UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa

What is the Government Authorised Exchange Visa?

The Government Authorised Exchange visa, previously known as the Tier 5 Temporary Worker visa, allows individuals to come to the UK for short-term work experience, training, research, an overseas government language programme, or an internship.

It is intended for those participating in an approved government-authorised exchange scheme and requires sponsorship from a licensed organisation. The visa is categorised under the Temporary Worker route and is typically granted for 12 to 24 months. It promotes the exchange of knowledge, skills, and best practices.

Approved Schemes

Temporary work must be completed with a Home Office-approved sponsor. The Government Authorised Exchange visa covers many approved schemes designed to offer short-term work experience, training, research, and cultural exchange in the UK. Government bodies, universities, professional associations, and private organisations run these schemes.

They include internships for graduates (such as AIESEC and BUNAC), research and fellowship opportunities (like Chevening, Marshall Sherfield, and Commonwealth Scholarships), professional training schemes in sectors such as law, medicine, engineering, and finance, as well as language teaching programmes like the China-UK Mandarin Teachers Scheme and the Foreign Language Assistants Programme.

Each government-approved exchange programme requires sponsorship from a licensed organisation and typically allows stays of up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the programme type.

Visa Pathway

The Government Authorised Exchange visa is temporary and does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship.

However, you can switch to a different visa category from within the UK if you meet the eligibility requirements for that route.

Dependents & Family Members

If they meet the eligibility requirements, you can bring your partner and children to the UK as your dependents. Their visas will usually end on the same date as yours.

Dependents include your

• Spouse
• Civil partner
• Unmarried partner (if you’ve been together for at least 2 years)
• Children under 18.

Children over 18 can apply if they’re already in the UK as your dependent.

You’ll need to prove your relationship with your dependents and show they have enough money to support themselves.

Financial Requirement

The financial requirement for dependents is:

• £285 for a partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child

This money must have been available for at least 28 days before applying. You may not need to show proof of funds if you’ve all been in the UK for over 12 months or your sponsor agrees to cover your family’s costs for the first month.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Government Authorised Exchange visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship or sponsorship reference number from a UK organisation with a valid sponsor licence. The UK organisation must be on the list of Home Office-approved schemes. This certificate confirms details about your role, including your job title, start date, working hours, length of stay, and whether your sponsor will cover your living costs. The certificate or reference number is valid for 3 months (or 90 days) from the assigned date.

Financial Requirements

You must have at least £1,270 available in personal savings in your bank account to support yourself in the UK. The money must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days of your visa application. You may be exempt if:

• You’ve been in the UK on a valid visa for 12 months or more, or
• Your certificate of sponsorship confirms that your sponsor agrees to cover your costs (up to £1,270).

Job Requirements

Your employer must ensure your role pays at least the UK minimum wage and complies with working time regulations. If these conditions aren’t met, your application will be refused.

Required Documentation

When applying for the Government Authorised Exchange visa, the documents you must provide can vary depending on your circumstances. In most cases, you will need to provide

• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number – your UK sponsor (with a valid sponsor licence) will provide this.
• A valid passport or travel document showing your identity and nationality, with at least one blank page for your visa.
• Proof of funds – bank statements showing you have at least £1,270 in savings (unless your sponsor confirms they will cover your costs).
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results – if you’re from a country requiring TB testing.
• ATAS certificate – if your sponsor says it’s needed because your role involves research in sensitive subjects at PhD level or higher.
• Consent letter – if you’ve received funding from a government or international scholarship agency within the last 12 months, you’ll need their permission to stay or return to the UK.

If you are applying with dependents, you will need to provide:

• Proof of relationship—If your partner or children are applying with you, you’ll need documents to show your relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).

A certified translation must accompany any documents not in English or Welsh. Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide additional documents.

Processing Time

After you apply online, prove your identity, and submit your documents, you will usually get a decision within:

• 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK
• 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK

Priority Services

For faster processing of your application, you can choose a premium service:

• Priority Service: This service costs an additional £500 and usually provides a decision within 5 working days.
• Super Priority Service: This service costs an extra £1,000 and aims to deliver a decision by the end of the next working day after your biometric appointment (if it’s on a weekday).

Fees

The application fee for each person is £298.

You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is currently £1,035 per year of your stay.

How to Apply for the Government Authorised Exchange Visa

You can apply for this visa up to 3 months before your start date in the UK.

Applications must be made online, usually from outside the UK. You can only apply to extend or switch to this visa from inside the UK. Applications must be submitted through the UK Government website.

Complete Application Form

Fill out the online form with your personal details and information about your licensed sponsor.

Prepare Documents

Gather the required documents, including your Certificate of Sponsorship, passport, proof of funds, and any additional documents needed.

Pay the Fees

Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year).

Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment

Schedule and attend your appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph at the visa application centre.

Wait for a Decision

You’ll receive a decision by email once your application has been processed.

Collect Your Visa and BRP

If approved, collect your visa and Biometric Residence Permit (if required) after you arrive in the UK.

Conditions of Stay

You can stay in the UK for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the specific Government Authorised Exchange scheme you’re on. Your visa will specify how long you’re allowed to stay.

You must work for your licensed sponsor in the role listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship and follow the conditions of your visa. You cannot take a permanent job or access public funds.

Extend or Switch Visa

Government Authorised Exchange workers can apply to extend their stay for a maximum of 12 or 24 months, depending on the specific scheme they are on.

Switching into the Government Authorised Exchange route from within the UK is generally not permitted. However, exceptions may apply if you are already in the UK on certain UK visa types.

Get Support With Government Authorised Exchange Visa Applications

The Government Authorised Exchange visa is a UK Temporary Worker route for people coming to the UK for short-term work experience, training, or to join an approved government exchange programme.

Our experienced UK immigration lawyers can help you apply if you plan to participate in an approved internship, training, work placement, or research programme.