You must meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor and the additional eligibility requirements for academics. You must provide any required documents that show your eligibility. These may include document to prove you are
• highly qualified in your field of expertise – this will usually mean you have a PhD or higher,
• currently working in that field of expertise at an academic institution overseas, and
• not filling a permanent teaching post.
If you are an academic, but not a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you are visiting to do research or a formal exchange. If you are a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you are visiting to do research, clinical practice, a formal exchange or to teach.
You would also need a letter from your employer outlining the dates of your sabbatical or exchange, your employer outlining the research to be undertaken and the UK host organisation confirming the arrangements for your research, exchange or clinical practice.
Your partner and children can apply to stay with you for up to 12 months. They can apply for a Standard Visitor visa in advance or visit for 6 months and extend their stay once in the UK.
Depending on where you come from, you may also need a certificate that proves you do not have tuberculosis (TB).