University support for you and your family

Once you have accepted our job offer, you will need to apply for permission to work in the UK from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). 

Please note that the UKVI introduced a new immigration system for all non-UK nationals entering the UK on or after 1 January 2021. For further information on the routes the University can sponsor please visit the University Sponsorship webpage.

University Sponsorship

The UKVI website provides a list of visas which you may be able to apply for, to enable you to work in the UK.

List of UK work visas

You can also contact our Immigration Legal Adviser (Staff) who can advise on the different visa routes and help you with your own and your partner/family’s application.

Please note this help is only available once you have received your job offer from the University of Edinburgh.

Further information on the staff advice service

If you are an academic or researcher who is internationally recognised as a world leader or emerging leader in one of the science or arts fields you may be able to apply for the Global Talent route.

Applying for a Global Talent visa is undertaken by the applicant and it is not a sponsored route, therefore you can undertake work with any employer. The application process is a two stage process which is undertaken by the applicant. However, if you have received a job offer from the University of Edinburgh help will be available from the Immigration Legal Adviser (Staff).  

Global Talent Application Information

UKVI/Home Office Information about Global Talent visa 

If you require a statement of guarantee to support your application under the Global Talent Appointment or Endorsed Funder pathways please contact your School/Department to request this.

The University’s Student Immigration Service webpages provide information on switching to a visa route that enables you to work after your studies:

Further information on obtaining a visa to work after your studies 

Further information on how to make your visa application in the UK can be found on the following web page:

https://Living in the UK: applying from within the UK - GOV.UK

The University offers financial assistance in the form of an interest free loan to applicants who have a job offer and are applying for a Global Talent or Skilled Worker visa. On commencing employment the standard fees for you and your dependants will be reimbursed. Fees incurred for using the enhanced UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) service will not be reimbursed.

Further information regarding immigration fee assistance

As an international worker your family members will also need to apply for a visa to accompany you to the UK.  Further information can be found in this section.

Please note that the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) introduced a new immigration system for all non-UK nationals entering the UK on or after 1 January 2021.

Information is available for individuals applying for a Global Talent, Skilled Worker or Sponsored Researcher visa at:

Further information on bringing in your family

For other visa type, information is available on the UKVI website.

Further information on UKVI website regarding family members

If there are any issues with securing your visa or you are not going to be able to start work on your agreed start date, please keep in touch with your School/Department admin contact and the HR Helpline.

HR Helpline