The UK Government is committed to facilitating international collaboration, cultural exchange and the sharing of best practice. Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) is a temporary work route that is aligned to UK growth and international development objectives. GAE schemes enable migrants to come to the UK to undertake training and work experience. The GAE route cannot be used to fill vacancies, all placements must be supernumerary.
Under the current non-EU system, there are 60 approved GAE schemes covering a wider range of sectors. There will be further consideration given to consolidating the current schemes.
Who can apply?
Any migrant, subject to immigration and criminality checks who is sponsored by an employer who is an approved scheme owner.
Table 20: Government Authorised Exchange conditions and requirements
| Requirements | Conditions and restrictions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| English language | No | Capped | No |
| Application fee | Yes | Switching – routes (in-country) | No* |
| Immigration Skills Charge | No | Settlement | No |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Yes | Dependants | Yes |
| Biometrics | Yes | Access to public funds | No |
| Maintenance | Yes | Supplementary work | Yes |
*Exceptions do apply for those who:
- are sponsored researchers who can switch to Global Talent;
- have held a Tier 4 visa and have a UK Bachelor’s, Master’s degree, PGCE or PGDE during their last grant of leave;
- are being sponsored to undertake postgraduate professional training or work experience which is required to obtain a professional qualification or registration in the same professional field as their qualification described above;
- are being sponsored to undertake an internship for up to 12 months which is directly related to the qualification described above.
Applicants must be receiving at least National Minimum Wage exemptions apply to some schemes, e.g. Erasmus).
