Eligibility to work, visas, and passports

Overview

Obtaining a visa will provide the individual with the time-limited right to work in the UK. If a non-UK national is made a job offer from the university, and where they have no ties as mentioned above, the UK points-based immigration system is the most common route through which an individual can obtain the right to work in the UK.

The university recommends you consult the check if you need a UK visa section on the Home Office website to determine your suitability for a Skilled Worker or other type of visa.

There are other relevant routes to having a right to work here depending on any family or ancestral links you may have with the UK.

Further information can also be found on the Home Office website (gov.uk) and a summary of visa types is outlined here.

Skilled Worker Visa

If you are made an offer of employment with the university and intend to seek permission to work in the UK via a Skilled Worker visa, you will need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). A CoS is not a document, but a number allocated to the university by the UK Home Office. The HR Recruitment Team will allocate the CoS number to you and you will need the number to apply for a visa to come to or stay in the UK.

How do I apply for a Skilled Worker visa?

You will need to apply after we have given you the CoS number. We would strongly advise you to read the full UKVI policy guidance carefully and check the application requirements in your country of residence before applying. As explained in the UKVI application guidance, you need to prove your knowledge of the English language (eg, IELTS for UKVI test pass).

ATAS requirements – relevant international applicants (both academic and researchers) applying for a Skilled Worker visa must obtain an ATAS certificate as part of their visa application. See the ATAS tab for more information.

A CoS for a Skilled Worker visa is valid for three months from the date of issue so it is essential to make your visa application during that period. After three months the CoS will lapse and you will no longer be able to use it to support your visa application.

What am I allowed to do as a Skilled Worker?

As a Skilled Worker, you can work up to 20 hours per week outside of your sponsored working hours. This supplementary employment must be in an occupation that is eligible under the Skilled Worker route. Further information on what you can and cannot do as a Skilled Worker is available on the UKVI website.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

ATAS is run by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It is designed to prevent the transfer of information or technology that could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology. Any international person who will be undertaking research activities in the UK, at PhD level or above in one of the academic subjects or fields relevant to ATAS will need to apply for government clearance by obtaining an ATAS certificate before they can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to start or continue working in the UK.

This applies to both academic and research roles. Individuals submitting a visa application where an ATAS certificate is needed should apply as early as possible. Certificates are valid for six months.

You can find out whether ATAS is required or not on the ATAS website.

Global Talent visa

The Global Talent visa is obtained by the individual. It is not related to a particular job and sponsorship is not required. This route is for individuals in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, social science and humanities who are already recognised as a leader in their field of expertise (exceptional talent). It is also used by early career individuals who have demonstrated potential to be a leader in their field (exceptional promise).

For eligible academics and researchers there are four routes available to obtain endorsement for a Global Talent visa.

1. Academic and research appointments
   If you have accepted a position at an approved UK higher education institution and will hold responsibility for either academic, research or innovation leadership and development or for directing/leading an individual/team in a research or innovation project or programme of work. At the University of Brighton, this is likely to be a principal lecturer and above. You will need a statement of guarantee from the university that certain recruitment requirements were met.
2. Individual fellowships
   If you have been offered an individual fellowship on the list approved by the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering or the Royal Society. The fellowship must be held currently or within the last 12 months.
3. Endorsed funders
   If you are working on a research grant issued by an endorsed funder. Fast-track endorsement for researchers and specialists whose name or job title is included in a successful grant application from an endorsed funder approved by UKRI. To be eligible, researchers must be hosted or employed by an eligible institution approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
4. Peer review
   Standard endorsement for individuals who apply for full peer review by the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering or Royal Society.

These routes are overseen by four endorsing bodies engaged by the Home Office:

• British Academy
• Royal Academy of Engineering
• Royal Society
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

There are two parts to the application process:

1. First, the application for endorsement – this is called Stage 1 and is administered by the endorsing bodies on behalf of the Home Office.
2. Then the application for the visa itself – this is called Stage 2.

Stage 1 and 2 can be conducted at the same time if the applicant wishes.

The UKVI website provides an overview of the Global Talent visa and details of how to apply.

Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa

The GAE visa is for individuals coming to the UK through approved schemes that aim to share knowledge, experience and best practice. The university can use the GAE route to sponsor ‘researchers’ (which include academics, research, scientists or other skilled research technology specialists) for a maximum duration of two years.

Individuals may undertake the following activities in a supernumerary role:

• a formal research project or collaboration
• a period of work-based training/work experience/placement
• skill development/knowledge transfer
• a series of lectures which does not amount to a formal teaching post.

Graduate visa

The Graduate visa route provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work or look for work at any skill level for two years, or three years for doctoral students.

International students can apply for a Graduate visa if they are in the UK, their current visa is a Student visa (formerly Tier 4), they studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period and have successfully completed their course.

Check if your course is eligible and how long you need to have studied in the UK.

If you are not eligible for a Graduate visa, you may be eligible for another type of visa to stay in the UK.