Academic Visitor Visa and Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor Visa

An Academic Visitor Visa and a Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor Visa are two routes under the Standard Visitor Visa to the UK category. Whilst an Academic Visitor Visa and a PPE Visitor Visa may appeal to the same group of people; those who are highly qualified within their field of expertise, there are several differences between the two Visitor Visa applications and it is important to understand the requirements for each Visitor Visa before applying. Our specialist Immigration Solicitors are highly knowledgeable of the UK Visa and Immigration rules and are qualified to advise you on which Visitor Visa application to make if you are an academic looking to visit the UK.    

What is an Academic Visitor Visa?

An Academic Visitor Visa is available to individuals who are highly qualified in their field of expertise and who are currently working in that field at an overseas academic institution of higher education. An Academic Visitor Visa allows non-EEA nationals to visit the UK for a period of 12 months to undertake certain activities.

Permitted activities on an Academic Visitor Visa

Those applying for an Academic Visitor Visa may partake in the following:

  • Carrying out research tasks for their own purposes if they are on sabbatical leave;
  • Take part in formal exchange arrangements with UK counter parts;
  • Hold informal discussions to share knowledge or expertise;
  • Take part in a single seminar or conference that is not a commercial venture; and
  • Renowned senior doctors or dentists may take part in any research, clinical or teaching practice.

Prohibited activities on an Academic Visitor Visa

It is important to be aware of the restrictions of an Academic Visitor Visa, which include:

  • Being able to receive funding for their work whilst they are in the UK;
  • Engaging in any other work other than the academic activity which they have entered to the UK for;
  • Filling a genuine post or vacancy;
  • Must be able to maintain themselves and any dependents, without recourse to public funds, this includes being adequately maintained and accommodated whilst in the UK; and
  • Must be able to meet the costs of the return or onward journey from the UK.

Academic Visitor Visa Applicants must be aware that they will not qualify for an Academic Visitor Visa if they are a lecturer who will receive a normal fee for their work. In these circumstances Applicants will need to apply under Tier 2 of the Points Based System.

What is a PPE Visitor Visa?

PPE Visitor Visa Applicants are experts in their field who are able to visit the UK for up to 1 month, if they have been invited to the UK as an expert in their profession. Academics may apply for a PPE Visitor Visa in order to give lectures in their subject area, similar to those who may apply for an Academic Visitor Visa, and are prohibited from the following:

  • Filling a genuine post or vacancy;
  • Being a burden on the state (no recourse to public funds);
  • Must be adequately maintained and accommodated whilst in the UK; and
  • Must be able to meet the costs of the return or onward journey from the UK.

Who Else Can Apply for a PPE Visitor Visa?

PPE Visitor Visa applications also extend to other areas of expertise outside of academics, for instance:

  • Qualified lawyers; who may visit the UK to provide advocacy for a court or tribunal hearing;
  • Professional artists, entertainers, musicians; who have been invited by a creative organisation in the UK to carry out an activity directly related to their profession by performing in a show or exhibition; and
  • A sports person; who may visit the UK at the invitation of a sports organisation, agent or broadcaster in the UK to take part in a sporting event.

Understanding the UK’s complex Visa and Immigration rules can be daunting, which is why it is crucial to seek advice from our specialist immigration team before submitting either an Academic Visitor Visa or a PPE Visitor Visa.

Using Legal Representation to Apply for an Academic Visitor Visa or PPE Visitor Visa

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit an Academic Visitor Visa or PPE Visitor Visa application.

Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.

This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful Academic Visitor Visa and PPE Visitor Visa Applications

Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.

Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients.  We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

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