If the nominee will be engaged in any activity with children and/or vulnerable adults, the School must comply with the relevant safeguarding measures set out in the University’s Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy.

A standard Visiting Student Title Nomination Form‌ should be submitted for the conferral and renewal of all Visiting Student Title applications to the relevant School. 

Forms are available directly from School webpages or by contacting School offices.

The steps of the process are as follows: 

1. A potential student visitor expresses interest in a visit to the School by completing the School's Visiting Student application. Relevant accompanying documentation should be provided as appropriate including a copy of proof of registration at their home institution and a copy of their passport/visa. 
2. The School reviews the application and if accepted, assigns an appropriate supervisor.
3. If the candidate is a Non-UK/Non-Irish passport holder, the nomination should be sent to International Student Support (if the duration of the visit is six months or less) or International Staff Support (if the duration of the visit is more than six months) for immigration screening. This screening should be completed for both new and renewal applications. 
4. An additional consideration for international visitors who wish to apply for a Visiting Student title for any duration in certain sensitive subject. The Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate is required when undertaking an element of research at postgraduate research level in certain sensitive subjects, including science, engineering, medicine and technology and the individual is applying for an initial or extension Skilled Worker or Tier 5 (GAE) Sponsored Researcher visa or visiting to undertake research under the Standard Visitor route. The following nationals are exempt from the ATAS requirement: UK, EU/EEA, Swiss nationals and nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, or the United States of America. ATAS clearance must be obtained before International Staff Team can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (Skilled Worker or Tier 5 (GAE)) and before commencing research if visiting under the Standard Visitor route.
5. Once approval of a new Visiting Student nomination is granted:
   1. The School issues an appointment letter and the June 2022 Terms and Conditions for Holders of Honorary Status.
   2. The candidate returns a signed copy of the letter accepting the Visiting Student title on stated conditions.
   3. The School adds the Visiting Student to the QUB Additional Persons database and, on confirmation of the visitor’s citizenship/visa and ATAS status, provides an identification card to the holder upon collection. 
   4. Visiting Students are not permitted on campus to undertake their research without confirmation of ATAS clearance.
6. For renewals:
   1. Where appropriate, the School will send on the renewal application form for immigration and ATAS screening.
   2. The School updates the Visiting Student’s record on the QUB Additional Person database to reflect their new end date.
   3. The School then issues a renewal confirmation letter.
   4. An updated identification card can be provided upon request.
7. Schools will invoice the Visiting Student for the appropriate bench fee, via Finance where appropriate.

 The University has a Privacy Notice in respect of Visiting Titles.

Visiting Student

A Visiting Student title will be conferred initially for a maximum period of one year and can be renewed on an annual basis, up to the end of their registration at their home institution.

Visiting Scholar

A Visiting Scholar title will normally be conferred initially up to a maximum period of three years, and for a cumulative maximum period of six years.

Collaborations beyond this period should be considered under the Honorary Titles procedures. 

The initial duration requested may be for longer than three years in cases where a funded project is scheduled to run for an extended period.

The award of a visiting title does not create an employment relationship between the title holder and the University. 

Remuneration is not normally paid to those holding Visiting Titles.

Under the regulations of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), visitors to the UK should not undertake paid work. They will need to satisfy UKVI that they have sufficient funds to support and accommodate themselves without working or recourse to public funds. 

Ownership rights may vary depending on external employers’ rights, existing agreements and other factors – please contact the Intellectual Property team to establish the specific intellectual property position.

Entitlements

Visiting Scholar Title holders are entitled to full library access; are eligible to register for a University email address and to use Queen’s Online; and may apply for membership of the Physical Education Centre.

Visiting Scholar Title holders are covered by the Employers’ Liability insurance policies when working on University premises, providing the appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.

Visiting Student Title holders are entitled to on campus library access; are eligible to register for a University email address and to use Queen’s Online; and may apply for membership of the Physical Education Centre.

Visiting Student Title holders are covered by the Employers’ Liability insurance policies when working on University premises, providing the appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.

Obligations

Visiting Title holders are required to undertake research in collaboration with a named member of University staff.

Visiting Title Holders are issued with a set of Terms and Conditions which must be signed prior to confirmation of the Title. 

In common with all members of University staff, Visiting Titles holders are required to comply with the standard Queen’s policies and procedures when on University premises and/or carrying out work in their capacity as a Visiting Student or Visiting Scholar.

Procedure for Ending a Visiting Title by Agreement Before the End of its Duration

Approval to end a current Visiting Title by agreement with the Student/Scholar Title holder before the end of its duration should be sought from the Head of School. The Secretary to the Honorary Titles Committee should also be informed at egp@qub.ac.uk to enable Additional persons to be updated and to notify International Student Support/International Staff where there are visa implications. Please also contact egp@qub.a.cuk if you are ending a Visiting Title arrangement by agreement with the Title holder if you require any further advice and guidance.

Procedure for Rescinding a Visiting Title

The need to rescind a Visiting Title happens very rarely, but it may be required where there is a conflict of interest or other matter that may bring the University into disrepute. Approval for the rescinding of a current Visiting Title before the end of its specified duration is undertaken by the Honorary Titles Committee following endorsement of the withdrawal of the Visiting Title by the Head of School. Please contact egp@qub.a.cuk if you need to withdraw a Visiting Student/Scholar Title for further advice and guidance.