UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa (GAE Visa)
If you’re planning a short stay in the UK for professional training, work experience, an Overseas Government Language Scheme, research, or a fellowship, you may qualify for the Government Authorised Exchange Visa (GAE Visa).
Need assistance with your GAE visa application? Our expert immigration advisors are ready to assist you. Contact us today on +2080162308 to learn more about how we can support your application.
If you’re planning a short stay in the UK for professional training, work experience, an Overseas Government Language Scheme, research, or a fellowship, you may qualify for the Government Authorised Exchange Visa (GAE Visa).
Need assistance with your GAE visa application? Our expert immigration advisors are ready to assist you. Contact us today on +2080162308 to learn more about how we can support your application.
What is the Government Authorised Exchange Scheme
The Government Authorised Exchange Visa (GAE Visa) is part of the UK’s Temporary Worker visa category, designed for overseas nationals who wish to come to the UK to share skills, knowledge, and best practices. To qualify for this visa, you must be participating in a government-approved exchange program and have a licensed sponsor. Your sponsor could be an organisation operating an approved exchange programme, a government department or agency, or a higher education institution if you are coming to the UK as a sponsored researcher, examiner, or visiting academic. While on this visa, you are permitted to carry out the work specified in your exchange scheme, study, and even take on a second job part-time during your stay in the UK. A complete list of approved schemes eligible for this visa is available through official government sources.
To be granted a Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa, you must convince UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you meet specific conditions, including:
- Holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for your intended role, issued by a licensed overarching sponsor approved for the Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange route.
- Ensuring your role aligns with the requirements of a recognised Government Authorised Exchange scheme.
- Confirming that the position does not replace a job vacancy within the domestic workforce.
- Making sure the role is listed in Table 1 or Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.
- Demonstrating that you have enough personal funds to maintain yourself during your stay in the UK.
- Ensure your application does not trigger refusal under the general grounds for refusal rules.
- Providing a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate if your country of residence requires it.
Note that the exact criteria may vary depending on individual situations. It’s always wise to consult an experienced immigration adviser for tailored guidance.
When you apply for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa, you must provide supporting documents to show you meet the eligibility rules. Some of the key documents include:
- A valid passport or other national ID — make sure your passport has at least one blank page for your visa.
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
- Proof that you have enough funds to support yourself while in the UK — for example, recent bank statements.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results are required if you’re applying from a country where TB testing is required.
- A valid ATAS certificate if your employer says you need one because your work involves sensitive research at PhD level or higher.
- A letter of consent from a government or international scholarship body if they’re sponsoring your stay or return.
- If you’re bringing dependents such as your spouse, partner, or children, you’ll also need to provide evidence of your relationship to them.
All documents must be in English or Welsh; if they’re in another language, you must include a certified translation with your application.
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If your application for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa is successful, you’ll be allowed to enter and stay in the UK for the duration listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship, plus an additional 14 days before and after that period. The end date on your Certificate of Sponsorship must fall within the maximum time limit allowed for the specific scheme you’re joining.
If you’re already in the UK and apply to extend your stay, you’ll be granted whichever is shorter:
- The time remaining on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 extra days.
- Or, if you’re continuing on the same scheme, the remaining time you’re permitted under the scheme’s rules, plus up to 14 days;
- Or, the difference between 25 months and any continuous time you’ve already spent on the Government Authorised Exchange route.
Depending on which approved exchange scheme you’re part of, the maximum time you can stay will generally be 12 or 24 months.
To apply for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa, you’ll need to submit your application online through the official form on the gov.uk website. You can start your application up to three months before your job in the UK is due to begin.
Along with filling in the online form, you’ll also have to verify your identity. The method you use depends on your nationality and the type of passport you hold.
You may be able to prove your identity by scanning your valid ID using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. If that’s not an option for you, you’ll need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric details, which means your fingerprints and a photo.
Please note that you must apply for this visa from outside the UK. If you’re already in the UK, you can only apply to extend your current GAE Visa or switch into this route from another eligible visa category.
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When applying for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa, you’ll need to pay an application fee of £319.
Alongside this fee, you must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is generally £1,035 per year. If you plan to bring dependents such as your partner or children, you’ll have to pay separate application and IHS fees for each family member.
