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A1.6 Applying for UK ATAS

How to Apply for UK ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) – September 2025 Update

 

Key Reminders

  • ATAS is required only for specific sensitive subjects.      Check if you need it at:
         https://www.academic-technology-approval.service.gov.uk/

  • Do not use Gmail for applications      – technical issues may prevent delivery of confirmation emails. If already      used, contact your institution to forward the certificate or email ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk.

  • Free application – no fees or      priority services available.

  • Processing typically exceeds 20 working days (longer      during peak season: April–August). Allow 3–6 months for      delays.

  • One certificate per course/institution. Changing either requires a new application.

  • Certificates are valid for 6 months from issue      but cover your entire course if you hold a valid UK visa.

  • Apply before your visa application. Renewals      require a new ATAS certificate if your visa expires.

 

Who Needs ATAS?

You must apply if you are:

  • A student/researcher in sensitive fields (e.g., engineering,      sciences)

  • Applying for these visas:
         Student, Skilled Worker, Intra-Company Transfer, Global Business      Mobility, Scale-up, Temporary Work (International Agreement/Government      Authorised Exchange)

Exemptions

  • Nationals of exempt countries (e.g.,      EU, US, Australia, Japan, South Korea – see full list in original text)

  • Dual nationals holding a valid      passport from an exempt country

  • Holders of Indefinite Leave to Remain or immigration      exemption (e.g., diplomats)

  • PG Diploma/PGCE students

 

Application Process

  1. Check requirement:
         https://www.academic-technology-approval.service.gov.uk/

  2. Create an account:
         https://www.academic-technology-approval.service.gov.uk/create-an-account

  3. Submit application with:

Ø  CAH3 code from your institution

Ø  Full educational/work history

Ø  Passport details

Ø  Two referees (known ≥3 years)

Ø  Research/course description matching your institution’s records

Ø  Funding details

 Triple-check all information – only email, phone number, and marital status can be updated after submission.

 

Application Statuses

  • Submitted: Awaiting review

  • Requires Changes: Errors detected

  • Decided: Outcome emailed

  • Granted: Certificate issued

  • Refused: No certificate issued

 

Special Cases

  • Multiple applications: Allowed for      different courses/institutions, but duplicate applications are      blocked.

  • Course changes: New ATAS required      if:

    • Course content changes

    • Supervisor changes

    • Research field changes

  • Delayed courses: Reapply if end      date extends by ≥3 months

 

Researchers & Visiting Academics

  • Select "Researcher" in the      application

  • Provide:

Ø  Institution name

Ø  Research supervisor/manager

Ø  Agreed research statement

  • Can start work on or after the certificate’s      start date

 

After Submission

  • Approved: Email your certificate to      your institution and include it in your visa application

  • Refused:

Ø  Wait 90 days to reapply for the same course/institution

Ø  Immediate applications allowed for different courses/institutions

Ø  Request a review via ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Important Contacts

  • Email: ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk

  • Response time: 5 working days      (longer during peaks)

  • Operating hours: Mon–Fri,      9:00–17:00 UK time

 Monitor spam folders for ATAS emails. Report lost/expired passports to ATAS immediately.

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