Students

ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY APPROVAL SCHEME (ATAS)
From 30 November 2007 the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (atas) will become a mandatory requirement within the immigration rules for students intending to enter or remain in the united kingdom for more than 6 months to undertake postgraduate studies or research in certain designated subjects.

The ATAS will also apply to students enrolled on an overseas course which is similar in subject matter to those covered by the ATAS and the student intends to come to the UK for more than 6 months in order to undertake a period of study/research, which forms part of their postgraduate overseas course.

From 30 November 2007, students will be required to provide a valid ATAS clearance certificate when submitting either an entry clearance or an extension of stay application. Failure to provide a valid clearance certificate will result in your application being refused.

Online clearance certificates can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Counter Proliferation Department which also lists the designated subjects and further details of the scheme.

Changes from 1st of September 2007

From the 1st of September 2007 it will only be possible to switch into a student visa if a person is currently in the UK as a:

  • Work permit holder;

  • Sabbatical officer;

  • Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme participant; or an

  • International Graduate Scheme (IGS) participant.


Working holidaymakers and student dependents will no longer be able to switch into the student or prospective student category in the UK. They will need to return to their home countries and apply for entry clearance to re-enter the UK.

Student Visitors

Beginning on the 1st of September 2007 there will be a new visa category available for persons coming to study in the UK for 6 months or less and do not want to engage in part-time employment.

One of the requirements of the new student visitor category is that courses of study must be provided by institutions listed on the Department for Education and Skills’ List of Registered Providers. For a link to the DfES Register of Providers click here.

It will no longer be possible to enter the UK on a visitor visa to pursue short periods of study

Please note: persons who want to apply for the International Graduate Scheme (IGS) at the completion of your BA, MA, PhD, PgCert, or PgDip must receive their degree from an institution listed on the DfES list of Recognised and Listed Bodies. For a link to the DfES page for Listed and Registered Bodies click here.






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