GOV.UK
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange) visa
1. Overview
You can apply for a Tier 5 Temporary Worker - 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
- have a sponsor
- are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
- meet the other eligibility requirements
Sponsorship
You must get sponsored - ie have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor - before you can apply to come to the UK to work.
Your work, training or research in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.
Your sponsor can be any of the following:
- an organisation running an approved exchange scheme
- a higher education institution (if you are a sponsored researcher, visiting academic or examiner)
- a government department or agency
How long it will take
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you’re due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
Check the guide processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in your country.
Fees
How much you pay for your visa depends on your situation, where you are and how you apply.
| Who you’re applying for | Apply (outside the UK) | Extend or switch by post in the UK | Extend or switch in person in the UK (premium service) |
|---|---|---|---|
| You | £230 | £230 | £730 |
| If you’re a citizen of Turkey or Macedonia | £175 | £175 | £675 |
| All dependants | £230 each | £230 each | £730 each |
You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.
How long you can stay
You can stay in the UK for up to 12 or 24 months (depending on the scheme you’re applying for) or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 28 days, whichever is shorter.
You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.
What you can and can’t do
You can:
- study (for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)
- work in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
- do a second job for up to 20 hours per week
- do a job on the Tier 2 shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week as well as your main job
- apply to change (‘switch’) into a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa if you’re in the government authorised exchange scheme for sponsored researchers
- bring family members with you
You can’t:
- take a permanent job
- get public funds