If you are applying for a position at Aston University and you currently live overseas, the following pages provide guidance and support regarding immigration and eligibility to work.
 

Immigration

The UK's immigration system applies to all non-UK/Irish nationals who require a visa.

Where an individual is subject to UK immigration control, they will require a visa to work in the UK.

The following individuals do not need a visa for the UK, but do still have to prove their right to work before employment can commence:

  • British Citizens or Irish Nationals
  • EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with Settled or Pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
  • Non-EEA nationals with Indefinite Leave to Remain/Settlement in the UK

There are two main routes available for those who need a visa to work in the UK: Skilled Worker and Global Talent; the Graduate Route also allows students to work in the UK following their studies.

Skilled Worker

Employees coming from overseas can apply through the Skilled Worker Route. If you are applying via this route, we will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) which you will need when applying for your visa.

Points

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must score a minimum of 70 points from the following attributes:

Offer of a job by an approved sponsor

20 Points

Job offer at an appropriate skill level in an eligible SOC2020 occupation code

20 Points

English language at level B1 (due to increase to B2 for applications made after 8 January 2026)

10 Points

Minimum Salary requirements met

20 Points

Eligibility

You will need to make sure that you meet all of the eligibility criteria before you apply. If you don’t, your Skilled Worker application will not be successful.

Aston will normally confirm on the job advert if the post is likely to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

Salary

Salary must be at least the 'standard‘ salary rate of £38,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for the occupation, whichever is higher. The salary can sometimes be lower if the role and/or applicant meets the criteria for one of the salary options listed here.

Your salary can also be lower if you have an existing Skilled Worker visa and your Certificate of Sponsorship was issued before 4 April 2024 and you are applying to extend your visa or switch employer. Please see here for details.

English language

Applicants must be able to prove they have at least level B1 English language ability (due to increase to B2 for applications made after 8 January 2026)

You can find information about the different ways you can prove English ability here. 

If you have any questions about Skilled Worker eligibility, please contact the HR Immigration team.

Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa

The following FAQs provides answers to key questions on the processes and procedures in obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa to work at the University.

Starting employment at Aston

If you have applied for a Skilled Worker visa, you can start work once your visa has been granted on a date agreed by your line manager and HR.

You will need to start work at Aston within 28 days of the latest of:

  • the start date recorded on your CoS
  • the date your entry clearance visa becomes valid
  • the date you are granted permission to enter or permission to stay (i.e. the date that you receive confirmation that your visa has been approved)

If you don’t start work within this timeframe, Aston will need to withdraw sponsorship of your visa, and you will need to make a new visa application.

If you think you may not be able to start work on the start date confirmed on your CoS, please contact HR as soon as possible.

It may be possible to update the start date on your CoS, but only while your visa application is still pending. If your visa application has been decided by the Home Office, it will not be possible to update your start date.

Skilled Worker Visa conditions

You will not be allowed access to state benefits or other public funds. See the UKVI website for full definitions.

The only work that you can do is:

  • The job described in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), working for the designated sponsor; and
  • Supplementary employment in a job that is in an eligible occupation code as listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations or on the Immigration Salary List, outside your normal working hours; and
  • Unpaid voluntary work

Family members

Individuals applying for a Skilled Worker Visa can usually also apply for visas for their dependants.

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa route is available for talented and promising academics, researchers and specialists who are working in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, the social sciences or the humanities. Applying for a Global Talent visa is a two-stage process and must be undertaken by the applicant.

Stage 1: Applying for, and obtaining, endorsement from the endorsing bodies engaged by the Home Office

Stage 2: Visa application

There are four different routes through which a Global Talent Visa can be gained. Routes 1-3 are ‘fast-track’ routes, where endorsement is guaranteed if the individual meets the eligibility criteria. Route 4 is not guaranteed and is assessed on merit by peers in the relevant field of research.

