physical sciences, environment, and medicine and health

You can check whether you need an ATAS certificate by using the UK Government’s Check if you need an ATAS certificate tool or by following the steps below:

To apply for an ATAS certificate, completing the online form on the UK Government’s Check if you need an ATAS certificate page.

When completing the application, select University of St Andrews from the dropdown menu. Your ATAS certificate must be linked to the University so that you can use it as part of your visa application.

CAH codes

To complete the application, you need to know the Common Aggregate Hierarchy (CAH) code for your field of research.

If you are applying for a Skilled Worker or Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa, the HR Immigration team will provide you with the relevant CAH code.

CAH codes are also listed on the UK Government’s Check if you need an ATAS certificate
 page.

Start date on the form

The start date you enter on your ATAS application depends on your situation:

• New employees should enter the proposed start date from their job offer.
• Employees extending their visa should enter the date immediately after their current visa expires. This may be different from the start date of any associated contract extension.

Research statement

Applicants for a Skilled Worker or Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa can obtain a research statement from their line manager. This should be included in the 'What will you be studying / Research statement' section of the ATAS application form.

Sponsor details

The sponsor information requested on the ATAS form refers to your financial sponsor, not the University of St Andrews.

Your financial sponsor is your research funder, which will be detailed in your offer of employment.

Referees

If you are unable to provide a referee from your home country because you have been working elsewhere, you may provide two referees who meet the other criteria. If the ATAS team requests more information, explain why you cannot provide a referee from your home country.

Passport or nationality changes

If you have already obtained ATAS clearance but your passport details change, email the ATAS team with your ATAS application reference number and new passport details. In most cases, the certificate will be updated. In some situations, you may be asked to submit a new ATAS application.

If your nationality changes, you must submit a new ATAS application.