Government Authorised Exchange Visa – Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Criteria

To secure a UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa, you must first obtain a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a Home Office-approved organisation holding a Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange sponsor licence. This sponsoring organisation must be authorised under the specific exchange scheme relevant to your proposed placement in the UK.

The sponsoring body is typically the overarching institution responsible for administering the internship, training, research, or work experience programme you intend to join. Only those schemes and sponsors listed by the Home Office are eligible, and unless you are extending your stay with the same sponsor, your sponsor must hold an ‘A-rated’ status on the official register of licensed sponsors.

Your Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued within three months of your visa application and include all required information such as:

• Your full name, job title, and salary

• A start date within three months of your visa application

• Evidence that the role aligns with the specific exchange scheme’s conditions

• Confirmation that the position does not fill a permanent role in the UK labour market

• An indication that the job appears in Table 1 or 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations

• A declaration that the CoS has not been previously used in a granted or refused application and has not been withdrawn or cancelled

Genuine Role Requirement for the Exchange Visa

To be granted a Government Authorised Exchange Visa, you must prove to the Home Office that the role is genuine. You should intend, and be capable of, fulfilling the duties of the sponsored position. Any intention to undertake employment outside the terms of the sponsorship will lead to refusal.

Financial Maintenance Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency unless they:

• Have lived lawfully in the UK for 12 months or more at the time of application, or

• Have a sponsor willing to cover their costs for the first month in the UK, confirmed on the CoS

If neither condition is met, you must show evidence of having at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, with the final day being no more than 31 days prior to the application date.

No English Language Requirement

Unlike many other UK visa categories, the Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange route does not require you to demonstrate proficiency in English.

Parental Consent for Applicants Under 18

If you are under 18 years old at the time of application, written parental or legal guardian consent is required. This consent must confirm approval of the application, as well as arrangements for your care, travel, and accommodation while in the UK.

Duration of Stay on a Government Authorised Exchange Visa

Successful applicants will be granted permission to remain in the UK for the duration specified on the Certificate of Sponsorship, plus up to 14 days before and after the programme dates.

If applying for an extension within the UK, the new grant of leave will be:

• The shorter of either: the new job duration plus 14 days,

• Or the difference between the scheme’s maximum allowable duration and the time already spent in the UK under the same scheme,

• Or the remainder of the 25-month maximum cumulative stay on this visa route

The maximum permitted duration will depend on the specific exchange scheme—either 12 or 24 months.

Extending Your Stay

You may extend your stay under this visa category up to the scheme’s maximum limit (12 or 24 months depending on the programme).

No Settlement Rights Under This Route

This visa category does not offer a direct path to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK. However, you may be eligible to switch to a different immigration route from within the UK that could lead to settlement in the future.

Limited Switching from Inside the UK

Switching into the Government Authorised Exchange route from within the UK is generally not permitted.

An exception exists for individuals who:

• Hold or previously held valid Student permission,

• Were sponsored by a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance or a recognised overseas higher education institution, and

• Have completed a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree and are now undertaking an internship or professional training directly related to their field of study

These individuals may extend their stay for a maximum of 12 months provided the role does not fill a permanent vacancy, and the sponsor does not intend to employ them long-term.

Conditions of Stay

Holders of this visa are permitted to:

• Work exclusively in the role outlined in their CoS

• Undertake volunteering or job shadowing, if included in the CoS

• Engage in supplementary employment and academic studies

However, access to public funds is strictly prohibited.

Visa Application Processing Times

Standard processing for Government Authorised Exchange Visa applications typically takes around 3 weeks.

If you’re applying for an extension from within the UK, decisions are generally issued within 8 weeks. Applicants can opt for faster services such as:

• Priority Service (decision in 5 working days)

• Super Priority Service (decision by the end of the next working day)

Dependants

Visa holders can be joined or accompanied by their partner and children (under 18) as dependants, provided eligibility requirements are met.

If Your Application Is Refused

In the event of a visa refusal, you may:

• Submit a new application, or
  
  
• Request an Administrative Review to challenge the decision, if applicable

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link And Day Lawyers, our specialist immigration barristers possess extensive expertise in supporting individuals aiming to enter the UK for authorised internships, structured training, professional placements, or academic research programmes. We are committed to guiding you through the visa process efficiently, ensuring that you meet your intended start date and align your professional development with your long-term immigration objectives.

Renowned for our approachable nature and proactive client care, our team delivers high-calibre legal support with precision and clarity. We offer tailored immigration solutions for individuals seeking to enhance their career or academic profile through UK-based opportunities always within a framework of professionalism, integrity, and responsiveness