This visa was introduced as part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) initiative, which includes five immigration routes aimed at helping overseas businesses establish a presence or transfer employees to the UK.
The Graduate Trainee visa is designed for overseas workers enrolled in a structured graduate training program that leads to senior management or specialised positions, and who require a work placement in the UK as part of their training.
This temporary work route has replaced the previous Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route.
Any successful applicants on this route will be able to come to the UK and take part in the graduate training program they applied for. However, unlike the previous Intra-Company route, they will not be permitted to engage in secondary employment. Instead, they may engage in voluntary work or pursue a course of study while in the UK.
If you’re not on a graduate training programme, you may still be able to work for your employer’s UK branch with a Senior or Specialist Worker visa.
Eligibility
To qualify for a Graduate Trainee visa, you must:
- be an existing employee of an organisation that’s been approved by the Home Office as a sponsor.
- have worked for your sponsor outside the UK for at least 3 months immediately before you apply.
- have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the work you will do in the UK
- do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
- be paid at least £24,220 per year
You cannot apply to change (‘switch’) to a Graduate Trainee visa from inside the UK.
Getting a Certificate of Sponsorship
Your employer - also known as your sponsor - will give you a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ with information about the work you will do in the UK. It’s an electronic record, not a paper document.
You’ll need the reference number from the certificate of sponsorship for your visa application. You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.
If your employer is not currently licensed to sponsor people to work in the UK, they can apply for a sponsor licence if they’re eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK?
You must have worked for your employer outside of the UK for 3 months immediately before the date you apply.
This means you cannot:
- extend your Graduate Trainee visa from inside the UK
- switch to a Graduate Trainee visa from inside the UK
How much does it cost to apply?
The application fee is £298.
How long it takes to make a decision?
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
Why choose UK Visas?
UK Visas is a leading visa and immigration adviser, specialising in the provision of services for businesses, education providers and individuals.
Our friendly team can manage all aspects of the visa process in an efficient and timely manner so that you can enjoy complete peace of mind.