Route 1 – Academic and Research Appointments
For individuals who have secured an eligible position at Aston University with responsibility either for academic, research or innovation leadership and development (e.g. Dean, Head of School etc) or for directing or leading an individual or team research or innovation project or programme of work. This route is administered by the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society.

Route 2 – Individual Fellowships
For individuals who have been awarded an individual fellowship on the list approved by the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society. The fellowship must be held currently or within the last five years.

Route 3 – Endorsed Funders
For researchers and specialists whose name or job title is included in a successful grant application from an endorsed funder approved by UKRI. In order to be eligible, researchers must be hosted or employed by Aston University or an eligible institution approved by UKRI.

Route 4 – Peer review
Standard endorsement for individuals who submit an application for full peer review by the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering or Royal Society.

Full guidance is available here.

For further information and how to apply visit https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

Graduate Immigration Route

The Graduate Route is open to current Student visa holders who have successfully completed an eligible Bachelors or Masters degree in the UK. It grants permission for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) to work in the UK.

The Graduate visa does not require sponsorship and allows holders to do any type of work, change jobs, and be employed or self-employed at any skill level.

It is not a route to settlement, but it is possible to switch to a Skilled Worker visa within the UK at any point during the validity of the visa.

For more details about the Graduate Route, see the gov.uk website.

Visa Loan Scheme

Recognising the significant costs incurred in obtaining a UK visa, the University offers a visa loan scheme to help new and existing international staff to take up or remain in employment with Aston University.

Subject to eligibility, staff can request an interest free loan of up to £10,000, repayable over up to 24 months, to help spread the cost of visa and associated fees for them and their dependant family members.

The scheme details and are available on the HR Policies, Guidance and Procedures web page, under Working at Aston. 

SKILLED WORKER VISA HOLDERS

For Certificates of Sponsorship issued from 9 April 2025, deductions for loan repayments will be considered by the Home Office when calculating salary required for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Skilled Worker applicants should contact hr_immigration@aston.ac.uk for advice before submitting their loan application.
 

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Requirements

If you will conduct research at PhD level or higher in a subject related to ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme), you may need to apply for a free ATAS certificate before applying for a visa to enter or remain in the UK. ATAS is only required for certain nationalities, roles, and fields of research.

During the ATAS application process, you'll need to provide details about your research, including the relevant 'CAH3' code, which HR will provide. Please note that you should not write your own research statement.

An ATAS certificate may be needed for the following visa types:

  • Skilled Worker visa 
  • Temporary Worker GAE (Tier 5) visa
  • Visitor visa

If you're joining Aston University to conduct research or visit as a researcher, apply under the 'researcher' category.

Once you receive your ATAS certificate, review the details carefully. If there are any mistakes or if it’s issued under the wrong category (e.g., 'student' instead of 'researcher'), please contact HR.
 

What is ATAS?

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is a scheme administered by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and is aimed at preventing the transfer of information, knowledge or technology which could develop, advance or support an Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT) and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) programme or their means of delivery. It applies to all international students (other than exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and intend to study at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects. Such students must apply for an ATAS certificate before they can study in the UK.

The ATAS requirement covers individuals undertaking research activities at PhD level or above, applying for a Skilled Worker, Government Authorised Exchange (Tier 5) visa and academic visitors.  Anyone (apart from exempt nationalities) who will be conducting research at PhD level or above in a particular subject area will need to have applied for and received an ATAS certificate BEFORE a certificate of sponsorship can be issued.

How will I know if I need an ATAS certificate?

You can check whether or not you require an ATAS certificate by using the online tool on the government website: https://www.academic-technology-approval.service.gov.uk/

A list of the subject areas requiring an ATAS certificate can be accessed via the following link.

Which nationalities are exempt from the ATAS certificate?

Researchers who are nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America do not need an ATAS certificate. A full list of countries that are exempt can be found here

Can I apply for my visa before I have applied for or received my ATAS certificate?

No – If you require an ATAS certificate you will need to have received it BEFORE you can receive your Certificate of Sponsorship from Aston University and submit your visa application.  You need to attach your ATAS certificate to your visa application.

