All employees must prove their eligibility to live and work in the UK before starting work with Queen’s. Those applying for a visa from inside the UK must submit their new application online before their existing visa expires. Failure to do so will jeopardise their right to work in the UK.

With the end of free movement from 1 January 2021, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals now need a visa in order to study or work in the UK. Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa as their status is protected as part of Common Travel Area arrangements.

In light of Queen’s research focus, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader, Professor and KTP Associate should all be eligible positions under the Global Talent visa (GTV). Postdoctoral research positions may be eligible for a GTV but will be assessed on an individual basis. Where GTV isn’t eligible for a Research Fellow or Research Assistant position, the university should be able to sponsor a Skilled Worker visa. Equally, Lecturer (Education) and Senior Lecturer (Education) should be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

For all other professional, administrative, operational and technical roles, candidates who don’t already hold the right to work in the UK must self-assess whether they are likely to obtain the right to work for each individual role using the guidance available.

Please contact International Staff Support if you need further advice.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) controls immigration to the UK and holds sole discretion over an individual’s UK visa application. There are a range of visa types that permit work in the UK. For comprehensive information on the respective visa categories and processes, and to find out what type of visa you require, please refer to the guidance and information provided on the UKVI website. Documents must be in English or Welsh or must otherwise be accompanied by a full translation that can be independently verified by the Home Office.

Please bear in mind that the burden of proof lies with the applicant. To avoid disappointments or delays to your visa application, we urge international staff to familiarise themselves with the documents required, processing times, and costs involved.

Before submitting a visa application, please ensure that you double-check that all the information you have provided in your form is accurate, including your intended arrival date. International staff are further advised not to make any non-refundable travel arrangements until they have received their visas. When you receive your immigration decision, it is important that you check it carefully to ensure that there are no errors. Any corrections should be made as soon as possible. If you believe an error has been made and are unsure of how to correct it, please contact International Staff Support for advice.

NOTE: Northern Ireland forms part of the United Kingdom. Separate visa requirements apply for travel in the Republic of Ireland. As there is no physical border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, you will not pass through UK immigration control if arriving in Belfast through Dublin. As such, your passport will not be endorsed with a UK entry stamp. This may affect your ability to evidence your date of entry to the UK.