Government Authorised Exchange Worker Visa
Home > UK Visas > Temporary Worker Visas > The Government Authorised Exchange Worker Visa
A quick look
You can stay for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the scheme you are applying for. You can stay 14 days longer than the time given on your certificate of sponsorship.
Yes, and the sponsor needs to be registered to do so by the UK Home Office.
You are allowed to:
- Study (an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate may be required for some courses)
- Work for a sponsoring organisation in the job described in your Certificate of Sponsorship
- Have a second job for up to 20 hours per week
- Do a job on the Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation List for up to 20 hours per week
- Apply to switch to a Global Talent Visa if you are in the Government Authorised Exchange scheme as a sponsored researcher
- Bring your partner and/or children with you, if eligible
You are not allowed to:
- Take a permanent job
- Access any public funds/benefits
Government Authorised Exchange Worker Visa
If you want to come to the UK for a short time to gain some work experience or do some training then the Government Authorised Exchange Visa could be for you. The visa is also best suited to you if you are part of an Overseas Government Language Programme or fellowship through an approved government authorised exchange scheme.Â
This visa, which has replaced the Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5), also requires you to have a sponsor licence.Â
Requirements
The visa requires you to demonstrate that you:
- Have a certificate of sponsorship reference number
- Have enough money to support yourself in the UK (this is usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you are exempt)
Certificate of Sponsorship
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a reference number that holds information on the job and your own personal details. It is not an actual certificate or paper document. It is a number that corresponds to the job you have been offered.Â
As well as the reference number, your sponsor will also give you information to help you to apply for the visa, for example how much you will be paid. This helps to prove you meet the job and salary requirements for the visa.Â
How long can you stay?
You can stay for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the scheme you are applying for. You can stay 14 days longer than the time given on your certificate of sponsorship.
You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.
How much does a Government Authorised Exchange Visa cost?
The application fee for each person applying is £298.
The fee is fixed, and does not change based on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK.
You, along with any family members that come with you, will also each need to pay the healthcare surcharge (currently £1,035 per year) in addition to the base fee.
Extra Information
With the Government Authorised Exchange Visa, you are able to:Â
- Study
- Work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
- Do a second job in the same sector and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week
- Do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week
- Bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they are eligible
assessment
Complete our questionnaire to see if you are eligible for a UK visa. Then claim your free 10-minute appointment with one of our immigration experts.
More UK Visa Routes
Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions, or want to book an appointment with one of our legal experts, contact Woodcock Law today. Call us on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or email info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