What do I do with my ATAS certificate when I receive it?

Please send your certificate to your HR Recruitment Coordinator.

Can my employment commence before I receive my ATAS certificate?

No.

Aston University could have its sponsor licence revoked. An employer must not continue to sponsor a worker who is subject to the ATAS requirement if they either refuse to apply for an ATAS certificate, or the FCDO refuses their application.

How long does it take to process an application for an ATAS certificate?

It will take at least 20 working days (4 full weeks) to process a researcher ATAS application. Processing times will increase between April and September and can take 30 or more working days to complete.

There is no fast-track option available.  ATAS certificates will be processed in order of receipt.

What documents are required for an application for an ATAS certificate?

You can apply online for the ATAS certificate and find out here what documents you need to submit as part of your application.  

As part of the application for an ATAS certificate, new staff / visitors at Aston University who are liable for an ATAS certificate will be provided with a research statement as agreed HR and by the recruiting manager/department. The applicant should NOT write the statement of research themselves.  

The ATAS Research Summary Statement template must be completed by the department and then sent to HR to send to the new employee. The new employee should include the statement as part of their ATAS application.

How do I apply for an ATAS certificate?

You can apply online

How long is an ATAS certificate valid for?

An ATAS certificate is valid for 6 months once issued – if it has not been used in an application for entry clearance or permission to stay within this period, you will need to apply for a new one.

Before you start 

Confirming your start date

HR will agree an estimated employment start date with you and your line manager considering visa processing times and any notice period for your current role.

This date is subject to change – you will not be able to start work until you have: 

-    completed a Right to Work check 
-    completed all other pre-employment checks, such as DBS

Entering the UK 

If you have applied for your visa outside of the UK, your visa decision email will confirm when you can enter the UK.

It’s important not to travel to the UK before this date – if you do, you may enter as a ‘visitor’, which would not allow you to work.

Completing a Right to Work Check

What is a Right to Work (RTW) check?

Aston University must complete a Right to Work (RTW) check for all employees before they commence work. This is a government requirement to prevent illegal working in the UK.

If a RTW check is not completed before work starts, there are serious penalties for the University.

How do I complete the check?

Visa holders must complete a RTW check online – HR will contact you to provide details during the onboarding process.

To complete a RTW check, you will need to:

1.    Generate a ‘share code’ for your visa here 
2.    Share this with HR
3.    Attend a video call with HR to confirm your identity

You cannot start work until the RTW check is complete – please respond to emails from HR promptly to avoid delays to your start date.

Cost of Living

There are various costs of living associated with living in the UK that you should take into consideration:

Rent or mortgage

Monthly rental costs can vary depending on whether you are renting a room or an entire flat/house so it is worth looking at your options early on. Deposits are also commonplace when you sign a rental agreement, and these tend to be the equivalent of one months’ rent.

Council Tax

This is paid to the local authorities to cover services such as street maintenance, refuge collection and the emergency services. Council tax rates are dependent on various factors, so it is worth bearing this in mind. Further information can be found here.

Water, gas and electricity

UK water rates differ depending on where you live and how you are charged. If you are renting a property, you should check if this cost is included in your monthly rental agreement. The majority of people are charged a yearly water rate (you may be billed once or twice a year) which covers the domestic water supply and associated costs such as maintaining water quality. A minority of people have a water meter instead, which in some cases may prove a cheaper alternative.

Gas and electricity can be provided by one supplier and rates vary. You can compare multiple suppliers using any comparison website.

TV license

To avoid receiving a fine, you must have a TV licence to watch or record programmes on a TV, computer or other device as they’re broadcast. This also applies if you are downloading or watching BBC programmes on iPlayer.

Telephone and internet

There are multiple providers offering various deals so make sure you choose the right package for you, depending on your requirements. Most companies will ask you to sign up for a 12-month contract.

Car costs

Road tax, MOT and car insurance are all requirements to run a car in the UK. See the DVLA website for more information.

