On Wednesday 8 January 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) released new applicant guidance for the Academic Technology Approval System (ATAS) process. This guidance has developed and evolved after years of collaborative work between UKCISA and other sector bodies and representatives.
ATAS certificates are issued by the FCDO to give students clearance to study certain subject areas where the knowledge gained may have application in the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT). The ATAS system is an essential part of delivering the government’s commitment to non-proliferation, working to prevent the spread of knowledge and skills that could assist in the development of WMD or ACMT or their means of delivery.
The new guidance is a more accessible and comprehensive look at the ATAS requirements and rules, and provides greater clarity on areas that were not previously clear. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Specific guidance for dual nationals
- Guidance on which immigration routes require an ATAS certificate to be granted before receiving a grant of immigration permission
- Advice on how to navigate parts of the application form
- Separate advice for contracted researchers
The updated guidance will help to prevent unnecessary confusion for both applicants and institutions, helping to give greater certainty to applicants needing to navigate the ATAS and visa systems, and universities in offering and planning courses of study and research opportunities. This piece of collaborative work, and further iterative collaboration from UKCISA, will seek to ensure that UK universities’ world-class education and research isn’t hampered by a lack of clarity or delays in visa processes.
Throughout the development of this guidance, feedback has been gathered from our members, students, sector bodies and representatives, and governmental departments. These have all been a critical part of the analysis and feedback UKCISA has provided to the FCDO. We are pleased to see the culmination of this piece of work, and we look forward to continuing to work to ensure further improvements to the ATAS process for both applicants and institutions.
We would especially like to thank The Russell Group and Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), along with representatives from Imperial College London, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Exeter, University of Hertfordshire, Herriott Watt University, University of Sheffield, and King’s College London for their collaboration.
