Can I travel to the UK while waiting for an ATAS certificate? [closed]
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I am from Mexico and I intend to start postgraduate studies in the UK later this year. I am going to apply for an ATAS certificate this week, which means I will get it around mid october (hopefully). The problem is that I already had a flight for september 22nd because I thought I would get my visa faster (I was too naive).
Anyway, to elaborate my question a little more, can I travel to the UK as a tourist while I wait for my ATAS certificate and then come back to Mexico to get my tier 4 student visa? As far as I know, we mexicans don't need a visa to visit the UK (correct me if I'm wrong please) but I don't know if I could get in trouble for traveling as a tourist, then leave the UK and come back around two or three weeks later as a student, so any advice/help will be greatly appreciated, thank you very much.
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Can I apply for UK visa without ATAS certificate?
If you need an ATAS certificate as a visitor, you do not have to obtain this before applying for a visa but you should obtain it before travelling to the UK. The HEI /research institute must check the ATAS certificate before allowing the research to start, and if this is not provided you will not be permitted on-site.Can I apply for visa without ATAS certificate?
No, you only need your ATAS clearance to be valid when you apply for your visa. You will need to apply for fresh ATAS clearance if your course changes or if you have to apply for a new visa.How many days it will take to get ATAS certificate?
You are likely to get your ATAS certificate within 20 days if your application is accepted. However, please contact ATAS@fco.gov.uk if you do not receive any communication regarding ATAS within 20 days.Will ATAS referee be contacted?
The ATAS team will not necessarily need to contact your referees but we advise that you do let your referees know that you will be using their details just in case they are contacted. You can add more than 2 referees if you wish.My Experience with ATAS Certificate| Why ATAS certificate is getting delayed?|Why my ATAS Rejected?
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