In today’s hyper-competitive business environment, accessing global talent is not just a strategic advantage; it’s a necessity for companies aiming to drive innovation, expand perspectives, and remain agile in dynamic markets. The Temporary Work, Government Authorised Exchange visa provides a valuable opportunity for organisations to host international interns through structured programs that are approved by the UK government. This visa route serves as a strategic option for corporate talent development, allowing firms to engage emerging professionals from around the world while remaining compliant with immigration regulations.
Government Authorised Exchange Visa or GAE Visa
The Government Authorised Exchange visa or GAE visa, which is formerly known as the Tier 5 visa, falls under the UK’s Temporary Work category and is designed for non-UK nationals participating in government-approved exchange schemes. These programs are not intended for employment, but rather for time-limited placements that promote cultural exchange and skills development. Administered by licensed overarching bodies, the GAE visa provides a legal framework for UK organisations to engage with global talent.
This visa is specifically aimed at:
- Internship placements with UK employers
- Professional training programs
- Research projects or academic fellowships
- Overseas government language programmes
These activities help enhance the intern’s skills and cultural understanding, while UK organisations benefit from diverse perspectives and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the temporary GAE visa, the host organisation must meet specific criteria. It includes:
- Must get approval from an overarching body
- Provide structured internship or training programs with clearly defined learning outcomes.
- Ensure the role is supernumerary, meaning the intern does not replace or displace a permanent employee.
- The role must be in addition to regular staffing requirements
Duration and Permitted Activities
The visa is typically granted for a maximum of 12 months or 24 months, depending on the type of program and sponsor. While GAE visa holders cannot undertake permanent employment or get public funds, they can still engage in several permitted activities during their stay in the UK. These include studying (note that some courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate), working in the role specified in their Certificate of Sponsorship or reference number, and taking on supplementary employment for up to 20 hours per week.
The supplementary employment must either be in an occupation listed in the Immigration Salary List (as set out in Appendix Immigration Salary List) or be in the same profession and at the same professional level as the sponsored job, provided it does not exceed the permitted 20 hours per week. Additionally, GEA visa holders may bring their partner and children to the UK as eligible dependents.
What is a Sponsorship Reference Number (SRN)?
A Sponsorship Reference Number (SRN) for the UK’s Temporary Work Government Authorised Exchange visa is a unique code provided on the digital Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a licensed UK sponsor or employer. This reference serves as formal confirmation that you have been offered a temporary internship placement.
The certificate outlines key details such as the nature of your role, the duration of the placement, and other essential information required for your visa application. It is not a physical document, but a digital reference number submitted during the visa application process. Only organisations authorised by the UK Government to run the GAE schemes can issue these sponsorship certificates.
Benefits for Corporate Employers
Some of the strategic benefits that companies can leverage by utilising the GAE visa for internships include:
- Access to International Talent
The GAE visa enables businesses to bring in international interns, offering access to diverse skills, experiences, and cultural perspectives. This global talent pool helps fill skill gaps, boost productivity, and foster innovation, driving business growth and competitiveness.
- Enhancing Innovation and Cultural Diversity in Teams
Interns from various backgrounds offer new perspectives and innovative solutions, fuelling creativity and pushing the limits of problem-solving. Exposure to various working styles fosters cross-cultural collaboration, helping teams navigate global markets and enhance inclusivity.
- Strengthening Global Employer Branding
Using the Government Authorised Exchange visa to host international interns enhances a company’s global employer brand, highlighting its dedication to inclusivity and innovation.
- Contributing to CSR and Knowledge Exchange Initiatives
Supporting international interns enhances corporate social responsibility (CSR) by offering career development opportunities and fostering knowledge exchange. This benefits both interns and the company, positioning employers as socially responsible and engaged in global talent development.
How It Works – The Process
For UK-based companies eager to host talented international interns, the Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa scheme offers a structured and compliant pathway, but success depends on understanding the role of overarching sponsors, timelines, and responsibilities.
Role of Approved Overarching Sponsors
Under the GAE visa route, UK employers cannot directly sponsor interns. Instead, they must work with approved overarching body such as AIESEC UK, BUNAC, GTI and others, who are licensed by the UK Home Office to administer internship placements under various internship schemes. These organisations assess the validity of the internship program, ensure compliance with immigration rules, and issue the Sponsorship Reference Number (SRN) required for the visa application.
Steps to Host an Intern Under the GAE Visa
The process may vary with different overarching bodies. A general overview is provided below.
Step 1: Choose an Overarching Body and Internship Scheme: Select an authorised overarching body and the internship scheme that aligns with the type of internship you plan to offer, such as professional development or industry-specific training.
