Internships: Sponsor Interns in the UK under Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange) Visa

Internships (Government Authorised Exchange Route)

The Government Authorised Exchange route allows overseas students and recent graduates to undertake structured internships in the UK with approved sponsors. 

It is designed for short-term professional training that complements an intern’s academic studies or early career development.

What Is the Government Authorised Exchange Route?

The Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) route is a sponsored UK immigration pathway that enables eligible overseas students or graduates to complete internships with licensed UK organisations. The criterion for the internship is set by each licenced scheme provider.

This route is intended for temporary, structured work experience, rather than long-term employment. Unlike permanent work visas such as the Skilled Worker Visa, the GAE route focuses on skills development, exposure to UK working practices, and academic or professional progression.

Where internships form part of a wider corporate or international placement programme, organisations may want to consider alternative mobility options under Global Business Mobility route. 

Who Can Apply for the Government Authorised Exchange Route?

Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements to qualify for the GAE route.

Key requirements include:

• Sponsorship by a UK organisation which is on an approved GAE scheme
• A genuine internship that is supernumerary to the employing entity
• Compliance with skill level, salary requirements, and working time requirements
• Meeting financial, and general immigration requirements

The sponsoring organisation must meet strict duties under the UK sponsorship system, including reporting and record-keeping obligations. These responsibilities fall under Sponsor Compliance, and failure to meet them can affect both the sponsor and the intern.

While this route is suitable for short-term placements, it does not lead directly to settlement. Applicants seeking longer-term employment opportunities may later consider switching into the Skilled Worker Visa, where eligible. 

Documents You’ll Need

Core documents typically include:

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by the UK sponsor
• Internship offer or confirmation letter outlining duties, duration, and relevance to studies
• Evidence of current study or recent graduation
• Proof of maintenance funds, if required
• A valid passport 
• ATAS Certificate, if applicable 
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if applicable

Sponsors must also retain internal records and evidence to demonstrate compliance with their sponsor duties.

How to Apply for the Government Authorised Exchange Route

Step 1: Confirm Internship Eligibility & Sponsor Requirements

First step is to confirm that the sponsor is an approved sponsor under a qualifying GAE scheme. The employing entity must also confirm that the role is supernumerary to the organisation i.e. the role is additional to normal staffing needs. 

The role should be at the appropriate skill level (RQF 3+) and the salary and hours must comply with minimum wage and working time regulation requirements

Sponsors must have suitable HR systems in place to meet Sponsor Compliance obligations.

Step 2: Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once eligibility is confirmed, the sponsor assigns a CoS to the intern. This document contains key details about the internship, sponsor, and duration of stay.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

The applicant gathers all required documents, including proof of studies, financial evidence, and identity documents. 

Step 4: Submit Application & Biometrics

The visa application is submitted online, followed by biometric enrolment. Decisions are made once the Home Office has reviewed the application and supporting evidence.

Fees and Processing Times

Applicants must pay the relevant visa application fee and, if the internship is for a duration over 6 months, the Immigration Health Surcharge. 

As of 2026, the visa fee for a GAE visa is £319. 

Standard processing times are usually 3 weeks but can be expedited through the use of the Priority Service. 

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Common reasons for refusal or compliance issues include:

• Sponsorship by an organisation not approved to sponsor under a qualifying GAE scheme
• Incorrect or incomplete Certificates of Sponsorship
• Missing or inconsistent supporting documents such as medical evidence
• Misunderstanding progression or switching options after the internship

Early planning, clear documentation, and professional guidance can significantly reduce these risks. 

After You’re Approved

Once approved, interns can undertake the internship described in their Certificate of Sponsorship for the permitted duration. The maximum duration permitted under this visa is 12 months and it does not provide a direct path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Interns must:

• Work only in the sponsored internship role
• Comply with visa conditions and time limits
• Notify their sponsor of relevant changes

In some cases, interns may be able to switch into the Skilled Worker Visa if they secure a qualifying job with a licensed sponsor. 

Why Choose Migrate UK

Migrate UK has extensive experience supporting both interns and sponsoring organisations under the Government Authorised Exchange route. We advise on eligibility, sponsor compliance, documentation, and long-term workforce planning, ensuring applications are accurate, compliant, and strategically aligned with future goals.