Internships can offer valuable experience for individuals looking to gain insight into the UK job market, but they also raise important legal considerations for both applicants and host organisations. There is no dedicated “internship visa” for the UK. Instead, eligibility depends on the individual’s circumstances and the nature of the internship. The most common route is the Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa, which allows short-term internships through approved schemes. In this case, the sponsor is not the employer but an authorised third-party organisation.
Employers cannot directly sponsor interns under the GAE route unless they are a registered scheme operator. Arranging an internship without a proper visa can lead to legal consequences, including breach of immigration laws. Interns on visitor visas, for example, are not permitted to work or take part in internships, even unpaid. Employers must understand the limits of each visa type before offering a placement.
Graduate and Student visa holders may be able to undertake internships in some cases, provided they meet visa conditions. Organisations offering internships must ensure they are working within the law and should seek advice if unsure. Early planning helps avoid immigration risks and ensures internships are properly structured and compliant with UK Home Office rules.
The purpose of this guide is to provide a clear overview of the UK immigration routes available to individuals seeking to undertake internships in the United Kingdom.
Is there a UK intern visa?
There is no standalone “intern visa” under the UK immigration system. Instead, eligibility to carry out an internship depends on several factors, including the nature and structure of the placement, the applicant’s background, and the visa categories currently available. Understanding the correct route is essential to ensure compliance with UK immigration law for both the individual and the host organisation.
| Visa Route | Who It’s For | Internship Type | Sponsorship Required | Duration Allowed | Work Rights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Work – GAE | Non-UK nationals undertaking structured internships | Paid | Yes – via approved scheme sponsor | Up to 12 or 24 months | Work only as described in CoS | Employer must use a third-party scheme sponsor |
| Student Visa | International students enrolled at UK institutions | Paid or unpaid (if part of course) | Yes – sponsored by education provider | Length of course | 20 hours/week during term, full-time in vacation | Internship must be part of course or during official breaks |
| Graduate Visa | UK graduates with valid student leave at course end | Paid or unpaid | No | 2 years (3 years for PhD) | Unrestricted | Open to all employment types including internships |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Skilled individuals with a qualifying job offer | Paid only (graduate-level roles) | Yes – from licensed employer | Usually 3–5 years | Full-time for sponsored role | Internship must meet skill and salary thresholds |
| Standard Visitor Visa | Short-term visitors to the UK | Not permitted | No | Up to 6 months | No work rights | Internships, even unpaid, are prohibited |
Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Visa
The Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa is a temporary work visa designed to facilitate structured internships, training placements, and research programmes in the UK. The primary aim of the GAE route is to support short-term work experience opportunities that promote cultural exchange and skills development without leading to permanent employment. The visa is not intended for long-term career roles or jobs that could otherwise be filled by a resident worker.
This visa is suitable for international applicants who wish to undertake internships, training placements, or fellowships in the UK. It is commonly used by students, recent graduates, or early-career professionals who want to gain practical experience in their field. Although the internship may be hosted by a UK company or organisation, the visa sponsor must be an authorised scheme operator. The employer cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) directly.
To qualify for a GAE visa, the applicant must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a Home Office-approved scheme sponsor. They must also meet financial requirements, including showing they have sufficient funds to support themselves. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and a visa application fee must also be paid as part of the process.
Employers who wish to host interns under this route must work with one of the authorised scheme providers, such as BUNAC, AIESEC, or the Tier 5 Intern Scheme. The scheme sponsor will assess the placement, issue the CoS, and liaise with the Home Office as necessary. Employers must ensure that the internship is structured, time-limited, and aligned with the objectives of the relevant scheme.
The maximum duration permitted under the GAE visa depends on the type of scheme. Most training or internship placements are limited to 12 months, although certain research or academic exchange programmes may allow stays of up to 24 months. There is no pathway to permanent residence through this visa, and applicants must leave the UK or switch to a different route once the visa expires.