Step 2: Submit an Internship Proposal: Provide details about the intern’s role, learning objectives, duration, supervision & internship plan, interns qualifications, experience and compensation details.
Step 3: Employer Registration Approval: The Overarching sponsor reviews the application for compliance and, upon approval, issues a Sponsorship Reference Number (SRN) to the intern. The Overarching body might arrange an assessment call to discuss the requirements in some cases before the approval.
Step 4: Visa Application: The intern applies for the GAE visa using the SRN and other required documents.
Step 5: Onboarding and Monitoring: Once the intern arrives, employers must provide a structured training environment and cooperate with the overarching sponsor’s monitoring requirements.
Required Documentation and Timelines
The document requirements and criteria vary with different overarching bodies. Host companies must generally be prepared to submit:
- A detailed training & internship plan aligned with the intern’s role
- Proof of Employer’s Liability Insurance
- Supportive documents/information outlining office infrastructure and supervisory framework
- Internship offer & prospective employment contract
The process typically takes 2–4 weeks from application submission to SRN issuance, with visa processing requiring an additional 3–6 weeks, depending on the intern’s home country. Some overarching bodies offer relaxed document requirements if the employer already has a skilled worker sponsor licence.
Home Office Compliance Requirements
The GAE visa route is a structured and tightly regulated program under the UK’s immigration framework. Sponsors, typically third-party authorised institutions, must ensure that host companies understand their responsibilities under the scheme. This includes confirming that internship roles align with the intern’s educational background and are not filling a permanent vacancy.
Businesses must provide clear internship agreements, robust supervision frameworks, and documented learning outcomes that demonstrate the cultural and professional development purpose of the placement. Non-compliance can jeopardise the sponsorship licence of the overarching body and/or the ability of the organisations to host more interns in the future.
How to Avoid Legal Pitfalls and Ensure a Smooth Onboarding Process?
To avoid potential legal pitfalls, companies should implement a compliance checklist that includes verifying eligibility criteria, ensuring the role meets the supernumerary criteria, aligning internship roles with GAE-approved categories, and collaborating closely with the overarching body. Interns must be onboarded with clarity about their visa restrictions, working hours, and duration of stay. Utilising the assistance of immigration solicitors in the UK, such as City Legal Solicitors, can help streamline documentation and reduce administrative burdens.
Post-Placement Considerations and Extensions
Post-internship transitions also require attention. As GAE visas are generally short-term and time-bound, planning for smooth offboarding is critical. Interns who wish to extend their stay in the UK must transition to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker or Graduate visa, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Employers should provide guidance on potential visa pathways while ensuring that no unauthorised continuation of employment occurs. Documenting feedback and maintaining placement records further demonstrates compliance and improves future program performance.
Skilled Worker Visa vs Temporary Worker (GAE)
The Skilled Worker visa and Temporary Worker Government Authorised Exchange visa serve different purposes within the UK’s immigration system, with key distinctions in eligibility, duration, and salary requirements. The Skilled Worker visa is designed for individuals filling long-term roles in sectors facing skills shortages or requiring specific qualifications, and it can lead to settlement in the UK. It also includes a minimum salary threshold, typically £38,700 or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher (with some exceptions for new entrants or shortage occupations).
In contrast, the GAE visa supports short-term, non-permanent roles under approved exchange schemes such as internships, training, or research placements. GAE roles do not lead to settlement and usually last no more than 12 or 24 months, depending on the scheme. Unlike the Skilled Worker route, the GAE visa does not have a minimum salary requirement, although roles must generally comply with National Minimum Wage regulations or scheme-specific salary requirements.
While both routes require sponsorship, they differ significantly in structure, duration, salary expectations, and long-term prospects. Employers hiring under the Skilled Worker route must hold a valid UK Sponsor Licence and sponsor candidates directly. In contrast, under the GAE scheme, employers do not act as direct sponsors; instead, they must register with an authorised overarching sponsor who manages the scheme and issues the SRN on the employer’s behalf.
Final Thoughts
The Temporary Work Government Authorised Exchange visa is one of the best options for UK-based companies to tap into global talent, offering a structured and compliant route to bring in international interns for short-term placements. Beyond meeting immediate project needs, the GAE scheme supports long-term talent strategies by fostering cross-cultural exchange, fresh perspectives, and innovation within corporate teams. By proactively engaging with overarching bodies and authorised internship programs, businesses can position themselves as forward-thinking employers invested in global development and workforce diversity. In a competitive market, leveraging the GAE visa is not just smart recruitment, it’s strategic growth.
Seeking assistance for the Government Authorised Exchange route? Contact us today @ 020 8175 4000 or email us at enquiries@citylegalsolicitors.co.uk for more information.
