If you intend to visit the UK temporarily for purposes like obtaining work experience, training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research, or a fellowship via an approved government-authorized exchange program, you can apply for a Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa.
Among the numerous visa options available, the Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Work Visa happens to be little known, yet it is a cost-effective, flexible, and straightforward option in the UK visa spectrum, appealing to employers and employees alike.
The United Kingdom has long been a favored destination for individuals aspiring to advance their careers on a global scale, hence this type of visa offers a trial period for development, education, and exploration in the British professional landscape.
So for those who aim to make an impact globally, the GAE Work Visa is an excellent route to a gateway to a world of opportunities.
While Tier 2 (General) work visas often steal the spotlight, the GAE Work Visa offers a distinctive path for those seeking internships, fellowships, and other short-term employment opportunities in the UK.
This visa is tailored to promote professional growth and international collaboration, providing international talent with valuable experience in dynamic workplaces.
To enter the UK through the Government Authorized Exchange route, individuals can participate in one of the authorized program schemes listed below.
Before initiating the GAE Work Visa application process, it is important to secure a certificate of sponsorship from an authorized sponsor.
This certificate plays a crucial role as it contains a reference number that validates both your employment and personal particulars.
It is essential that your association with the sponsoring organization aligns with the purpose of your training, research, or employment in the UK.
Eligible sponsors are recognized exchange programs, universities, government institutions, or qualifying companies.
The visa application procedure entails online submission, identity verification, and document submission.
The processing duration varies based on your location: 3 weeks if you are outside the UK and 8 weeks if you are already residing within the country.
For those urgently needing expedited processing, options are available, varying for applicants located inside and outside the UK.
Financial Considerations
To obtain the GAE Work Visa, each applicant, including dependents, must cover the following expenses:
The length of your stay in the UK under the GAE Work Visa is determined by your visa’s validity period, which can be either 12 or 24 months, depending on the program.
You may enter the UK up to 14 days before your employment start date and stay up to 14 days after your employment ends, provided you adhere to the specified visa dates.
To qualify for the GAE Work Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
When applying for the GAE Work Visa, you will need to provide several documents, including:
You can and you are allowed to:
However, there are restrictions:
How to Apply
Applications for those both outside and inside the UK should visit the link for details
For those outside the UK, the GAE Work Visa application process involves providing identification documentation, which can be done through a visa application centre or by scanning identity documents using the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app.
The specific procedure may vary depending on your country of origin and passport type.
If you are already in the UK, you can either switch to the GAE Work Visa or extend your existing one.
