Government Authorised Exchange Visa

What is a Government Authorised Exchange Visa?

A Government Authorised Exchange visa enables sponsored overseas nationals to come to the UK for a short time, either for work experience, training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or a fellowship through an approved government authorised exchange scheme.

This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5).

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa?

In order to successfully apply for a Government Authorised Exchange visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must have a job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from a Home Office approved licenced sponsor;
• Must genuinely intend to undertake the role for which they are being sponsored for;
• 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 Government Authorised Exchange Visa Valid for?

Depending on the scheme an applicant applies for, they will get a visa for a maximum of 12 months or 24 months.

Can a Government Authorised Exchange Visa be Extended?

Before the expiry of a Government Authorised Exchange visa, applicants must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK. If the extension application is approved they will be granted a visa for the period detailed in their certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days after that period so long as they have not reached the maximum stay under this visa.

The maximum period applicants can stay in the UK under this category is:

• 12 months, if they are doing work experience; or
• 24 months, if they are doing research, training or an Overseas Government Language Programme

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Government Authorised Exchange Visa Holders?

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

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

The Home Office will usually process a Government Authorised Exchange visa application within 3 weeks. If an application is made within the UK a decision is usually made within 8 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 Government Authorised Exchange visa is £259.

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

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

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.