Visitors' visas

Non-UK and non-Irish nationals coming to the University of St Andrews on a temporary basis must enter the UK under the visa category that matches their planned activities.

Visitors may be attending meetings, giving lectures, sharing expertise or conducting research. The correct visa type ensures compliance with UK immigration rules.

Overview

Who is a visitor

The University regularly welcomes visitors who take part in a wide range of activities, such as giving lectures, attending meetings or collaborating on research projects.

A visitor is a non-UK and non-Irish national who comes to the UK on a temporary basis. This may be to carry out business activities, participate in research or join an academic exchange programme.

Visitors must enter the UK under the immigration category that matches their planned activities. They are not permitted to take up employment and can only undertake activities allowed under the relevant visa.

Entry permission

Every visitor, regardless of nationality, must obtain permission to enter the UK.

This can be through a visitor visa vignette issued before travel, or by being granted leave to enter at the UK border.

Visitor visa categories

The main immigration categories for visitors are:

Standard Visitor visa – for business, study or academic visits
Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor visa – for short visits to take part in pre-arranged paid work such as lectures, examinations or professional events
Government-Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa – for temporary work

Restrictions

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) rules define which activities are permitted under each category. There are also specific restrictions on payments and the length of stay.

A detailed list of permissible activities is included in the sections below.

When a Visitor visa is not appropriate

A Visitor visa is not suitable in the following situations:

an individual is employed directly by the University. In this case, a visa that grants the right to work is required, such as the Global Talent visa or Skilled Worker visa. Contact the HR Immigration team at hrimmigration@st-andrews.ac.uk for advice about employing overseas staff
an individual is enrolled in a course of study at the University of St Andrews. Contact the International Advice team at advint@st-andrews.ac.uk for guidance on student visa requirements

Visitors conducting research

If a visitor will be conducting research, it is important to determine whether they should enter the UK:

under a Visitor visa route, or
under the Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) temporary work route, which requires University sponsorship

The correct visa category must be used for each situation.

Visa routes

The appropriate visa category for research activities is as follows:

Visa type	Criteria
Standard Visitor visa	private research for personal purposes sharing knowledge or experience without carrying out research in the UK students undertaking research as part of their overseas studies, for up to six months
Temporary work – Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa	collaborative research, or research linked to a grant or fellowship students undertaking research as part of their overseas studies, for more than six months

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Who needs an ATAS certificate

Visitors undertaking research at PhD level in certain sensitive subjects must obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

These subjects are considered sensitive because the research could contribute to the development of advanced conventional military technology, weapons of mass destruction or their delivery systems.

When ATAS clearance is required

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance must be obtained before the visitor begins any research activity. This applies even if the visa itself does not require an ATAS certificate.

More information is available on the University’s Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) webpage.

When to issue an invitation letter

We recommend that Schools do not issue an invitation letter until the visitor can provide proof of ATAS clearance.

This helps avoid situations where a visitor arrives in the UK but cannot begin their visit because their ATAS application is still pending or has been refused.

Visa types based on visit purpose

Different visa types apply depending on the reason for your visit to the University. Use the options below to find the appropriate visa route based on the activity you plan to carry out.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee any visa will be issued by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and the visitor is responsible for obtaining the necessary visa.

Purpose of the visit to the University of St Andrews

Attend interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars.

Visa type required

Standard Visitor visa (business visitor category)

Maximum length of visa

6 months

Visa conditions
- Cannot receive payment from any UK source (except for reasonable expense and subsistence payments).
- Cannot extend beyond 6 months except academic visitors, who can hold a visa for a maximum of 12 months.
- Accompanying dependents require a Standard Visitor visa and are not permitted to work.
- Where visa or entry granted for 6 months or less, children cannot attend state school.
- Children cannot attend state schools but can attend fee paying school. A child of a Visitor visa holder can only attend a state school in the UK if the visitor they are accompanying has been granted an Academic Visitor visa prior to traveling (regardless of whether this requirement applies based on their nationality or the length of their visit). The decision to admit a child to a school is made by the local authority or the school's governing body. The University cannot guarantee availability at either a state or private school, and visitors should reach out directly to the relevant school to enquire.
Documents required from the University of St Andrews

Invitation letter from host School or professional services unit.
Purpose of the visit to the University of St Andrews

Giving a single or series of lectures or talks.

Visa type required

Permitted paid engagement (PPE)

Maximum length of visa

1 month

Visa conditions
- No limitations on payment amount or source.
- Cannot extend or switch to another visa while in UK.
- Accompanying dependents require a Standard Visitor visa and are not permitted to work.
- Children cannot attend state schools but can attend fee paying school. A child of a Visitor visa holder can only attend a state school in the UK if the visitor they are accompanying has been granted an Academic Visitor visa prior to traveling (regardless of whether this requirement applies based on their nationality or the length of their visit). The decision to admit a child to a school is made by the local authority or the school's governing body. The University cannot guarantee availability at either a state or private school, and visitors should reach out directly to the relevant school to enquire.
Documents required from St Andrews

Invitation letter from host School or professional services unit.
Purpose of the visit to the University of St Andrews

Examine students

Visa type required

Permitted paid engagement (PPE)

Maximum length of visa

1 month

Visa conditions
- No limitations on payment amount or source.
- Cannot extend or switch to another visa while in UK.
- Accompanying dependents require a Standard Visitor visa and are not permitted to work.
- Children cannot attend state schools but can attend fee paying school. A child of a Visitor visa holder can only attend a state school in the UK if the visitor they are accompanying has been granted an Academic Visitor visa prior to traveling (regardless of whether this requirement applies based on their nationality or the length of their visit). The decision to admit a child to a school is made by the local authority or the school's governing body. The University cannot guarantee availability at either a state or private school, and visitors should reach out directly to the relevant school to enquire.
Documents required from St Andrews

Invitation letter from host School or professional services unit.
Purpose of the visit to the University of St Andrews

Visit the University to share knowledge and experience on research projects with UK counterparts but not conducting research.

