Section A: What is the UK Graduate Trainee Visa?
Overseas graduate trainees looking to undertake a graduate training programme at a UK branch or subsidiary of their overseas employer will need to apply for a visa under the Graduate Trainee visa route. The UK Graduate Trainee visa is one of five Global Business Mobility (GBM) immigration routes. The GBM umbrella is aimed at overseas businesses looking to establish a UK presence or transfer staff to the UK.
The Graduate Trainee route is specifically for overseas workers on a structured graduate training programme leading to either a senior management or specialist position who are required to do a work placement in the UK as a part of that programme.
The Graduate Trainee visa allows stays for either the time given on the worker’s Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, or 12 months, whichever is shorter. Overall time across any GBM routes, including Graduate Trainee, (as well as previous time spent under the former Intra-Company Transfer routes), must not exceed 5 years in any 6-year rolling period. Applications can only be made from outside the UK and switching in-country is not permitted.
1. What does the Graduate Trainee Visa allow?
Under a Graduate Trainee visa, a successful applicant will be able to come to the UK to participate in the graduate training programme for which the application was made. Unlike the predecessor route, Intra-Company trainees are no longer permitted to undertake supplementary paid employment. Graduate Trainees must only work in the sponsored role on their Certificate of Sponsorship. They are, however, permitted to do voluntary work and can also pursue a course of study in the UK. They will also be able to travel abroad and return to the UK during their period of leave.
2. How long does a UK Graduate Trainee Visa last?
Graduate Trainees can come to the UK for up to one year at a time. In practice, permission is typically granted for the shorter of either the period on the CoS plus 14 days or 12 months. Overall time on any GBM routes, including the Graduate Trainee visa, must not exceed 5 years in any 6-year rolling period. This means that any previous permission the worker has had on any of the GBM routes, or the former ICT routes, will be taken into account by the Home Office when deciding what, if any, permission they can be granted under the Graduate Trainee route.
Because of the 3-month overseas work requirement, a Graduate Trainee visa holder cannot extend their visa from inside the UK. They can apply for another Graduate Trainee visa from outside the UK, provided they do not exceed the maximum cumulative period permitted.
3. Graduate Trainee Dependants
A Graduate Trainee visa-holder can be accompanied or joined by their spouse or partner, and dependent children, provided these individuals meet the relevant requirements for dependants. This includes proving the qualifying family relationship and meeting a financial requirement.
Unless the UK sponsor certifies maintenance for the family, the financial requirement is £285 for a partner, £315 for one child and £200 for each additional child. The main applicant must also meet their own financial requirement unless exempt. Each dependant must make a separate visa application, pay the application fee of £319 and pay the immigration health surcharge of £1,035 per year of leave. If their application is successful, the dependant’s visa will end on the same date as the primary visa-holder.
Read more about Dependant Visas here >>
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Extensions aren’t allowed and visa holders will not be on a path to UK settlement. The Graduate Trainee visa is only for temporary deployment and assignments of up to 12 months max, so it can’t be used to facilitate long-term placements or roles. Companies’ graduate recruitment and development programmes will have to be structured with this limitation in mind, or risk staffing issues and running into compliance issues with the Home Office.
Section B: UK Graduate Trainee Visa Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a UK Graduate Trainee visa, the applicant must:
- be aged 18 years old or more at the date of application
- be part of a structured graduate training programme for a managerial or specialist role with an overseas business that has a legitimate work placement in the UK
- be an existing employee of an organisation that has been approved by the Home Office as a UK sponsor and have been assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from that sponsor
- be doing an eligible job to the appropriate skill level as set out in the Immigration Rules
- be paid the minimum eligible salary required for the job role
- be working for the linked overseas business at the date of application and have worked for that business outside the UK for at least 3 continuous months immediately before applying
- satisfy a financial requirement, where applicable
1. Points-Based Requirements
All applicants on the GBM routes must meet a points requirement. Applicants applying as a Graduate Trainee must score 60 points against the following three criteria (20 points each):
a. Sponsorship (20 points)
To obtain a UK Graduate Trainee visa, the applicant must be sponsored by a Home Office approved business authorised to sponsor this category of worker.
When applying for a Global Business Mobility licence to sponsor a Graduate Trainee, the sponsor must be linked by either common ownership or control, or by a joint venture agreement, to an overseas business. In addition, the linked overseas business must offer a structured graduate training programme leading to either a senior management or specialist position that has a legitimate work placement in the UK. When applying for a licence to sponsor under this route, the sponsor must provide evidence of this training programme, for example, a course brochure and evidence of recruitment.
Only once the UK sponsor has a valid licence in place can they issue a CoS. There is no limit on how many CoS can be assigned on this route in each financial year.
To score 20 points for sponsorship, the applicant must have a valid CoS on their Graduate Trainee route, being sponsored for employment which is genuine and meets the overseas work requirement. The applicant must have worked for the linked overseas business for a minimum continuous period of 3 months outside the UK immediately prior to the date of their application, with no breaks, even where any break would otherwise be a permitted absence. Time spent working in the UK does not count towards this requirement.
b. Job at an appropriate skill level (20 points)
The job role must feature on the list of eligible occupations published in Appendix Global Business Mobility: Eligible Occupations. Each role is assigned a 4-digit occupation code, which will be used on the CoS.
