Transcript Visa routes for researchers

Visa routes for researchers
UK paid employment?
No
Tier 5 Intern
(up to 12 m)
Tier 5 sponsored
researcher (university)
Or, Tier 2 (General)
skilled worker*
yes
Yes
Internship with a
UK research organisation?
No
yes
Fellowship or other funds
for research
hosted by UK university?
No
Tier 5 Sponsored
Scientific Researcher
yes
Initiative or Tier 2
(General) skilled worker*
Fellowship or other funds
for research hosted by a
UK Research Council?
No
Tier 5 Sponsored
Yes
Scientific Researcher
Initiative or Tier 2
(General) skilled worker*
Fellowship or other funds
for research at a
private institution?
Yes
Attending a conference,
meeting or workshop?
Visitor (Business)
up 6 months
Do you have a job offer
with a UK employer?
Yes
Tier 2 (General)
skilled worker
No
World-leading researcher
seeking work in the UK?
Yes
Tier 1
Exceptional talent
No
Entrepreneur
with >£200,000?
Yes
Tier 1 Entrepreneur
No
University-nominated
graduate with
business potential?
Yes
Tier 1 Graduate
Entrepreneur
No
Fee-paid activity
for < 1 month
(eg lecturer, examiner)?
Yes
Visitor (permitted
paid engagement)
up to 1 month
No
Visitor (Academic)
up to 12 months
Yes
Academic on sabbatical
No
(no experimental research)?
* Depending on whether fellowship is
for < 2yrs or > 2 yrs
Registered for an
undergraduate,
masters or PhD degree
at a UK university?
Yes
Tier 4 (General)
student