Education briefing - ATAS updates

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is required for certain international students and researchers who wish to study or conduct research in sensitive technology-related fields in the UK. The scheme is managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which issues the necessary ATAS certificates. The ATAS Applicant Guidance has recently been updated with some significant changes which will be of interest to education institutions. The following are key points to note.

Employment route

	When should ATAS be obtained:
Sponsored employees, who require ATAS, must have an ATAS before they apply for their visa Visitor visa holders, who require ATAS, who are carrying out research at postgraduate level or above in a relevant subject area must have an ATAS in place before their research starts. Global Talent and Graduate Route visa holders do not require ATAS for employment if they are contracted as a researcher in the UK.
	Changes to circumstances for ATAS:
Asylum Seekers require ATAS, if within relevant Common Aggregate Hierarchy (CAH) code area and nationality. Sponsored employees must obtain a new ATAS if any of the following apply: if the content of the research project or scope of their research changes; if their job title changes, we have obtained confirmation from the FCDO that this applies even if an individual stays within the same Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code; if their financial sponsor or conditions for financial sponsorship change. New exemptions added to the nationalities list, including Singapore and South Korea as of January 2025. Expanded scope of subjects added to ATAS requirements Student Route
	When should ATAS be obtained:
Sponsored students, Skilled Workers and Government Authorised Exchange (GAEs) who require ATAS must have an ATAS before they apply for their visa Visitors, Graduate Route and Global Talent Visa holders who require ATAS who are studying must have an ATAS in place before their study starts
	Changes to circumstances for ATAS:
Asylum Seekers require ATAS, if within relevant CAH code area and nationality. Students must obtain a new ATAS if any of the following apply: if the course content changes; if their primary supervisor changes; if their financial sponsor or conditions for financial sponsorship change; if their course end date is delayed by 3 months or more. Study abroad students who arrive as Visitors may now require an ATAS (such as a student coming for only 1 term). Joint awards need one ATAS, however this must include the other institutions within the free text box. New exemptions added to the nationalities list, including Singapore and South Korea as of January 2025. Expanded scope of subjects added to ATAS requirements.
Important to note for both Staff and Students: If an ATAS application is unsuccessful, individuals must now wait 90 days before reapplying for an ATAS certificate for the same research at the same institution with the same CAH code.
	Click here for the updated ATAS Applicant Guidance: Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) - GOV.UK

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