Intern UK Eligibility Guide:
Your Admission to the GAE Visa
The Intern UK program offers a legally secure basis for internships abroad in the United Kingdom. Since British visa law has set strict requirements for GAE sponsoring since Brexit, a preliminary check of your data is essential. As experts, we guide you through this process so that you and your host company in the UK safely overcome all legal hurdles.
1. Criteria for Participants
To be admitted to Intern UK, you must meet certain personal and academic requirements. Our partner sponsors check this data intensively before a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can be issued:
- Status: Current enrollment as a full-time student or graduation within the last 24 months.
- Age & Nationality: Minimum age 18 years. Almost all nationalities are welcome in the UK.
- Language Level: Verifiable English skills (B2 level).
- Exclusions: No Healthcare or Hospitality sponsoring possible.
2. Criteria for the Host Company
Not every company in the United Kingdom is allowed to participate in the Intern UK program. British authorities require a verifiable supervision structure:
- Supervision Ratio: At least 3 full-time employees per intern at the location (Ratio 3:1).
- History: The company must be registered in the British commercial register (Companies House) for at least 12 months.
- Presence: At least 30% of the time must take place in the registered office in the UK.
A short on-site visit by a representative of our partner sponsors (£115) is mandatory if the company has fewer than 20 employees or is younger than 2 years.
3. Background: What is the GAE Visa?
The Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa is the official path for training and knowledge transfer in the UK. It is not a classic work visa, but serves professional exchange. The central pillar is the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Without this digital reference number from our partner sponsors, no visa application can be submitted to the Home Office. We ensure that your Training Plan (EAA) meets all requirements.
Common Questions about Intern UK
How long does admission take?
Is there an upper age limit?
Secure your visa in the United Kingdom – we advise you.