Immigration and Visas (including Visitors)

These pages provide information about the University of Reading's policies and processes regarding immigration. The guidance relates to both employees and visitors.

A UK points-based immigration system is in operation, which includes a Skilled Worker visa (replacing the previous Tier 2 visa).

Under the system, EU and non-EU citizens will be treated equally and anyone wishing to live and work in the UK will need a visa to do so. This excludes Irish citizens who can continue to live and work in the UK without restriction, due to Ireland being part of the Common Travel Area.

Employment and workers

The immigration system used by the Home Office to determine overseas applicants' rights to enter and work in the UK is called the points-based system, with several routes available. The visa routes most relevant to the University are:

Skilled Worker route

Applicants for the Skilled Worker route must meet the following mandatory criteria:

• have a job offer from a licensed sponsor
• the job must be at or above the minimum skill level: RQF3 level or equivalent
• speak English to an acceptable standard.

Meeting the mandatory criteria above will earn the applicant 50 points. The applicant must then obtain a further 20 'tradeable' points through a combination of points for their offered salary, a job featured on the immigration salary list, new entrant status or a relevant PhD or SOC Code.

To find out more, and learn about eligibility criteria, visit the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.

The University has a licence to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for individuals wishing to apply under the Skilled Worker route. CoS applications are issued by the HR Operations team.

Hiring Managers should discuss the options with their HR Coordinator, prior to the recruitment process, as there are a number of eligibility requirements that must be met.

Student Route

Applicants for a Student visa to study in the UK must be 16 or over, and:

• have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
• have enough money to support themselves and pay for the course
• can speak, read, write and understand English

To find out more, and learn about eligibility criteria, visit the GOV.UK Student visa page.

Applications under the Student Route will be processed by the University's Student Immigration team - immigration@reading.ac.uk.

If you are a worker on a Student visa, please visit our Campus Jobs Pages where you will find Student Working Restrictions.

Global Talent Route

The Global Talent Visa will allow senior academics or leaders in one of the following fields to work in the UK:

• academia or research
• arts and culture
• digital technology.

Applicants for a Global Talent visa must successfully apply for an endorsement to prove that they are a leader or potential leader. There are four routes to endorsement:

1. Academic and Research Appointments – fast-track endorsement for those with responsibility either for academic, research or innovation leadership and development, or for directing or leading an individual or team research or innovation project or programme of work
2. Individual Fellowships – fast-track endorsement for individuals who have been awarded an individual fellowship on the list approved by the British Academy, Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering. The fellowship must be held currently or within the last 5 years
3. Endorsed Funders – fast-track endorsement for researchers and specialists whose name or job title is specified in a successful grant application from an endorsed funder approved by UKRI
4. Peer Review – standard endorsement for individuals who submit an application for full peer review by the British Academy, Royal Society or Royal Academy of Engineering. Individuals are assessed for 'exceptional promise' or 'exceptional talent.'

To find out more, and learn about eligibility criteria, visit the GOV.UK Global Talent visa page.

Graduate Route

Applicants who have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above in the UK, will be able to apply for a Graduate visa to stay and work, or look for work, for a maximum period of 2 years (3 years for PhD students) following their studies. Find out more about the Graduate Visa route on the GOV.UK Graduate visa page.

Visitors

The University regularly welcomes visitors from around the world who undertake various activities at the University. These may include giving one off lectures, attending meetings, acting as examiners, sharing knowledge, or collaborating on projects.

Standard/Academic Visitor (including Permitted Paid Engagements) and Government Authorised Exchange – Temporary Worker Visas (previously known as Tier 5 Visas)

All Standard/Academic visits must be authorised by Head of School/Function using the Visitor Request Form.

All Government Authorised Exchange – Temporary Worker visits must be authorised by Head of School/Function using the:

Application for Government Authorised Exchange – Temporary Worker Visa (previously Tier 5 Cos) Form.

Full guidance on Visitors to the University can be found in the Visitor Policy.

Standard Visitor

You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK for up to 6 months:

• for tourism, for example on holiday or to see your family and friends
• for certain business activities, for example attending a meeting or interview, or to take part in sports or creative events
• for certain paid engagements or events) a “permitted paid engagement”) as an expert in your profession e.g. to give a lecture. The permitted paid engagement must be carried out within the first 30 days of entry to the UK. You must have a written invitation and be an expert in your field.
• to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
• for study on a course that is no more than 6 months long
• for another reason, for example to receive private medical treatment.

More information and eligibility criteria can be found on Standard Visitor (UKVI).

Please ensure you also read the Standard Visitor guidance found in the University  Visitor Policy.

Please note: This visa route does not permit visitors to receive funding for their work or activities in the UK from any UK source unless they are carrying out a “permitted paid engagement”  (payments of expenses, including travel and subsistence may be disregarded, but should be reasonable and justifiable). Travel, maintenance and accommodation may be provided by a third party.

Standard Visitor (Academic) - If you are a scientist, researcher or academic, and want to visit for more than 6 months, you can apply to stay longer (up to 12 months).

Government Authorised Exchange - Temporary Worker Visa (previously Tier 5 Sponsored Researcher)

You can apply for a Government Authorised Exchange – Temporary Worker visa if you:

• want to come to the UK for a short time for work experience or to do training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or a fellowship through an approved government authorised exchange scheme
• have a sponsor
• meet other eligibility requirements e.g. have enough money to support yourself.

The University has a licence to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) under the Government Authorised Exchange – Temporary Worker category for sponsored researchers. Applications under this category are processed through the HR Operations team.

A visa will be awarded for up to 24 months.

More information and eligibility criteria can be found on  Government Authorised Exchange – Temporary Worker Visa.

Please ensure you also read the guidance found in the University Visitor Policy.

Please note: No payment will be made to Sponsored Researchers by the University. The researcher may be funded by their host, their overseas employer, or an independent UK or non-UK funding body. The researcher cannot be self-funded and must be in receipt of funding in line with, or above, the National Minimum Wage.

In addition to the visa information above, there are HMRC obligations you must adhere to when engaging a Visitor. For more information, please contact VAT@reading.ac.uk.