Government Authorised Exchange Visa (Temporary Work) Guide 2026

The Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa enables overseas nationals to come to the United Kingdom for a limited period to undertake approved work experience, training, research projects, fellowships or participation in an Overseas Government Language Programme. Furthermore, the route forms part of the UK’s Temporary Work immigration framework and replaced the former Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange) Visa. As a result, it continues to provide a structured pathway for individuals seeking temporary professional development, training and research opportunities in the UK.

Unlike routes designed for long-term employment, the Government Authorised Exchange Visa is intended to facilitate knowledge exchange, professional development and research opportunities. However, it is not a route that leads directly to settlement in the UK.

You may be eligible to apply if:

• You have been accepted onto an approved Government Authorised Exchange scheme.
• You have obtained sponsorship from an authorised UK sponsor.
• Your proposed activities in the UK involve training, work experience, research, fellowship activities or an Overseas Government Language Programme.
• You satisfy the financial maintenance requirements.
• You meet all applicable immigration requirements.

The activities you undertake in the UK must directly relate to the objectives of the sponsoring organisation and the approved exchange programme.

Before submitting an application, you must obtain sponsorship from a licensed organisation authorised by the Home Office.

Eligible sponsors may include:

• Organisations operating approved exchange schemes.
• UK higher education institutions sponsoring researchers, visiting academics or examiners.
• Government departments and public sector agencies.

Your sponsor will provide either:

• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number; or
• A sponsorship reference number.

This reference must be included in your visa application.

A Certificate of Sponsorship remains valid for three months from the date it is assigned. In addition, Sponsorship reference numbers remain valid for 90 days from the date they are issued.

The length of permission granted depends on the nature of the approved programme.

Applicants can generally stay in the UK for:

Where the placement involves:

• Work experience programmes.
• Internships.
• Professional development placements.

Where the programme involves:

• Research activities.
• Formal training programmes.
• Overseas Government Language Programmes.

Visa holders may enter the UK up to 14 days before their programme begins and may remain for up to 14 days after it ends, provided they do not stay beyond the expiry date of their visa.

Applicants must normally demonstrate that they have held at least £1,270 in available funds for a continuous period of 28 days.

The final day of the 28-day period must fall within 31 days of the visa application date.

Evidence of maintenance may not be required where:

• The applicant has lawfully resided in the UK for at least 12 months; or
• The sponsor confirms on the sponsorship record that they will support the applicant during their first month in the UK.

Applicants must pay:

The application fee is currently: £340 per applicant.

The fee is the same whether the application is submitted from inside or outside the UK.

Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is generally: £1,035 per year.

Dependant partners and children must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, where applicable, as part of their visa application.

Applications can be submitted up to three months before the intended start date.

Typical processing times are:

Application Type	Standard Processing Time
Outside the UK	Approximately 3 weeks
Inside the UK	Approximately 8 weeks

Priority services may be available depending on the location from which the application is submitted.

Visa holders are permitted to:

• Undertake the sponsored role or programme.
• Study in the UK.
• Carry out supplementary employment for up to 20 hours per week.
• Work in an eligible occupation listed on the Immigration Salary List for up to 20 hours per week in addition to their primary role.
• Bring eligible dependant family members.

Visa holders cannot:

• Take permanent employment.
• Establish long-term unrestricted employment outside the sponsored activity.
• Access public funds or most welfare benefits.

Eligible dependants may accompany or join the main applicant.

This includes:

• A husband, wife or civil partner.
• An unmarried partner meeting the relationship requirements.
• Children under the age of 18.
• Certain children over 18 who already hold dependant permission.

Additional maintenance funds are required:

Family Member	Required Funds
Partner	£285
First Child	£315
Each Additional Child	£200

These funds must usually be held for at least 28 consecutive days before the application is submitted.

Certain individuals already in the UK may be able to switch into this route.

Potentially eligible applicants include:

• Student visa holders.
• Student Union Sabbatical Officers.
• Student Nurses.
• Postgraduate Doctors and Dentists.

Applicants must normally have completed a UK Bachelor’s or Master’s degree during their most recent grant of leave.

The proposed work experience, training or research programme must also be related to that qualification.

An extension may be possible where the applicant continues to meet the requirements of the route.

The maximum overall period that can normally be granted remains:

• 12 months for work experience programmes.
• 24 months for research, training or Overseas Government Language Programmes.

Applications must be submitted before the current visa expires.

Individuals wishing to change sponsor organisations must submit a new visa application and satisfy the eligibility requirements again.

A Government Authorised Exchange Visa cannot simply be transferred from one sponsor to another.

The Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa provides a valuable route for individuals seeking to gain professional experience, undertake research, complete specialist training, or participate in approved exchange programmes in the United Kingdom. While the route offers significant opportunities for career development and international collaboration, applicants must carefully assess and satisfy all sponsorship, financial and eligibility requirements before submitting an application.

Given the detailed nature of the immigration rules and evidential requirements, careful preparation is essential to avoid unnecessary delays or refusals. Therefore, whether you are applying for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa, extending your stay, switching from another immigration category, or bringing family members to the UK, you can improve your prospects of success by obtaining professional immigration advice. In addition, professional guidance can help you prepare your application correctly and ensure compliance with the relevant Home Office requirements.

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With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK visa applications. For enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].