The Graduate Trainee visa permits you to work for your employer’s UK branch, provided your role is eligible and contributes to a graduate training program in a managerial or specialist capacity. This visa replaces the earlier Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer Graduate Trainee visa. In cases where you aren’t part of such a training program, an alternative option could be the Senior or Specialist Worker visa for working at your employer’s UK branch.
Eligibility
- Employee of a Home Office-approved sponsor organization.
- Minimum 3 months’ prior work experience outside the UK.
- Requires a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ specifying the intended UK job.
- Role must align with eligible occupations and offer a minimum annual salary.
- Cannot switch to a Graduate Trainee visa from within the UK.
Financial Requirement
- The minimum annual salary is £24,220 and you cannot change (switch) to a GTV from inside the UK.
How long can you stay in the UK?
- Depends on the duration stated on the certificate of sponsorship plus an additional 14 days or a maximum of 12 months.
- No visa extension; fresh application required from outside the UK.
- Cumulative stay within any 6-year period cannot exceed 5 years, ensuring balanced use of work visa categories.
Application Necessities
- Demonstrated minimum of 3 months’ employment with the sponsor outside the UK prior to application.
If you need any assistance regarding your Graduate Trainee Visa application, please feel free to contact us.
