Guidance

Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors: sponsor a Government Authorised Exchange Worker

Guidance for sponsors on sponsoring a Government Authorised Exchange Worker.

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This document provides information for employers on how to sponsor a worker on the Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) route.

The GAE route is for individuals who want to come to the UK for a temporary period for work experience, job shadowing or training, to take part in an overseas government language programme, or undertake research or a fellowship through an approved exchange scheme.

GAE Workers can stay in the UK for a maximum of 12 months or 2 years, depending on the scheme under which they are sponsored.

Published 9 December 2020
Last updated 4 April 2024 + show all updates
  1. Guidance updated to reflect changes to the Immigration Rules coming into effect on 4 April 2024. A list of the changes can be found in the guidance.

  2. Accessible version published.

  3. The guidance has been updated to introduce a new scheme for interns sponsored by diplomatic missions and consular posts; to reflect changes to the Immigration Rules coming into force on 12 April 2023 and to make some other minor amendments and clarifications.

  4. Updated guidance on sponsoring a Government Authorised Exchange Worker for use on or after 11 April 2022.

  5. This version of the guidance is valid from 15 February 2022. A full list of changes is in the guidance.

  6. Accessible version added.

  7. Guidance has been updated to reflect the rebranding of the T5 (Temporary Worker) Government Authorised Exchange Worker route as the 'Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange' route (as set out in Statement of Changes HC 617). Other minor amendments and clarifications. See page 6 of this document for a full list of the changes.

  8. Updated guidance reflects changes to the Immigration Rules as set out in the Statement of Changes (HC 1248). Including the introduction of the ATAS requirement for certain roles from 21 May 2021.

  9. First published.