FAQ - students - before you apply

Why do I need to get an ATAS certificate?

ATAS’s chief objective is to counter the threat of WMD Proliferation to preserve the security of the UK. ATAS is a tool the UK government uses to help deliver this objective by working with Higher Education Institutions.

If the student meets the criteria  for ATAS, the Immigration Rules state that they need to have an ATAS certificate before they apply for their visa, or extension of stay.

What do I need to do before I can get an ATAS certificate?

You need to have an official offer letter from your Higher Education institution authorising you the place on the course you wish to study. Please make sure the official offer letter contains the following information:

• course title
• whether the course is Taught or Research based
• the JACS code
• Taught Courses require a list of modules you intend to study
• Research Courses require a brief research proposal.
  
  

What will I need to complete the form?

• the most important document you will need to refer to is your official letter from your Higher Education Institution
• contact details  
• passport details  
• name and nationality of your spouse/partner
• full details of all previous studies  
• full details of all previous and current employment  
• full details of published papers
• previous ATAS applications (if applicable)
• full names and contact details of 2 referees (First name(s) and Family name). You must have known both of your referees for at least 3 years. At least one of these must be an academic from your country of origin.
• how you will be funding your studies.

You will not need to send us any original documents at this time, as these will be checked by the Entry Clearnace Officer when you apply for your visa (or caseworker when applying for an extension).

5. What is a JACS code?

All subject areas studied at UK Higher Education Institutions are identified by a JACS code (Joint Academic Coding System code, as set up by the Higher Education Statistics Agency). Your HEI will advise you of the JACS code for the area you wish to research. This may be a 2, 3 or 4 digit code. To assess whether you need to apply for ATAS clearance, you only need to look at the first letter and number. (For example, for a code B130, you will need to select B1 at the registration stage).

The ATAS Unit are unable to advise you which JACS code is allocated to your area of research. You obtain the JACS Code from your HEI.

6. Where will I find out what my JACS code is?

You will find it in your HEI correspondence. If it is not listed you need to contact your Higher Education Institution. They are the only people who will be able to give you your JACS code details.

How long will the form take to fill in?

The form should not take longer than 30 minutes to complete. Information can be copied and pasted from other documents. Also you can save the form and return to it at a later date if you do not have all of the information you need to complete it immediately.

If you have more than one application to make at the same time, there is an option to copy across most of the basic details at the end. This will save you re-entering them.

I do not have regular access to the internet, can I apply by other means?

ATAS is an online system, therefore if you are unable to have regular access to the internet you may want to contact your HEI where you hope to study for advice.  Or the Bristish Council may be able to help by providing internet access.

How long will the ATAS process take?

We aim to process all ATAS applications currently within 20 working days.  You will be sent an initial email acknowledging your application and a further email, within 4 weeks, with the result of your application, including an ATAS clearance certificate, if approved.

If you have not received an e-mail or response within 4 weeks of your application being submitted, please check your inbox is not full (and therefore rejecting our message). Please also check your 'Spam' folder or 'Junk Email' to make sure that our message has not been filtered out. You can also contact us if you are concerned you have missed our response.

Will I need to pay for my ATAS certificate?

The ATAS process is free.

11. When will you have access to all my details on the application?

We will not be able to see the data you enter on the ATAS application form until you press the 'submit' button at the end of the application process.

Where can I fill in the ATAS application form?

Please apply online or go to www.fco.gov.uk/atas.

What happens if I am refused an ATAS certificate?

You will receive notification of the decision. Without an ATAS certificate you will not be granted a visa to come to the UK to study the course you had specified when you applied for clearance. You are entitled to submit further ATAS clearance applications for different courses and they will be considered on an individual basis. If you think that your application has been treated unfairly then you have a right to a review. The review process will be explained in more detail if your application is refused.

Do visiting researchers require an ATAS certificate?

You may need an ATAS certificate if you are coming to the UK to do research towards your overseas postgraduate course. It is required if you will be in the UK for more than 6 months and the area of research is one of them covered by the scheme. To find out please follow the link to  ‘Do I need to apply for ATAS?’.

If you are coming to the UK on a work permit to do research not related to any formal studies then you do not need to apply for ATAS. More information on the various categories of visa applications can be found on the UK Border Agency website.

I am writing up my thesis, do I need an ATAS certificate?

If you are applying for an extension to stay for the sole purpose of writing up your thesis and your previous Visa did not require ATAS clearance, then you do not need an ATAS certificate. If your Visa was issued after the 30 November 2007 then you will require ATAS clearance for writing up your thesis.

What courses require ATAS certificates?

Please follow the link to ‘Do I need an ATAS certificate?' to find out what courses require clearance.