ATAS and Tier 2 Extension

[subhaac]

Hi there,

I'm having a difficult time getting my ATAS certificate and subsequently my visa extension. I am employed by University of Strathclyde as a Research Software Engineer. My current visa expires end of this month. But as I have already applied for a visa, HR told me that I don't have to worry about this.

So I got my work contract extended in the second week of Oct 2022. I immediately started filling up the visa application for my extension, but was told by HR that I need to apply for an ATAS certificate as well. I completed ATAS application and had it submitted by 14th Oct. A few days later, I got a loan from the university and submitted my visa extension application.

On the 31st Oct I received an email from FCDO that my research statement, personal statement of intent and plans after research completion all needed to be corrected with the following as the description for the mistakes in those sections:

"You have completed the wrong application form. If you are applying to study an MRes or PhD, please log back into your ATAS account and make a new application as a taught/research student studying a research course.
If you are a visiting student; please log back into your ATAS account and make a new application as a taught/research student - for 'qualification' please select 'other-not a UK qualification' from the drop down list."

HR adviced to send them an email to clarify that I am not a student and that I am employed by UoS, and as my work as an element of research to it, I need an ATAS to apply for a visa extension. I sent this on the 31st Oct. It's now been 16 days, no replies.

Today, I received an email from UKVI asking to upload ATAS certificate evidence. HR advised to attach a letter stating that I have already applied for an ATAS certificate, the result of it is pending, included the ATAS reference number and mentioned that I will send the ATAS certificate as soon as it's issued.

Anybody else faced something similar? Does FCDO normally mistake applications like this? Could providing an ATAS reference number for a visa extension result in refusal of visa? Really appreciate your time in reading this and for your help.