UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa

UK Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Visa - Temporary Worker Route

The UK Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa lets you come to the UK for a short time to do work experience, training, research or a fellowship through an approved exchange scheme, usually for up to 12 or 24 months depending on the scheme. It is a Temporary Work route, so it does not lead to settlement and time on it does not count towards indefinite leave to remain.

The UK Government Authorised Exchange visa - Temporary Worker allows individuals to enter the UK for work experience, training, research projects, or fellowships under an approved Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) scheme. This visa is for temporary stays and does not lead to settlement.

Key takeaways

• The GAE visa is a Temporary Work route that lets you come to the UK for work experience, training, research or a fellowship through an approved exchange scheme, usually for up to 12 or 24 months depending on the scheme.
• It does not lead to settlement, so time on it does not count towards indefinite leave to remain, and you cannot switch to a Skilled Worker or other work visa from inside the UK.
• You need a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved exchange scheme provider, must be 18 or over, and must show you can support yourself and intend to leave when the visa expires.
• You can do a second job for up to 20 hours a week alongside your main role and take on voluntary work, but you cannot take permanent employment or work outside your sponsor's approved scheme.
• You can arrive up to 14 days before your start date and stay up to 14 days after your job ends, without going beyond the dates on your visa.
• You pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge while your UK sponsor pays the Certificate of Sponsorship fee; the Immigration Skills Charge does not apply, so check the current figures on GOV.UK.

What is the UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa?

The UK Government Authorised Exchange visa (GAE) is part of the Temporary Work category, formerly known as Tier 5 (T5), and is designed for individuals taking part in approved schemes for work experience, training, research, or skill-sharing initiatives. GOV.UK confirms that this visa has replaced the older Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5), so T5 is now used only as a historical reference.

This visa is not for general work but for individuals sponsored under an approved UK Government Authorised Exchange programme.

It is open to:

• Work experience placements and internships.
• Research projects or fellowships.
• Training programmes or skill-sharing initiatives.

Applicants must have a UK-based sponsor and be part of an official exchange scheme approved by the UK government.

Who Can Apply for a UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa?

To be eligible for the Government Authorised Exchange visa for the UK, you should:

• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), or a sponsorship reference number, from an approved exchange scheme provider.
• Be coming to the UK for work experience, training, research, or a fellowship.
• Be 18 or older at the time of application.
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself without public funds. You usually need at least £1,270 available, held for 28 consecutive days, unless you are exempt or your sponsor certifies that they will support you.
• Show you intend to leave the UK when your visa expires.

This visa is not for permanent employment and does not allow switching to long-term work visas while in the UK.

Approved UK Government Authorised Exchange Schemes

Your placement must be under one of the officially recognised schemes, which include:

• Internship and work experience programmes.
• Research fellowships and scientific exchanges.
• Training in specialist fields, including medicine and academia.
• Government-backed cultural and educational exchange schemes.

Your sponsor will confirm whether your scheme qualifies under the Government Authorised Exchange route.

How Long Can You Stay on a UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa?

• The visa is valid for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the scheme.
• You can apply up to 3 months before your start date.
• You can arrive in the UK up to 14 days before your start date, as long as you do not arrive before the start date on your visa.
• You can stay in the UK for up to 14 days after your job ends, as long as you do not stay past the end date on your visa.
• Extensions are only allowed if required under your specific scheme.
• You must leave the UK when your visa expires.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa

You can:

• Work in the job you have a Certificate of Sponsorship or sponsorship reference number for, with your sponsoring employer or organisation under the approved scheme.
• Take on voluntary work.
• Do a second job for up to 20 hours per week alongside your main job.
• Study, though some restrictions apply and for some courses you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
• Travel in and out of the UK during your visa period.

You cannot:

• Take on permanent employment.
• Work outside your sponsoring organisation's approved scheme.
• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• Access public funds or benefits.
• Switch to a Skilled Worker visa or any other work visa while in the UK.

Sponsorship and Employer Requirements of the Government Authorised Exchange Visa (GAE) in the UK

Your UK sponsor must:

• Be approved by the Home Office under a Government Authorised Exchange scheme.
• Assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you apply.
• Ensure that your role meets the eligibility criteria for the exchange scheme.

The employer or organisation must report any changes in your employment status and ensure you comply with visa conditions.

Your sponsor can be an organisation running an approved exchange scheme, a higher education institution, or a government department or agency.

How to Apply for a UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa (GAE)

Step 1: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK sponsor must assign you a CoS before you apply.

Step 2: Check if You Can Use the UK Immigration: ID Check App

Some applicants do not need to attend a visa application centre and can verify their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. You can use the app if you are applying from outside the UK and you hold a biometric passport from an eligible country. If eligible, you will be prompted to use the app during the online application process.

Step 3: Apply Online and Pay the Fees

Complete your application through the official UK government website. You pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

If you cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) and to submit any additional required documents.

Step 5: Await a Decision

A decision is usually made within 3 weeks if you are outside the UK, and within 8 weeks if you are inside the UK. You may be able to pay for a faster decision. The current options and fees are set out on GOV.UK, and these change from time to time, so check the current figure on GOV.UK before you apply. Once approved, you will receive an eVisa.

UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa Fees and Costs

Home Office fees change from time to time, so always check the current figures on GOV.UK before you apply.

• Visa application fee: £340 per person as at the review date. Check the current figure on GOV.UK.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): usually £1,035 per year. Check the current figure on GOV.UK.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee: paid by the UK sponsor. This is a Home Office fee that changes from time to time.

The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) does not apply to this visa.

How Immtell Can Help

Applying for a UK Government Authorised Exchange visa takes careful preparation to meet Home Office requirements. Immtell supports both UK sponsor organisations and individual exchange workers, and provides expert support to help:

• UK organisations obtain a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence.
• Exchange workers complete their visa application accurately.
• Confirm that roles meet Home Office eligibility requirements.
• Assist with visa compliance and provide legal support.

Gain Professional Experience in the UK

If you are planning an exchange placement, or you are a UK organisation hosting one, Immtell can confirm eligibility and prepare the application. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.

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We check this guide against the official GOV.UK guidance. Last reviewed 22 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you stay on a UK Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Depending on the scheme, you can stay for a maximum of 12 or 24 months. The visa does not lead to settlement, and time spent on it does not count towards indefinite leave to remain.

Can you bring your partner and children on a Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Yes. Your partner and children can apply to join you as dependants if they are eligible. Each person pays the application fee and the healthcare surcharge, and must show they can support themselves.

Can you switch to a Skilled Worker visa from a Government Authorised Exchange visa?

No. You cannot switch from this visa to the Skilled Worker route, or to most other work visas, while you are in the UK. You would usually need to leave the UK and apply for the new visa from outside.

Do you need a sponsor for a Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Yes. You must have a Certificate of Sponsorship or a sponsorship reference number from a licensed UK sponsor running an approved exchange scheme before you apply.