Skilled Worker visa holders often find themselves asking the same question when it comes to additional paperwork: Do I need an ATAS certificate as part of my UK visa process? The answer is not always straightforward. In reality, it falls somewhere between “yes” and “no”, depending on the nature of the role, the area of work, and whether the job is considered research-heavy or not. Some applicants discover it applies to them, while others find they are completely exempt.
What this really means is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule. Instead, the need for an ATAS certificate comes down to the specifics of your employment, the type of activity you’ll be carrying out, and the expectations tied to your sponsorship. For some, it becomes a core part of the visa application journey; for others, it’s not something they’ll ever encounter.
In practice, understanding whether ATAS is relevant to your case is less about memorising technical definitions and more about recognising the type of work you’re entering into. If your position involves specialist knowledge, advanced research, or a focus on particular subject areas, you may find the requirement applies. If it doesn’t, you can move through the Skilled Worker visa process without it.
So, while the term “sometimes” may sound vague, it reflects the reality: Skilled Worker visa holders fall into different categories, and the role you are moving into will determine whether ATAS clearance is part of your journey or not.
What is the ATAS Certificate?
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is a security clearance scheme run by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It aims to prevent foreign nationals who are studying or doing contracted research in sensitive fields (especially those that could have applications in weapons or national security) from using their knowledge in harmful ways.
ATAS defines subject areas that require clearance using CAH3 codes (Common Aggregated Hierarchy subject codes). If your course, research, or employment falls into one of these codes, the higher education institution (HEI) or research organisation will indicate whether ATAS is required.
What Does the UK Government Say?
- If you are a Skilled Worker visa holder and your job involves contracted research that is at PhD level or is in a subject area covered by ATAS, you may need to obtain an ATAS certificate.
- Before a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is assigned to a worker under the Skilled Worker route, employers must check whether the worker requires an ATAS certificate.
- If ATAS is required, the worker must include the ATAS certificate in their visa application. Without it, the Skilled Worker visa application can fail.
Which Jobs / Roles Require ATAS for Skilled Worker Visa Holders in 2025?
Here are the main criteria for when a Skilled Worker visa holder would need an ATAS certificate:
| Role / Condition | ATAS Required? |
| Contracted research roles under a Skilled Worker visa, especially PhD-level or major research projects in sensitive subject areas (engineering, physics, advanced technology, etc.) | Yes |
| Positions in academia or research institutions under the Skilled Worker visa involving CAH3-coded subjects designated as “sensitive” by ATAS guidance | Yes |
| Roles which are purely commercial, non-research, practical, or industry-based (e.g., software engineering, mechanical engineering, not involving cutting-edge or restricted research) without research obligations | Usually No (unless specified by sponsor and subject area) |
And conditions where ATAS is not required, even if someone is on a Skilled Worker visa:
- If your nationality is among those exempt from ATAS requirements (e.g., nationals of the US, Canada, Australia, etc.).
- If your role does not involve research or PhD-level or postgraduate research in a relevant subject.
- If you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or otherwise have settled status.
Exempt Nationalities and Exempt Roles
Exempt Nationalities
Certain nationalities are exempt from needing an ATAS certificate UK visa in many cases. These include (but are not limited to):
- Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA
- Citizens of EU/EEA countries (depending on status), and holders of Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Exempt Roles / Study Types
- Students undertaking PGCE or postgraduate diplomas that are not research-intensive.
- Some taught courses that may not fall into the sensitive CAH3 subject areas. HEIs specify via offer letters whether ATAS is required.
Process & Timelines: How to Get an ATAS Certificate?
If you need an ATAS certificate, here’s what to expect in 2025:
- Receive an offer/confirmation from your HEI or research employer, including the relevant CAH3 code. This is essential, as the ATAS application requires it.
- Create an application online via the official ATAS service on GOV.UK. You’ll need to fill in details like your research statement (if applicable), course modules, supervisor name, passport, previous education, sponsors, etc.
- Processing time generally takes at least 30 working days (about six weeks). During busy periods (often April-August), this can take longer.
- Valid period: Once issued, the ATAS certificate is valid for six months for use in a visa application, provided the course/role doesn’t change. If major changes happen (course content, supervisor, or end date extended by more than about three months), a new ATAS may be required.
Key Tips for Skilled Worker Visa Applicants
- Make sure your sponsor (employer) confirms whether your position is research-based and uses a CAH3 code that triggers ATAS. Don’t assume all engineering or science roles require it.
- Plan: apply for ATAS in good time before your Skilled Worker visa application, especially if you are switching from a status that didn’t require one.
- Keep your documents aligned: ATAS application details must match your role/research description and other visa documents. Any discrepancies can delay or refuse your visa.
- Be aware of changing conditions: If your project changes (e.g., supervisor changes, you take on additional research), you may need to reapply.
Final words!
In the end, Skilled Worker visa holders considering the ATAS certificate should see it as part of the bigger picture of building their careers in the UK. It’s not just a formality but a step in aligning your professional journey with the country’s frameworks for research and innovation. Rather than worrying about the technicalities, think of it as one of those boxes that, once ticked, clear the path ahead. And if you want to stay on top of insights, guidance, and tips tailored for professionals navigating these routes, be sure to follow Skilled Worker Mag—your go-to source for everything in the world of UK work visas.
