Academic Visitor Visa UK

Visiting overseas academics can travel to the United Kingdom for up to 12 months to take part in formal exchange agreements with UK counterparts or carry out research whilst on sabbatical leave from their home institution. Senior eminent doctors and dentist can also take part in research, teaching and clinical practice.

Applicants in this category must prove to the UK Immigration Authorities that they can financially maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK (with or without assistance from family member(s) living in the UK) without recourse to public funding or other employment.

Academic Visitor Visa Basic Requirements

Applicants for an Academic Visitor visa must be:

• A person on sabbatical leave from an overseas academic institution who wishes to make use of their leave to carry out research in the UK; OR
• An academic, including a doctor, taking part in a formal exchange arrangement with a UK counterpart; OR
• An eminent senior doctor or dentist participating in research, teaching or clinical practice in the UK.

To qualify for an Academic Visitor visa, applicants must also meet the following requirements:

• Must want to visit the UK for up to 12 months;
• Must intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit; or
• Must have enough money to support and accommodate themselves;
• Must not intend to fill a normal post or genuine vacancy within the host institution;
• Must not intend to take employment or engage in any work other than the academic activity for which they are being admitted; and
• Must meet the cost of their return or onward journey.

Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate that they will not receive funding for their work from any UK source with the exception of payment of expenses and honoraria to cover their needs whilst in the UK.

Academic Visitor Visa Entitlements

This visa entitles holders to visit the UK for up to a maximum of 12 months to undertake their academic duties, allowing them to experience the life and culture in the UK. They may also be allowed multiple entries during the 12 month period.

Academic Visitor Visa Processing Time and Costs

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* The reduced fee will be applicable when the dependent applies at the same time with the main applicant.