The UK Visa Test:
Check your Eligibility for the GAE Program
Since Brexit, an internship in the United Kingdom is tied to the Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa. The hurdles for applicants and companies are high, but with the right preparation, the process is manageable. We have developed this interactive test to give you an immediate assessment of your chances of success.
1. Will you be at least 18 years old at the start of the internship?
2. What is your current educational status?
3. Are you planning an internship in Healthcare or Hospitality?
4. Does your Host Company in the UK have at least 3 full-time employees on site?
Criteria not met
The GAE program in the UK is strictly regulated by law. Based on your answers, your plan unfortunately does not currently fit into this sponsoring scheme.
Eligibility Check Positive!
It looks like you meet the basic requirements for the visa. To let us finally check your project and start registration with our partner sponsors, please fill out the form below.
Background: What is the GAE Visa?
The Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa is a sub-category of the “Temporary Work” route in the United Kingdom. It was created to promote cultural and professional exchange. Unlike a regular work visa (Skilled Worker Visa), the focus here is on training and gaining experience. A key requirement is possessing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which we coordinate for you via our partner sponsors.
The Central Role of the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Without a CoS, you cannot submit a visa application to the British Home Office. It is not a physical certificate, but a digital reference number. Our partner sponsors use this number to vouch to the government that your internship in the UK meets all legal standards.
The Concept of the “Supernumerary Position”
An internship in the UK must never fill a vacancy that should actually be filled by a regular full-time employee. The position must be additional (supernumerary) and primarily serve your learning goals. We check your Training Plan in advance for this compliance to prevent rejections by the Home Office.
Frequently Asked Questions about the UK Check
Is my passport sufficient for the internship?
What happens if the Host Company is too small?
Can I get a refund on visa fees?
Strategic advice for your UK Visa – we accompany you.