Graduate Visa Route
The Graduate visa route allows international students who have completed an eligible UK degree to remain in the UK for a period of two years, or three years for doctoral graduates. The route is intended to give graduates the opportunity to work, look for work, or undertake internships in the UK without the need for employer sponsorship. It offers significant flexibility and is designed to support international graduates transitioning from education to employment.
Applicants must have completed a recognised UK degree at undergraduate level or above and must have held a valid Student visa at the time of completing their course. The application must be submitted before the Student visa expires, and successful applicants are granted a non-extendable visa allowing unrestricted work rights.
The Graduate visa permits individuals to work at any skill or salary level. This includes internships, part-time roles, and jobs unrelated to the field of study. There is no requirement for a job offer or sponsorship, which makes it a highly accessible route for graduates seeking practical experience in the UK labour market. Employers do not need to hold a sponsor licence to hire individuals on this visa.
Although the Graduate visa cannot lead directly to settlement, it offers a valuable opportunity for graduates to build experience and potentially transition into other long-term visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa. Interns on this route should ensure they are paid at least the National Minimum Wage and comply with all employment regulations.
The Graduate visa is particularly attractive to employers who wish to offer short-term internships or trial employment without making an immediate sponsorship commitment. It also allows employers to assess a graduate’s suitability for permanent roles while reducing administrative and compliance burdens.
Student Visa with Work Placement
International students studying in the UK on a Student visa may be eligible to undertake internships under certain conditions. The ability to engage in work experience depends on the nature of the course and the academic calendar. Internships may be allowed if they are part of the course (such as a sandwich year) or if they are undertaken during official vacation periods.
Students on eligible degree programmes may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Any internship that takes place during term must not exceed the permitted hours, unless it is an integral and assessed part of the course. Universities often provide guidance on work placements, and students should consult their institution’s international office to ensure compliance.
Internships under a Student visa can be paid or unpaid, but must not interfere with the student’s ability to attend and engage with their studies. Employers should confirm that the student has permission to work and request evidence of term dates to avoid breaching visa conditions. Failure to adhere to visa restrictions may result in enforcement action for both the student and the employer.
While Student visa holders cannot remain in the UK solely for the purpose of work after their course ends, they may be eligible to switch to the Graduate visa route if they meet the relevant requirements. Employers seeking to retain student interns in the longer term should plan ahead and consider visa switching options early.
The Student visa is a useful route for organisations looking to offer internships to current students, especially where the experience is linked to academic credit or scheduled outside term time. Care must be taken to comply with working hour limits and ensure that placements are appropriate within the student’s visa conditions.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is the UK’s main sponsored work route for non-UK nationals. It is generally not suitable for internships, but in rare cases may be used for structured graduate internship programmes where the role meets the required salary and skill thresholds. The route is intended for long-term employment rather than short-term experience and involves a high level of administrative responsibility for the sponsoring employer.
To use this visa route, the employer must be a Home Office-licensed sponsor and the internship must qualify as a genuine vacancy under the Skilled Worker rules. The job must be on the list of eligible occupations, meet the minimum salary requirement, and be at the appropriate skill level. Internships that are unpaid, part-time, or of short duration are unlikely to qualify.
Graduates offered a full-time position that meets the criteria can apply under the Skilled Worker route if the employer is prepared to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship and meet all associated duties. The visa offers a path to settlement after five years, subject to ongoing sponsorship and compliance.
Employers considering this route must be aware of the costs and obligations involved. These include the Immigration Skills Charge, visa application fees, and sponsorship compliance duties such as record-keeping and reporting. Mistakes or breaches can result in fines or the loss of the sponsor licence.
While the Skilled Worker visa is not commonly used for internships, it may be suitable for organisations offering formal graduate schemes designed to transition candidates into permanent roles. Careful planning and legal guidance are recommended where this route is being considered for internship arrangements.
Ineligible routes for interns
Some UK immigration routes are not suitable for internships, even if the placement is unpaid or informal. Employers and applicants must take care to avoid relying on inappropriate visa types, as this can result in immigration breaches and enforcement action.
