VAT13 - Business visitor: Visiting professors

This is internal guidance for use by entry clearance (visa) staff on the handling of visa applications made outside the UK for visit and transit visas. It is a live document under constant review and is for information only. Immigration Rules paragraph 46(G) makes new provision for visiting professors accompanying students on study abroad programmes to be regarded as business visitors. Visiting professors must also meet the general requirements in paragraph 41.

VAT13.1 Those who qualify

Students from overseas academic institutions come to the UK on study abroad programmes and can be accompanied by professors and teachers who are overseeing their studies. Such professors and teachers may undertake a small amount of teaching, limited to the institution hosting the students they are supervising but must be employed and paid by the overseas academic institution and must not intend to base themselves or seek employment in the UK.

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VAT13.2 What is the maximum stay in this category?

Visiting professors can stay in the UK for a maximum of six months.

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VAT13.3 Entry clearance endorsement

Entry clearances should be endorsed:
C:  Visit - Visiting Professor. LTE 6 months.  Code 3. 

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VAT13.4 Examples of refusal wordings

Wording for refusals: Section 1-5 (can be downloaded under 'Related documents' on the right of this page).

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