Global Talent Visa (GTV) Route 1 as an Assistant Professor -- after a recent ATAS refusal

[Mario420]

Hello,

I have a job offer from a Russel Group UK university as an Assistant Professor.

I had first decided to apply for the Skilled Worker Visa. As a prerequisite for this visa, I applied for the ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance which was rejected. My review application for the ATAS refusal is still under process. However, since this review application is taking too long, the University and I are considering applying for the Global Talent Visa (via route 1 - job offer as an academic) instead of the Skilled Worker Visa.

I have the following questions:

1. Some University guidelines (e.g., Cambridge, Bath) mention that typically Senior Lecturer/Reader and senior roles thereon access this route. However, I have also seen a couple of cases recently where applicants with a job offer as Lecturer were successful for GTV under route 1. I would like to know what could I do to increase my chances to receive GTV under route 1 as an Assistant Professor. In particular, how should the University draft the support letter to portray that leading a research programme is a significant function of the role?

2. Would the previous ATAS refusal (and ongoing review application for that refusal) affect my application for a Global Talent Visa?

3. If this board allows for it, I would also like to receive recommendations for immigration advisors/lawyers.

Thank you.

[Mario420]

For reference, the job description for my role mentions the following as the main duties:
- Education Using a variety of methods in teaching and advising individuals and groups of undergraduates, postgraduates, or short-course students, including (as appropriate):

• - Teaching and examining courses at a range of levels;
  - Planning and reviewing your own teaching approaches and encouraging others to do the same;
  - Designing contemporary, inclusive, engaging, and academically challenging curriculum content;
  - Working collaboratively with colleagues to design and deliver teaching, learning, and assessment;
  - Using digital resources/environments effectively to support learning and assessment;
  - Developing program proposals and making substantial contributions to the design of teaching programs more widely;
  - Undertaking and developing the full range of responsibilities in relation to supervision, marking, and examining where appropriate;
  - Developing and advising others on learning and teaching tasks and methods;
  - Developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement activities, or similar on own specialism that enhances the student experience or employability and which benefits the College and University;
  - Devising and supervising projects, student dissertations, and practical work.

- Research Planning and carrying out research, including (as appropriate):

• - Planning and publishing high-quality research, including winning financial support;
  - Project managing research activities, and/or supervising other research staff;
  - Presenting findings in publications and conference proceedings;
  - Effectively supervising and mentoring PhD students or early Career Researchers;
  - Providing expert advice to staff and students within the discipline;
  - Participating in research-related enabling activities such as adding value to a cross-disciplinary network;
  - Applying knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding;
  - Developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, and enterprise (including business engagement, public engagement), and similar activity that is of benefit to the College and the University, including ensuring that the impact of your activities is realized fully and the impact is documented.

- Management/Administration Contributing to Departmental/School administration, including:

• - Contributing to the administration/management of research and/or teaching across the Department/School;
  - Leading and managing a team to devise and implement a new and/or revised process (e.g., new program or a recruitment drive);
  - Advising on personal development of colleagues and students;
  - Making a major contribution to some administrative activities within the University (e.g., appeals panels, working groups);
  - Managing enterprise, business development, and public engagement activities;
  - Developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, schools outreach;
  - Actively manages equality, diversity, and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behavior.

- Citizenship Contributing to an inclusive working environment:

• - Demonstrating a willingness to be involved in a variety of activities supporting University life (e.g., participation in graduation, Departmental/School committees);
  - Demonstrating support for colleagues, such as sharing resources, providing advice;
  - Willingness to volunteer for one-off duties (such as supporting School, Institute, and Departmental projects);
  - Positively engaging in School strategic initiatives;
  - Proactive support and involvement in activities specifically contributing to a positive and inclusive community spirit across the School/College/University.

[lolo2]

1. You quoted a case that in my view has an adequate wording for a statement of guarantee. In any case, you need to discuss this with your line manager and the HR department. They might have previously supported other applicants under this route. The letter also needs to be aligned with the specific requirements of the endorsing body.

2. No. Remember we apply for endorsement first, once it's approved we apply for a GTV.

3. This is not allowed on the forum. Under route 1, your employer needs to provide the required documents to apply for endorsement. You don't need a lawyer at all for this.

[Mario420]

@lolo2,
Thanks. So am I correct in assuming that the contents and wording of the statement of guarantee are the most crucial factors for the endorsement? Additionally, does the applicant's CV also influence the likelihood of receiving the endorsement, either positively or negatively?

[lolo2]

So am I correct in assuming that the contents and wording of the statement of guarantee are the most crucial factors for the endorsement?

That's correct.

Under route 1, only TWO documents are submitted to apply for endorsement: a statement of guarantee (SoG) and a job description. The SoG plays the most important role.

Additionally, does the applicant's CV also influence the likelihood of receiving the endorsement, either positively or negatively?

CV is NOT required for route 1. See above.

[zxyzhgp]

I have seen many PhDs using Global Talent Visa to get jobs like research assistant, post doc etc
This visa type is definitely not limited to senior positions