Visa type required

Standard Visitor visa (academic visitor category)

Maximum length of visa

6 months

Visa conditions
- Cannot receive payment from any UK source (except for reasonable expense and subsistence payments).
- Cannot extend beyond 6 months except academic visitors, who can hold a visa for a maximum of 12 months.
- Accompanying dependents require a Standard Visitor visa and are not permitted to work.
- Where visa or entry granted for 6 months or less, children cannot attend state school.
- Children cannot attend state schools but can attend fee paying school. A child of a Visitor visa holder can only attend a state school in the UK if the visitor they are accompanying has been granted an Academic Visitor visa prior to traveling (regardless of whether this requirement applies based on their nationality or the length of their visit). The decision to admit a child to a school is made by the local authority or the school's governing body. The University cannot guarantee availability at either a state or private school, and visitors should reach out directly to the relevant school to enquire.
Documents required from the University of St Andrews

Invitation letter from host School or professional services unit.
Purpose of the visit to the University of St Andrews

Conducting private research for own purposes and an academic based in an overseas higher education institution (HEI), for less than 12 months.

Visa type required

Standard Visitor visa (academic visitor category)

Maximum length of visa
- 6 months if entry sought at UK border
- up to 12 months where a visa is obtained in advance
Visa conditions
- Cannot receive payment from any UK source (except for reasonable expense and subsistence payments).
- Cannot extend beyond 6 months except academic visitors, who can hold a visa for a maximum of 12 months.
- Accompanying dependents require a Standard Visitor visa and are not permitted to work.
- Where visa or entry granted for 6 months or less, children cannot attend state school.
- Children cannot attend state schools but can attend fee paying school. A child of a Visitor visa holder can only attend a state school in the UK if the visitor they are accompanying has been granted an Academic Visitor visa prior to traveling (regardless of whether this requirement applies based on their nationality or the length of their visit). The decision to admit a child to a school is made by the local authority or the school's governing body. The University cannot guarantee availability at either a state or private school, and visitors should reach out directly to the relevant school to enquire.
Documents required from the University of St Andrews

Invitation letter from host School or professional services unit.
Purpose of the visit to the University of St Andrews

Conducting private research for own purposes and an academic based in an overseas higher education institution (HEI), for more than 12 months.

Visa type required

Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa (Temporary Work)

Maximum length of visa

2 years

Visa conditions
- Must receive funding from any sources that meets national minimum wage rules.
- Dependants must apply for visa and are permitted to work.
- Children can attend state school.
Documents required from the University of St Andrews

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by Human Resources (HR).
Purpose of the visit to the University of St Andrews

Giving a single or series of lectures or talks.

Visa type required

Permitted paid engagement (PPE)

Maximum length of visa

1 month

Visa conditions
- No limitations on payment amount or source.
- Cannot extend or switch to another visa while in UK.
- Accompanying dependents require a Standard Visitor visa and are not permitted to work.
- Children cannot attend state schools but can attend fee paying school. A child of a Visitor visa holder can only attend a state school in the UK if the visitor they are accompanying has been granted an Academic Visitor visa prior to traveling (regardless of whether this requirement applies based on their nationality or the length of their visit). The decision to admit a child to a school is made by the local authority or the school's governing body. The University cannot guarantee availability at either a state or private school, and visitors should reach out directly to the relevant school to enquire.
Documents required from St Andrews

Invitation letter from host School or professional services unit.
Purpose of the visit to the University of St Andrews

Students or academics conducting collaborative research, under the direction of a supervisor, for more than 6 months.

Visa type required

Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa (Temporary Work)

Maximum length of visa

2 years

Visa conditions
- Must receive funding from any sources that meets national minimum wage rules.
- Dependants must apply for visa and are permitted to work.
- Children can attend state school.
Documents required from the University of St Andrews

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by Human Resources (HR).
Purpose of the visit to the University of St Andrews

Students registered at another institution who are visiting to complete a period of research or learn about research. The research or learning must form part of, or be relevant to, the course at their main institution.

Visa type required

Standard Visitor visa (study visitor category)

Maximum length of visa

6 months

Visa conditions
- Cannot receive payment from any UK source (except for reasonable expense and subsistence payments).
- Cannot extend beyond 6 months except academic visitors, who can hold a visa for a maximum of 12 months.
- Accompanying dependents require a Standard Visitor visa and are not permitted to work.
- Where visa or entry granted for 6 months or less, children cannot attend state school.
- Children cannot attend state schools but can attend fee paying school. A child of a Visitor visa holder can only attend a state school in the UK if the visitor they are accompanying has been granted an Academic Visitor visa prior to traveling (regardless of whether this requirement applies based on their nationality or the length of their visit). The decision to admit a child to a school is made by the local authority or the school's governing body. The University cannot guarantee availability at either a state or private school, and visitors should reach out directly to the relevant school to enquire.
Documents required from the University of St Andrews

Invitation letter from host School or professional services unit.

Links to external sites and information

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Visitors' visas

Overview

Who is a visitor

Entry permission

Visitor visa categories

Restrictions

When a Visitor visa is not appropriate

Visitors conducting research

Visa routes

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Who needs an ATAS certificate

When ATAS clearance is required

When to issue an invitation letter

Visa types based on visit purpose

Attend interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars

Chair or participate in a selection panel

Examine students

Knowledge exchange visit

Private research visit (less than 12 months) from overseas HEI

Private research visit (more than 12 months) from overseas HEI

Single or series of lectures or talks

Students or academics conducting collaborative research

Visiting student research

Links to external sites and information