Graduate Trainee visa - Global Business Mobility

The Graduate Trainee Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) initiative, which includes five immigration routes designed to help overseas businesses establish a presence or transfer employees to the UK.

This visa is specifically for overseas workers enrolled in a structured graduate training program that leads to senior management or specialised positions and requires a UK-based work placement as part of their training.

This route replaces the previous Intra-Company Graduate Trainee visa and comes with updated restrictions. Successful applicants can participate in their graduate training program in the UK but cannot engage in secondary employment. However, they may undertake voluntary work or pursue further studies while in the UK.

If you are not on a graduate training programme, you may still be eligible to work for your employer’s UK branch under the Senior or Specialist Worker visa.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Graduate Trainee Visa, applicants must:

• Be an existing employee of an organisation approved by the Home Office as a sponsor.
• Have worked for their sponsor outside the UK for at least 3 months, as currently required. However, the 2025 Immigration White Paper proposes increasing this requirement to 12 months, unless the applicant earns £73,900 or more, in which case it would be waived.
• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from their employer detailing the work they will do in the UK.
• Be employed in a role listed on the eligible occupations list.
• Be paid at least £24,220 per year, though salary thresholds across Global Business Mobility routes are under review as part of the proposed immigration changes.
• Apply from outside the UK, as switching to this visa from within the UK is not permitted.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer (sponsor) will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is an electronic record rather than a physical document.

Applicants must:

• Use the reference number from their CoS for their visa application.
• Apply for their visa within three months of receiving their CoS.

If an employer does not currently hold a sponsor licence, they must apply for one before sponsoring employees under this route.

Application Fees and Processing Times

• The application fee is currently £298, but under proposed changes in the 2025 Immigration White Paper, visa fees may range from £284 to £1,235, depending on visa duration and applicant circumstances.
• Once an applicant has submitted their application, proved their identity, and provided documents, they will usually receive a decision within three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my Graduate Trainee Visa from inside the UK?
No, extensions and switching to this visa from within the UK are not permitted.

How long do I need to have worked for my employer outside the UK?
Currently, applicants must have worked for their employer outside the UK for at least 3 months. However, proposed changes in the 2025 Immigration White Paper suggest increasing this to 12 months, unless the applicant earns £73,900 or more.

Does this visa lead to settlement?
This visa does not lead directly to indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Applicants wishing to settle permanently in the UK would need to switch to another eligible visa category.

Why Choose UK Visas?

UK Visas is a leading immigration adviser, specialising in services for businesses, education providers, and individuals.

Our expert team ensures a smooth visa process, handling all aspects efficiently so you can focus on your career and future opportunities.