Government Authorised Exchange visa (Temporary Work)
If you are considering applying for a UK Government Authorised Exchange visa, our team of immigration solicitors can guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring you meet all the necessary eligibility criteria and compile a strong application. Our attention to detail and expert knowledge will give you the best possible chance of success.
If you need help with a UK visa application or any other type of immigration matter, contact our immigration solicitors by calling 0208 616 5535 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Table of Contents
- What is a Government Authorised Exchange visa?
- UK Government Authorised Exchange visa requirements
- Documents required for Government Authorised Exchange visa
- What is the process to apply for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?
- UK Government Authorised Exchange visa processing time
- How long you can stay
- How can immigration solicitors help with UK visa applications?
- Contact UK immigration solicitors today
What is a Government Authorised Exchange visa?
A Government Authorised Exchange visa is a type of temporary work visa that allows individuals to come to the UK for a short period of time for specific types of work or activities under approved exchange schemes.
The Government Authorised Exchange visa if you want to come to the UK for a short time for work experience or to do training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or a fellowship through an approved government authorised exchange scheme.
This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5).
UK Government Authorised Exchange visa requirements
To be eligible for a UK Government Authorised Exchange visa, you must meet certain requirements:
- You must have a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor.
- Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage.
- You must have enough money to support yourself in the UK.
Depending on the type of your appication and circumstances, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor for your eligibility assessments.
Documents required for Government Authorised Exchange visa
When you apply for your Government Authorised Exchange visa you will need to provide:
- a current passport or other valid travel document to prove your identity
- your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this
- proof you have enough money to support yourself
- proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they're applying with you
- your tuberculosis test results if you're from a country where you have to take the test
- a valid ATAS certificate if your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher
- a letter from a government or international scholarship agency giving you consent to remain in, or re-enter the UK
The document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required depending on the type of your UK visa application and your circumstances. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor to get a comprehensive list of required documents and eligibility assessments.
What is the process to apply for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?
Applying for a UK visa involves several steps. Here is a general outline of the visa application process:
- Determine Eligibility: Before applying for a UK visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa category you are applying for.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary supporting documents to submit along with your visa application.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the UK government's official visa application website and complete the online application form.
- Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). You will need to attend the appointment in person.
- Submit Application and Pay Fees: Once you have compiled all the necessary documents and completed the application form(s), submit your visa application online and pay the applicable visa fees. Fees vary depending on the type of visa and processing times.
- Wait for a Decision: Once you have submitted your application and attended the biometric appointment (if required), you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. Processing times can vary, so check the UK government website for current processing times.
You must carefully follow the application instructions and provide accurate and complete information and documentation to avoid delays or refusal of your visa application. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, consider seeking guidance from our expert UK immigration solicitor in London.
UK Government Authorised Exchange visa processing time
Government Authorised Exchange visa applications generally take up to 8 weeks if applying from within the UK, or up to 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK using a standard service. However, you may be able to use "priority service" to get a faster decision.
The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about application processing time on the official UK government website either applying from inside the UK or outside the UK.
How long you can stay
The amount of time you can stay depends on the length of your visa and the start and end dates of your job.
Depending on the scheme you apply for, you'll get a visa for a maximum of 12 months or 24 months.
You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the date your job starts, as long as you do not arrive before the start date on your visa.
How can immigration solicitors help with UK visa applications?
Immigration solicitors play a crucial role in assisting individuals with their UK visa applications by providing expert guidance, legal advice, and representation throughout the application process. Here's how immigration solicitors can help:
- Initial Consultation: Our immigration solicitors offer an initial consultation where we assess the individual's circumstances, immigration goals, and eligibility for the desired visa category. During this consultation, we provide an overview of the visa application process, requirements, and potential challenges.
- Visa Category Selection: Our immigration solicitors help individuals select the most appropriate visa category based on their specific circumstances, such as work, study, family reunion, investment, or settlement. We explain the eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa category and assist in determining the best option for the individual's needs.
- Document Preparation: Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
- Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will fill in visa application forms accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or rejection. We provide guidance on answering questions, providing necessary information, and disclosing any relevant details required by the UKVI.
- Application Submission: We will compile and organise your visa application package and submit your visa application to the UKVI or relevant immigration authorities. We ensure that all required documents are included, application fees are paid, and submission deadlines are met.
- Communication with Authorities: Our immigration solicitors act as intermediaries between the applicant and the UKVI, representing the applicant's interests and communicating with immigration authorities on their behalf. We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: We monitor the progress of the visa application and provide updates to the applicant as needed. We follow up with immigration authorities to expedite the processing of the application and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the assessment period.
Contact UK immigration solicitors today
If you require expert legal advice or assistance with any type of UK visa or immigration application, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.
To schedule a consultation with our UK immigration law solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.