Graduate Trainee Visa

Overseas Work Experience Criteria for the Graduate Trainee Visa

Applicants for the Graduate Trainee Visa under the Global Business Mobility route must demonstrate that they have been continuously employed for at least three months immediately prior to the date of their application. This employment must be outside the UK with a company that shares a qualifying corporate relationship such as common ownership, control, or a joint venture with their intended UK sponsor.

This period of overseas work must be uninterrupted and must not include any time spent working within the United Kingdom. Breaks or gaps in employment, including temporary UK assignments, will disqualify this requirement.

Graduate Trainee Visa – Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Guidelines

To qualify for a Graduate Trainee Visa, an applicant must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by an employer licensed by the Home Office to sponsor under the Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee route.

The sponsor must generally hold an A-rated status on the Home Office’s Register of Licensed Sponsors unless the applicant is applying to continue with the same sponsor from a previous Graduate Trainee permission.

The Certificate of Sponsorship must:

• Be issued no more than three months before the date of application;

• Contain detailed personal and job-specific information, including the job title, salary, and applicant’s full name;

• Confirm the applicant’s continuous overseas employment (for at least 3 months) with a qualifying linked organisation;

• Specify a job start date within 3 months of the visa application;

• Not have been previously used in a visa application (whether approved or refused), nor withdrawn or cancelled.

Genuine Employment Requirement for Graduate Trainee Visa

The Home Office mandates that applicants must be entering the UK to undertake a genuine and substantive role. If there is credible evidence that the job is fabricated, exists solely for the purpose of facilitating immigration, or lacks legitimacy, the visa application will be rejected.

Additionally, the applicant must not be entering into an arrangement that would involve performing contractual services or routine roles for third parties unconnected to the sponsor organisation.

Skill Level Eligibility for Graduate Trainee Visa Roles

The position being filled must meet or exceed the RQF Level 6 standard indicative of a graduate-level job. While holding a degree is not compulsory, the role must align with that skill level.

Eligible roles are listed by the Home Office in the Appendix Skilled Occupations, each with a corresponding SOC 2020 occupation code. The sponsor must accurately select an appropriate code that reflects the nature and level of the job being offered.

If the Home Office finds that the occupation code was misclassified, the visa application may be refused. They will consider:

• The employer’s genuine business need for the role;

• The applicant’s qualifications, experience, and suitability;

• The sponsor’s historical compliance with UK immigration rules.

Furthermore, the role must be part of a formal graduate training programme, clearly outlining structured career development towards a managerial or specialist position within the organisation.

Salary Threshold for the Graduate Trainee Visa

Applicants under this visa category must be paid a salary that meets or exceeds:

• A minimum base salary of £25,410 per annum, and

• 70% of the going rate for the specific occupation, as listed in the relevant SOC 2020 code—whichever amount is higher.

For occupations in the health or education sectors, the full (100%) going rate must be met, not the 70% threshold.

The salary calculation includes:

• Guaranteed basic gross pay for up to 48 hours per week;

• Any guaranteed allowances (such as cost-of-living adjustments or mobility-related premiums).

In cases where the applicant’s work schedule includes variable weekly hours, the salary can still be assessed for compliance as long as:

• The average hours over a reference cycle (up to 17 weeks) do not exceed 48 hours per week;
  
  
• Unpaid rest periods within the cycle are included in the averaging.

Salary Threshold Requirements for Graduate Trainee Visa

The UK Home Office stipulates specific minimum salary levels for eligible roles under the Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee visa category. These benchmarks are outlined in the official list of skilled occupation codes.

Salary figures are calculated based on a standard 37.5-hour work week. If you work more or fewer hours, the salary requirement must be proportionally adjusted. When assessing compliance with the going rate, your total weekly hours will be considered even if you exceed the 48-hour limit set under the Working Time Regulations.

Immigration Skills Charge Exemption

Employers holding Home Office authorisation to sponsor Graduate Trainees are exempt from paying the Immigration Skills Charge. This exemption significantly reduces the overall cost for businesses sponsoring international graduate-level staff through this route.

Financial Requirements for Graduate Trainee Visa Applicants

Unless exempt, applicants must demonstrate access to personal funds amounting to at least £1,270, held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days, with the final day of that period falling within 31 days of the application date.