The Standard Visitor visa is commonly misunderstood in this context. It is issued to individuals entering the UK for short-term visits such as tourism, business meetings, or academic events. The visa explicitly prohibits undertaking employment, work placements, or internships, regardless of whether the role is paid or unpaid. Participating in an internship under a Standard Visitor visa is considered a breach of immigration conditions and can result in removal from the UK and future visa refusals. Employers hosting visitors must ensure that any proposed activities are fully compliant with the conditions of stay.
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is another route that can cause confusion. While it does permit employment, it is not designed specifically for internships. The scheme is available only to nationals of certain countries and is restricted to individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35, depending on the country). Successful applicants are granted permission to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Although the scheme permits casual or temporary work, it is not appropriate for formal internship programmes that require sponsorship or structured oversight. Employers may offer internships to YMS visa holders if the role falls within permitted work activities, but they must be aware that the individual’s visa conditions are not tailored to training or skills development schemes.
Both of these routes demonstrate the importance of selecting the correct visa for internship purposes. Misuse of visa categories can result in legal consequences for both the intern and the host organisation. Legal advice should be sought where there is uncertainty about the suitability of a visa for internship activity.
Need assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. We work with employers to support all aspects UK-bound talent mobility, at all levels of an organisation including interns. For specialist guidance on visa routes for interns, speak to us.
Internship visa UK FAQs
What is the most suitable visa for an intern coming to the UK?
The Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa is generally the most appropriate option. It enables individuals to undertake structured, paid internships through an authorised scheme provider. UK employers must work with a licensed scheme sponsor, as they cannot issue Certificates of Sponsorship directly under this route.
Can an intern enter the UK on a Standard Visitor visa?
The Standard Visitor visa does not permit internships or any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid. Engaging in internship activity on this visa would breach the conditions of stay and could result in removal from the UK and future visa refusals.
Can an employer act as the sponsor for a GAE visa?
Employers must use a recognised third-party sponsor that operates a government-authorised exchange scheme. Only these organisations can issue Certificates of Sponsorship for internship purposes under the GAE route.
Are internships permitted under the Graduate visa?
Individuals holding a Graduate visa may undertake internships, as the visa permits full-time work at any skill level. The visa is available to those who have completed a UK degree and previously held a valid Student visa.
Can a Student visa holder take up an internship?
Yes, provided the internship is either an integral part of the student’s course or takes place during official vacation periods. Students are limited to 20 hours of work per week during term time.
Is the Skilled Worker visa suitable for internships?
In most cases, no. The Skilled Worker visa is intended for long-term employment in roles that meet minimum salary and skill thresholds. Only formal graduate programmes offering a qualifying role may meet these requirements.
Can Youth Mobility Scheme participants undertake internships?
Possibly. The Youth Mobility Scheme permits general employment, and some internships may fall within permitted activities. However, the scheme is not structured for formal training placements, so employers must assess whether the internship complies with the individual’s visa conditions.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Internship | A temporary work placement, usually undertaken by a student or recent graduate, to gain experience in a professional environment. |
| Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Visa | A UK visa route allowing overseas individuals to undertake structured internships or training through a government-approved scheme sponsor. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | An electronic document issued by a licensed sponsor that is required to support certain UK visa applications, including under the GAE route. |
| Scheme Sponsor | An organisation licensed by the Home Office to sponsor individuals under approved exchange schemes for training, internships, or work experience. |
| Graduate Visa | A visa allowing recent graduates of UK higher education institutions to stay and work, including in internships, for up to two or three years. |
| Student Visa | A visa for international students enrolled in UK educational institutions. It allows limited work rights, including internships under specific conditions. |
| Skilled Worker Visa | A visa for individuals with a confirmed job offer in an eligible skilled occupation from a licensed UK sponsor. Generally unsuitable for internships. |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | A visa route for young nationals of specific countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. It allows employment, including informal internships. |
| Standard Visitor Visa | A short-stay visa for tourism, business, or academic visits. It does not permit internships or any form of employment. |
| Home Office | The UK government department responsible for immigration, security, and law enforcement, including the regulation of visa sponsorship schemes. |
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
