Timescales for new hires requiring new visa status

Please refer to the below timescale estimates for new hires who do not hold a suitable visa status for planning provisional employment start dates, before agreeing with candidate and sending new hire request forms to Recruitment Hub/Staff Hub teams to issue a conditional contract offer:

Visa type and recruitment timescales estimates

Skilled worker route total estimates:

From:  The point that the hiring department submits the request and supporting documents for a conditional contract issue to the Staff Hub team

To: Right to work in the UK, check/employment start date

  • In-country visa application where ATAS is exempt
     15 weeks using standard service or 7 weeks with priority service
  • In-country visa application where ATAS is required
    20 weeks using standard service or 12 weeks with priority service
  • Out of country visa application where ATAS is exempt
    10 weeks using standard service or 6 weeks with priority service
  • Out of country visa application where ATAS is required (and/or a Criminal Record check is required)
    14 weeks using standard service or 12 weeks with priority service
Global Talent visa route total estimates:

From: The point that the hiring department submits the request and supporting documents for a conditional contract issue to the Staff Hub team

To: Right to work in the UK, check/employment start date

  • Individual Fellowship endorsement route
    - In-country visa application: 12-14 weeks using standard service or 6 weeks with priority service
    - Out-of-country visa application: 7-9 weeks using standard service or 6 weeks with priority service.
    Please note that if an individual has been offered, holds, or has held a qualifying fellowship, they can apply independently and do not need to wait for an Imperial contract offer; the process may be faster.
  • Academic & Research appointments endorsement route
    - In-country visa application: 12-15 weeks standard service or 8 weeks with priority service
    - Out-of-country visa application: 8-10 weeks using standard service or 7 weeks with priority service
  • UKRI-endorsed funder route
    - In-country visa application: 12-16 weeks standard service or 7 weeks with priority service
    - Out-of-country visa application: 7-11 weeks standard service or 6 weeks with priority service
  • Standard Peer review endorsement route
    - In-country visa application: 16-18 weeks standard service or 11 weeks with priority service
    - Out-of-country visa application: 11-13 weeks standard service or 8 weeks with priority service
    Please note that where individual has already decided to apply for this route independently, they do not need to await ICL contract offer, so process may be faster
Other routes – will be based on individuals’ circumstances and the timescales on gov.uk

Visa Timescales – Skilled Worker Route & Global Talent Visa

Visa Timescales – Skilled Worker Route & Global Talent Visa

For a more detailed breakdown of the timescales, process steps and responsibilities for new hires requiring either a Skilled worker or a Global Talent visa to start working at the university.

View the guidance

UKVI visa, ATAS processing and RTW Check updates:

Provides updates and notices to visa and related processes, rule changes and timescales.

View the updates