All non-UK/Irish nationals entering the UK for the first time to work must obtain a visa that permits entry and employment in the UK.
- If you are already in the UK on a different visa, you may be eligible to switch to one that allows you to work for the University
- If you are outside the UK, you must secure a visa before arrival
If you do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but have received a job offer from the University, we can typically assist you in obtaining a visa, usually through the Global Talent or Skilled Worker visa routes, among other options.
The Global Talent visa is designed for exceptionally talented individuals in science, humanities, engineering, and the arts who wish to work in the UK. This visa is for those already internationally recognised as leaders in their field or who have shown exceptional promise and are likely to become future leaders.
Further information on the Global Talent visa application process is available here.
If you have accepted a job offer and are not eligible for the Global Talent visa, you may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. To obtain this visa, you must meet the required points threshold and be sponsored by the University.
Further information on the Skilled Worker visa application process is available here.
If you hold a Tier 4/Student visa, you are permitted to undertake limited work alongside your studies, subject to UKVI regulations. Additional restrictions may apply based on your Higher Education Institution.
Detailed information on the work restrictions for international students is available here.
The Government Authorised Exchange (temporary work) scheme allows researchers, including academics, scientists, research engineers, and other skilled specialists, to work temporarily in the UK, hosted by a UK higher education institution (HEI).
As a Higher Education Institution, the University of Nottingham can host temporary 'sponsored researchers' under the GAE scheme. To obtain this visa, you must meet the required points criteria and be sponsored by the University.
GAE can also be used by individuals undertaking:
- A period of work-based training/work experience/internship/placement
- Skill development/knowledge transfer
- A formal research project or collaboration
- External examinations
- A visit funded by Erasmus+ (where their project was funded after 2020)
- A series of lectures, which don’t amount to a formal teaching post and do not make a profit for the organiser
Further information on the Government Authorised Exchange (temporary work) (GAE) visa application process can be found here.
Other visa routes
Non-EU/EEA nationals may also gain the right to work in the UK through various other routes, depending on strong ties to the UK, such as family, ancestry, or long-term residency.
For more information on these options, please contact the HR Staff Immigration Team.
As we are not trained immigration advisors, we cannot provide guidance on all cases. However, we can offer information and refer you to appropriate contacts for further advice if needed.
Last edited Sep 19, 2024