GP Registration

During your first few weeks in Birmingham you may want to register with a General Practitioner (GP).  You can do this via the NHS website.

University Accommodation

If you are relocating to Birmingham from overseas, we are able to offer temporary accommodation at Conference Aston, which is based on the Aston University Campus in Birmingham City Centre.

Conference Aston offer everything you’d expect from a modern city centre hotel and offer ample workspace with a desk and great lighting.  Free WiFi is also available through the hotel.

For further information, room prices and booking, please see following link:

http://www.conferenceaston.co.uk/

Estate and Letting Agents

There are numerous Estate and Letting Agents in and around Birmingham that can help you find suitable accommodation. You can also use property search websites such as Rightmove or Zoopla.

We do not recommend that you sign a contract for a property until you have entered the UK and viewed the property in-person.

Finance

Opening a Bank Account

If you are starting a new post at the University, and arriving in the UK for the first time, you will need to open a bank account. 

You will need to show the following documents at the bank to confirm your identity and address:

•    Your passport

•    Evidence of your address overseas (passport or driving licence)

•    Evidence of your address in Birmingham (tenancy agreement or utility bills)

•    Proof of employment (contract)

•    Proof of immigration status

If you require a letter to help you open a bank account, please use our online appointment booking service.

Once the bank account is open, please complete the Payroll Completion Form and send this to hr_admin@aston.ac.uk.

Salary

If you are a new starter at the University, you will be paid on the 26th of each month or sooner if the 26th falls on a weekend, bank holiday or University closure day.  If you are starting on or after the 10th of the month, you will be paid the following month.

For payroll enquiries please use Solve, the Universities central support portal. Alternatively, you can email payroll@aston.ac.uk or call our payroll team on 0121 204 4660.

National Insurance (NI Number)

A National Insurance number is unique to you. It makes sure that the National Insurance contributions and tax you pay are properly recorded against your name.  It also acts as a reference number when communicating with the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).  The amount of national insurance you pay will depend upon your earnings and is subject to a maximum. 

If you don’t already have one, you will need to apply for a NI Number.  Please update HR once you know your number.

Tax

In the UK, Income Tax (also known as Pay As You Earn (PAYE)), is deducted from your wages each month. The amount of tax that you pay will depend on how much you earn and there is a minimum amount that you need to earn before tax will be deducted.

There is a useful tool which allows you to enter your total annual salary and will calculate your approximate monthly take home pay. (Please note this is only a guide and is not exact).

Your first day

If you are a new member of staff at Aston your line manager will be in touch with you to make the arrangements for your first day and will discuss your induction plan with you.

Computer login details 
All potential employees are required to have a right to work check, regardless of their nationality and this must be conducted before employment commences.

If you have received an offer of employment with the University, this will be subject to us verifying that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work.

You will be issued your Aston University computer login details after your right to work check has been completed. This will provide you with access to University Computing Facilities. 

Staff Portal
The Aston Staff Portal is the University's staff self service portal.

To login, you will need to enter your staff network username and password.  The first time you login you will see the onboarding page.  Please complete/check all your information to ensure this is correct and up-to-date.  Once your details have been fully completed, the next time you login you will see your home page.  You will then be able to:

  • Maintain your personal details.
  • Book your annual leave through the staff portal.    
  • Book courses. 
  • View payslips (2 days before payday). 
  • View P60.

For queries around using the Aston Staff Portal, use Solve or contact the HR Systems Team at hrsystems@aston.ac.uk.

Staff ID Card
On arrival at the University, on your start date, you can collect your ID card from Digital Services Reception. Prior to collecting your ID card you will be invited to upload your photo on to the Aston Staff Portal. Instructions on how to upload your photo will be sent to you along with your account log in (after your clearances have been received). This will usually be sent prior to your start date.

Please click the following link for further information on opening hours and contact details for the Digital Services Helpdesk Reception.

If you work outside of these hours or require your ID card before you start, please contact your line manager.