You are exempt from this financial requirement if your UK sponsor confirms via your Certificate of Sponsorship that they will cover your living costs during your first month of employment, up to the £1,270 threshold.

Additionally, individuals who have lawfully resided in the UK for 12 months or longer prior to their application are not required to show proof of funds.

English Language Requirement

Applicants for the Graduate Trainee route under the Global Business Mobility scheme are not required to meet any formal English language proficiency standards as part of their visa application.

Switching to the Graduate Trainee Visa Route

Individuals currently residing in the UK under a different visa category may switch to the Graduate Trainee route, provided they are not currently or were not last granted leave as a:

• Visitor

• Short-term Student

• Parent of a Child Student

• Seasonal Worker

• Domestic Worker in a Private Household

• Individual outside the Immigration Rules

Switching is subject to meeting all the relevant eligibility criteria under the Global Business Mobility framework.

Visa Duration and Extension Limitations

Upon approval, a Graduate Trainee visa will be granted for either:

• 12 months from the job start date stated in your Certificate of Sponsorship, or

• The job duration specified in the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days,

whichever period is shorter.

It is important to note that this visa cannot be extended. However, applicants may reapply from outside the UK for a new Graduate Trainee visa.

Maximum Permitted Stay Under Global Business Mobility Routes

A Graduate Trainee visa holder may remain in the UK for up to 5 years within any 6-year period under all Global Business Mobility and Intra-Company Transfer categories combined.

The Home Office calculates this total by reviewing all past and current permissions under these routes.

Conditions of Stay for Graduate Trainee Visa Holders

Graduate Trainee visa holders are permitted to:

• Work exclusively in the position listed on their Certificate of Sponsorship

• Pursue educational or training courses

• Engage in voluntary work

However, access to public funds is strictly prohibited.

Pathway to Settlement in the UK

While the Graduate Trainee visa does not provide a direct route to settlement, individuals may later transition into other immigration categories that do, such as the:

• Skilled Worker route, or

• Innovator Founder route

Eligibility for switching depends on meeting the criteria of the new immigration path.

Moreover, those who accrue 10 years of lawful residence in the UK may apply for settlement under the Long Residence provision.

Dependants of Graduate Trainee Visa Holders

Graduate Trainee visa holders may bring dependant partners (aged 18 or over) and children under the age of 18 to accompany or join them in the UK. Dependants must meet the specific eligibility and financial requirements associated with this visa route.

Sponsorship Requirements for Employers Under the Graduate Trainee Route

The Global Business Mobility visa category is accessible to companies of any size that:

• Maintain an operational business presence outside the UK, and

• Possess a qualifying link to a UK-based entity.

To obtain a sponsor licence for Graduate Trainees, the UK entity must:

1. Have a registered presence in the UK

2. Be linked to the overseas business via common ownership, control, or a joint venture agreement

3. Designate responsible key personnel to manage the sponsor licence

4. Implement robust systems to comply with all sponsorship obligations

Furthermore, the overseas entity must operate a structured graduate training programme that includes a genuine UK-based placement opportunity.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link And Day Lawyers, we are more than a typical immigration service provider  we are a trusted legal partner committed to delivering tailored immigration solutions for individuals and organisations alike.

Our team of specialist business immigration barristers possesses extensive experience in supporting international professionals, particularly those undertaking graduate work placements in the UK. We work closely with both employers and skilled talent across a broad range of sectors, from startups to established enterprises, ensuring seamless compliance with UK immigration law.

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of starting your work placement on time or aligning with your long-term immigration objectives, our barristers offer strategic planning and expert legal insight to help you succeed. For UK-based employers, we provide end-to-end support in acquiring and maintaining a sponsor licence, ensuring full compliance with Home Office requirements and retaining the highest possible rating.

What sets Link And Day Lawyers apart is our client-first approach. We’re approachable, proactive, and deeply invested in understanding your unique goals. With a reputation for professionalism, precision, and trust, we deliver clear, dependable immigration advice always with a personal and responsive touch.

Partner with us for a service that’s not only legally robust but also human-centered.