Graduate Trainee Visa

What is a Graduate Trainee Visa?

A UK Graduate Trainee visa enables sponsored employees of overseas businesses to work at their employer’s UK branch.

This visa has replaced the Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa, previously known as the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Graduate Trainee visa.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a Graduate Trainee Visa?

In order to successfully apply for a Graduate Trainee visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must be an existing employee of an organisation that has been approved by the Home Office as a sponsor;
• Must have worked for their sponsor outside the UK for at least 3 months immediately before they apply;
• Must have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from their employer with information about the work they will do in the UK;
• The job must be eligible and part of a graduate training programme for a managerial or specialist role.
• Must be paid at least £23,100 per year;
• The job offer is for a genuine vacancy;
• Must evidence they have sufficient money to support themselves or their sponsor must confirm that they will support the applicant. If, however an applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more, they will not need to show proof that they have sufficient money to support themselves; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

How Long is a Graduate Trainee Visa Valid for?

A Graduate Trainee visa is granted for whichever is shorter of:

• The time given on a certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days; or
• 12 months.

Can a Graduate Trainee Visa be Extended?

This visa cannot be extended, but applicants can apply for another Graduate Trainee visa from outside the UK.

To note, applicants can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years in any 6-year period if they have spent time on any of these visas:

• Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa
• Intra-company Transfer visa
• Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility)
• UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Does a Graduate Trainee Visa Lead to Settlement?

The Global Business Mobility routes do not lead to settlement. However once in the UK, under this visa applicants may be able to apply to switch to another category such as the Skilled Worker route which does lead to settlement.

To note, any permission applicants have in the Global Business Mobility route will not count towards the qualifying period of stay required to settle.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Graduate Trainees?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, then they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the Graduate Trainee visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process a Graduate Trainee visa application within 3 weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for a Graduate Trainee visa is £259.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is usually £624 per year.

How We Can Help You

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If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.