Visas

If you are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and want to come to the UK for work experience, training or as part of an Overseas Government Language Programme or to carry out research through a government approved exchange scheme then you will apply for a Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange Visa.

Before applying, you must be in possession of a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer. The work you are coming to do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor.

If accepted, you will be notified within 3 weeks. You can apply for your Tier 5 Visa up to 3 months before your start date, as shown on your certificate.

The cost of applying for a Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange Visa depends on your situation, where you are from, how you apply and how many dependants you have coming to the UK with you.

Your Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 12 or 24 months, or up until the date shown on your certificate of sponsorship. The final decision will come down to which ever is shorter.

You will be permitted to enter the UK 14 days before the start date shown on your certificate.

You must not receive any public funding. For example, housing benefits whilst you are in the UK and you are not permitted to take on a permanent job.

Your Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange Visa allows you to study and work for your sponsor as shown on your certificate. You are permitted to take a second job in the same sector for up to 20 hours per week, if it is for a different sector then it must be because there are a shortage of UK workers.

You can apply to switch your Tier 5 Visa to a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa and family members are permitted to travel to the UK with you on your Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange Visa.