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Visas and immigration for new staff  Applying for a visa for new staff

Find out about the different visa types for international staff working at the University, how to apply and how we can help you.

There are three main visa types for international staff working at the University. 

Visa applications are decided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), a department within the UK Home Office. The University has no influence over decision-making by the endorsing bodies or by UKVI. 

The process for each type of visa varies, but is broadly as follows. 

Before you apply

Global Talent: getting your endorsement

Before you apply for the Global talent Visa, you will need an endorsement from one of six endorsing bodies engaged by the UK Home Office. 

You can choose from five 'paths' when you apply for endorsement:

  • Academic and research appointments 
  • Individual fellowships 
  • Endorsed funders 
  • Peer review 
  • Prestigious prizes 

Each path has its own requirements and criteria.

You can use our Global Talent Visa checklist (Microsoft Form) to help decide which path is right for you or, if you already know, to allow the University to provide the supporting documents you need.

If you are not sure which path is right for you, please start with 'Academic and research appointments' - you will have the opportunity to check other paths. 

The full list of eligible disciplines and sub-disciplines for each endorsing body is available at GOV.UK.

Once you receive your endorsement confirmation, you must apply for your visa within three months.

You can bring family (spouse, partner, children) to the UK as your dependents - they can quote your visa application reference number on their own application, and do not need to apply for endorsement first. 

Skilled Worker and Temporary Worker (T5): getting a Certificate of Sponsorship

The University of Leeds School where your new role is based will contact you to get information to allow the University to assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Once this is done, a copy will be emailed to you with information you will need when you complete your visa application and notes on next steps. 

Once you have the CoS, you should then apply for your visa. 

Applying for your visa 

How and when to apply

Once you have your CoS, or your endorsement has been confirmed, you should apply for your visa.  Please note that you cannot apply more than 3 months before the start date of your job. 

  • If your existing UK visa is expiring soon, you can apply for endorsement and a Global Talent visa at the same time. 
  • If you are outside the UK, you should submit your visa application within 3 months of your expected date of travel to the UK.  If you are already in the UK on another visa type, or extending your existing Global Talent visa, you should apply within 3 months of your current visa's expiry date.

You apply for your visa online. The appropriate link to apply and the cost of the application fee will depend on which visa type you apply for, and from where (within the UK or overseas). 

You may need some or all the following before you submit your visa application: 

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 

You may have to pay the IHS as part of your visa application: 

  • for more than 6 months, if you’re applying outside the UK 
  • for any length of time, if you’re applying inside the UK. 

If you are liable for the IHS, you will need to pay it even if you have private medical insurance.  

You can use the GOV.UK website to find out if you need to pay the IHS and how much it costs. 

The IHS must be paid when you apply for your visa, and any family members will also need to pay this (there is a reduced rate for children). 

Biometric appointments

If your visa is for more than six months, you will need to attend a biometric appointment in your country of application. Once you submit your visa application, you will be able to book an appointment at a VAC (overseas Visa Application Centre) or UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) centre.

You must attend a biometric appointment within 45 days of paying for your visa application.

If you do not book an appointment, you will be sent a reminder which will allow further a specified number of days to enrol.

If biometrics are not enrolled within the specified period, your visa application may be rejected. 

Travelling to the UK

  • If you are coming to Leeds from overseas, you should not travel outside the validity period of your entry clearance permission. 
  • If you are applying for a visa for six months or more, you may receive a 90 day vignette which is used to enter the UK and you will be instructed to create a UKVI account to access your digital immigration status, called an eVisa. EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland nationals who have a biometric passport and used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check app’ will not receive a vignette and instead have a digital immigration status. 
  • From 15 July 2025 you may not get a vignette if you apply for a study or work visa. Instead, you will need to create a UKVI account and get access to your eVisa before you travel to the UK. You’ll be told what to do when you apply. 
  • You’ll still get a vignette if you apply as a dependant for any other visa or as a main applicant for visas other than study or work.
  • If you are already in the UK, you can start work once you have confirmation from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that your visa application has been granted.  

All staff must provide right to work documents to the University before starting work. 

If you have any queries, please email the International HR team at InternationalHR@leeds.ac.uk.