Processing times can vary depending on your situation. Sometimes the Home Office may need extra time to verify your information, or you may be asked to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre.
Usually, once you’ve submitted your online application, proven your identity, and uploaded your supporting documents, you can expect a decision within about 3 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK, or around 8 weeks if you’re switching to this visa from within the UK.
If you’re already in the UK with a valid Government Authorised Exchange Visa, you may be able to extend it, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements and your current visa hasn’t expired.
When you extend your visa, the additional time you can stay in the UK will depend on the type of programme you’re part of:
- Up to 12 more months if you’re gaining work experience.
- Up to 24 more months if you’re doing research, training, or participating in an Overseas Government Language Programme.
Alternatively, you may stay for the time remaining on your new Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever period is shorter.
Keep in mind that if you plan to switch to a different sponsor, you’ll need to apply for a brand-new visa rather than simply extending your current one.
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If you’re already in the UK under specific visa categories, you may be able to switch to a Government Authorised Exchange Visa, provided you meet the requirements.
You can apply to switch if you are:
- A student (for example, studying, resitting an exam, or completing a thesis)
- A student union sabbatical officer
- A student nurse
- A postgraduate doctor or dentist
- A Student visa (including Tier 4) holder
To qualify, you must have completed a UK bachelor’s or master’s degree during your current or last permission to stay.
Additionally, the work, training, or research you plan to do must be directly related to your UK degree. This could include:
- Postgraduate training or practical work experience that leads to a professional qualification or registration in your field
- An internship related to your degree, lasting up to 12 months
If you’re applying for a Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa in the UK, having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is essential. Here’s what you must ensure:
- You must secure a valid CoS from an approved sponsor that holds a current Home Office licence for the specific exchange scheme you’re joining.
- Your sponsor must properly manage and supervise your programme and hold an A-rated status on the Home Office’s list of licensed sponsors — unless you’re staying with the same sponsor under the same scheme as your previous permission.
- Your CoS must be issued within three months of your visa application date and include key details such as your name, job description, and a start date within three months of the CoS issue date.
- The CoS must fully comply with the scheme’s rules, including listing a role that appears in the relevant skilled occupation tables and ensuring the position does not simply replace a vacant UK job.
- It’s essential that your CoS has not been previously used for any other approved, refused, withdrawn, or cancelled application.
Meeting all these requirements is vital for your Government Authorised Exchange Visa application to be successful.
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If you’re planning to apply for the Government Authorised Exchange Visa, our experienced immigration advisers are ready to guide you through every stage. We’ve supported thousands of clients with their Temporary Worker Visas and understand precisely what it takes to submit a strong application.
Because this visa is only available for specific approved schemes, it’s not always easy to figure out if you qualify. Our team can review your situation, check your eligibility, and explain your options. If you don’t meet the criteria for this route, we can help you explore other visas for which you may be eligible.
From offering clear immigration advice to helping you complete the application form, collect the correct documents, and handle communication with the Home Office, we’re here to make the process straightforward and stress-free.
To learn more about how we can assist with your visa application, please contact our friendly team today on +2080162308.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Government Authorised Exchange Visa for?
The Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Visa allows you to come to the UK for a short period to gain work experience, take part in training, join an Overseas Government Language Programme, conduct research, or undertake a fellowship through an approved scheme.
How long can I stay in the UK on a Government Authorised Exchange Visa?
Your stay depends on the details in your Certificate of Sponsorship, plus an extra 14 days before and after your work period. The maximum time allowed is usually either 12 or 24 months, depending on the approved scheme.
Can I extend my Government Authorised Exchange Visa?
Yes, you can extend your visa if you still meet the requirements and your current visa hasn’t expired. Depending on your programme, you may stay for up to 12 more months for work experience or up to 24 months for research, training, or a language programme.
What documents are required to apply for the GAE Visa?
Key documents include a valid passport, your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, proof of sufficient funds, TB test results (if required), an ATAS certificate (if needed), and evidence of relationship if bringing dependents. All documents must be in English or Welsh or accompanied by a certified translation.
How can an immigration adviser help with my GAE Visa application?
An immigration expert can assess your eligibility, advise on how to meet the requirements, recommend alternatives if needed, and guide you through each step of the process from completing forms and gathering documents to contacting the Home Office on your behalf.
