UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa
Specialist Legal Representation for Training, Research, and Professional Exchange
The Government Authorised Exchange Visa allows overseas professionals, researchers, and trainees to visit the United Kingdom temporarily to gain experience, share knowledge, or conduct research under a government-approved exchange programme.
If you are planning to apply for a GAE Visa, our solicitors can assist you with eligibility assessments, document preparation, and representation before the Home Office.
Contact Immigration Solicitors UK on 020 8016 2308 or use our online form to arrange a consultation.
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Specialist Legal Representation for Training, Research, and Professional Exchange
The Government Authorised Exchange Visa allows overseas professionals, researchers, and trainees to visit the United Kingdom temporarily to gain experience, share knowledge, or conduct research under a government-approved exchange programme.
If you are planning to apply for a GAE Visa, our solicitors can assist you with eligibility assessments, document preparation, and representation before the Home Office.
Contact Immigration Solicitors UK on 020 8016 2308 or use our online form to arrange a consultation.
What the Government Authorised Exchange Visa Covers
This visa forms part of the UK’s Temporary Work category and is available for approved exchange schemes in:
- Professional training or internship placements
- Research and academic collaboration
- Overseas Government Language Programmes
- Fellowship or sponsored knowledge-sharing roles
Applicants must have an approved overarching sponsor and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirming participation in a Government Authorised Exchange scheme. Sponsors can include government departments, licensed organisations, or higher education institutions.
While in the UK, you may carry out the activities specified in your sponsorship, undertake limited study, and take a part-time secondary job where permitted.
To qualify for the GAE Visa, you must:
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by an approved overarching body
- Be taking part in a recognised exchange scheme under Appendix Temporary Work Government Authorised Exchange
- Ensure that the position is supernumerary, meaning it does not fill a permanent job vacancy
- Have sufficient personal funds to support yourself unless maintenance is certified by your sponsor
- Provide a tuberculosis test certificate if required by your country of residence
- Meet all Home Office suitability and good character requirements
Applicants who have lawfully lived in the UK for at least 12 months before applying are usually exempt from the financial maintenance requirement.
Required Documents
You will need to submit:
- A valid passport or national identity document with one blank page
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Proof of funds if your sponsor has not certified maintenance
- Tuberculosis test results where applicable
- An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if your research involves sensitive subject areas at PhD level or above
- A consent letter if your stay is funded by a government or international scholarship body
- Evidence of your relationship if dependants are applying with you
All documents must be in English or Welsh or accompanied by a certified translation.
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A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record issued by your sponsor. It includes your name, role, and start and end dates.
Your sponsor must:
- Hold a valid Home Office licence for the relevant exchange scheme
- Maintain an A-rated sponsor status unless continuing under the same arrangement
- Issue the certificate within three months before your application date
- Confirm that the role appears in the relevant skilled occupation list and does not displace a domestic worker
The CoS can only be used once and must comply fully with scheme conditions.
Application Process
You must apply online through the official UK Government website. Applications can be submitted up to three months before the start date listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Identity verification is carried out using:
- The UK Immigration ID Check app (for most EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals)
- A Visa Application Centre appointment (for other nationalities)
At a Visa Application Centre, biometric information such as fingerprints and a photograph will be collected.
Applicants must apply from outside the UK unless they are extending or switching into this route under specific permitted categories.
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Your permission to stay depends on the duration of your sponsorship and the scheme type.
Type of Programme | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|
Work experience or internship | Up to 12 months |
Research, training, or government language programme | Up to 24 months |
You are also granted 14 days before and after your sponsored period to prepare for arrival or departure.
If you extend your visa, the total stay cannot exceed the limits set for your scheme or 25 months in total.
Extension and Switching
You can apply to extend your GAE Visa if your current leave has not expired and you continue to meet all eligibility conditions.
Extensions are possible for:
- Up to 12 months for work experience schemes
- Up to 24 months for research, training, or language schemes
Switching to this route is permitted if you currently hold an eligible visa, such as Student or Graduate, and the new activity is directly related to your UK qualification.
If you change sponsors, you must apply for a new visa.
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Applications require payment of a Home Office fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Dependants must pay the same fees individually.
Processing times are typically:
- Around three weeks for applications made outside the UK
- Up to eight weeks for in-country extensions or switches
Our team will confirm all current government charges during your consultation to ensure accuracy.
Dependants
Your partner and children may accompany you to the UK as dependants if you can demonstrate your relationship and meet financial maintenance requirements.
Each family member must submit a separate application and pay their own visa and health surcharge fees.
How Immigration Solicitors UK Can Help
Our solicitors provide expert legal support for all stages of the Government Authorised Exchange Visa process. We offer:
- Eligibility and scheme verification
- Review of sponsor compliance and CoS documentation
- Preparation and checking of supporting evidence
- Representation in Home Office correspondence
- Dependant and extension assistance
Our approach focuses on precision and compliance, ensuring that your application meets all Home Office requirements from the outset.
Every case is supervised by Rana Aslam Zia Khan, Director of Immigration Solicitors UK.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
For professional advice on applying for the Government Authorised Exchange Visa, contact our team today.
Call 020 8016 2308 or complete our online enquiry form for expert assistance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GAE Visa used for?
It allows temporary entry to the UK for training, internships, research, or government exchange programmes under approved schemes.
How long can I stay in the UK?
Up to 12 months for work experience or internships, and up to 24 months for research, training, or government language programmes.
Can I extend my visa?
Yes, if you continue to meet the requirements and your programme remains within the permitted time limits.
Can I switch to the GAE Visa from another visa?
Yes, if you are in an eligible category such as Student or Graduate and your intended work relates directly to your UK degree.
Can my dependants join me?
Yes, provided you meet the maintenance and relationship requirements.