To score 20 points for skill level, the job the applicant is being sponsored to do must be skilled to level 6 or above (graduate level) on the Regulated Qualifications Framework for England and Northern Ireland, or the equivalent level in Wales or Scotland. The worker does not need to hold a degree-level qualification themselves, but the role they are undertaking must be at graduate level.
c. Salary at the required level (20 points)
To score 20 points for salary, the applicant must be paid the higher of: (i) £27,300 per year; and (ii) 70% of the going rate for the relevant occupation code listed in Appendix Global Business Mobility: Eligible Occupations. If pay falls below the required level, the application will be refused. If permission is granted but pay later drops below the required level, the worker’s leave can be cancelled and the sponsor’s licence may be at risk.
2. Additional Requirements
The applicant must score these mandatory 60 points to be awarded a UK Graduate Trainee visa. They must also satisfy all other non-points requirements under the rules, otherwise their visa application will be refused.
Specifically, under the financial requirement, unless their sponsor is prepared to certify maintenance on their CoS, the applicant must be able to support themselves on arrival in the UK, where they must show proof of funds of at least £1,270. Funds must have been held for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the date of application.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The 3-month overseas employment requirement is applied strictly and your evidence proving this has to be watertight. Gaps, secondments or UK-based training trips will usually undermine the applicant’s eligibility, so take advice if this is a concern because time spent in the UK does not count. If you cannot prove the full 3 months, the application will be refused.
Salary is also scrutinised closely. Pay levels have to meet the route’s threshold for the SOC code and even £1 under the required rate will be grounds for refusal.
Section C: Apply for a UK Graduate Trainee Visa
Applications under the Graduate Trainee route must be made online, from outside the UK. The route does not allow switching from within the UK, as applicants must meet the overseas employment requirement of at least 3 months with their employer before applying. The process is digital for most applicants, although some will need to attend a visa application centre to provide biometrics. A decision is typically made within three weeks, but faster priority services may be available in some locations for an additional fee.
1. Graduate Trainee Visa Application Process
An individual can apply for entry clearance under the UK Graduate Trainee route from outside the UK, but they cannot apply to switch to a Graduate Trainee visa from inside the UK. This is because they need to have worked for their employer overseas for 3 months immediately before they apply.
To apply for a UK Graduate Trainee visa, an application must be made online by the individual using the reference number found on their CoS. An application can be made up to 3 months before the day the applicant is due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on the sponsorship certificate. The CoS is an electronic record containing details of the worker, their job role, and start date.
Once the online form is submitted, the applicant will pay the application fee and immigration health surcharge, then either upload documents using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa application centre for biometrics and document submission. The process varies depending on nationality and passport type.
2. Supporting Documents
As part of their application, the applicant will need to prove their identity and provide certain documents in support. Depending on nationality, this may involve using the ID Check app or attending an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo. The documents required typically include:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Sponsorship reference number | Provided by the sponsoring employer |
| Valid passport or other identity document | Must show identity and nationality |
| Job title and annual salary | Details of the job role and remuneration |
| Job’s occupation code | Specific code linked to the eligible role |
| Employer’s name and sponsor licence number | As shown on the Certificate of Sponsorship |
| Evidence of personal savings | Bank statements or proof that the sponsor has certified maintenance |
| Evidence of overseas employment | Proof that the applicant worked for the linked overseas business for at least 3 continuous months before applying |
| Details of the training programme | Information about the structured programme being undertaken |
| Proof of relationship for dependants | Marriage, civil partnership or birth certificates if applying with family members |
| Tuberculosis test results | Where required for nationals of certain countries |
| Certified translation | For documents not in English or Welsh |
Applicants should ensure all documents are accurate, consistent, and up to date. Discrepancies or missing evidence will usually result in refusal.
3. Graduate Trainee Visa Costs
When applying for a UK Graduate Trainee visa, in addition to being able to show proof of funds of at least £1,270 (unless exempt), there will be an application fee and an immigration health surcharge for each year of the applicant’s stay in the UK.
The visa application fee is £319. The immigration health surcharge is £1,035 per year of leave. Each dependant pays the same visa fee and surcharge. The sponsor must also pay £55 to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the worker. The Immigration Skills Charge does not apply to the Graduate Trainee route.
| Cost Item | Amount | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £319 per applicant | Main applicant and each dependant |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year | Main applicant and each dependant |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | £55 per certificate | Sponsoring employer |
| Immigration Skills Charge | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Priority service (optional) | £500 | Applicant |
| Super priority service (optional) | £1,000 | Applicant |
4. Graduate Trainee Visa Processing Times
Once an application for a UK Graduate Trainee visa has been submitted and the applicant has proved their identity and provided their supporting documentation, a decision is usually made within 3 weeks. In some countries, applicants may be able to use a Priority service for an additional £500 fee to receive a decision within 5 working days, or a Super Priority service for £1,000 to receive a decision by the end of the next working day. Availability of these faster services varies by location, so applicants should check the visa application centre’s guidance in their country.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The Graduate Trainee visa can only be applied for from outside the UK. If the worker is already in the UK, they won’t be able to switch into this route so don’t waste the time and resources on what would be a futile application. Applications also have to be made within 3 months of the CoS start date so the employer has to be organised and ready to work to theses timeframes.
Section D: Employer Obligations & Considerations
The Graduate Trainee visa can be a useful tool for multinationals to give future leaders UK experience as part of a structured programme. However, it should not be seen as a long-term solution for filling skills gaps in the UK workforce. With permission capped at 12 months and no option to extend or switch in-country, the route works best as part of a wider succession and mobility strategy. Employers should align graduate trainee placements with long-term plans, such as moving individuals onto Skilled Worker visas if retention in the UK is required.
| Criterion | Graduate Trainee (GBM) visa | Skilled Worker visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor licence type | GBM: Graduate Trainee | Skilled Worker |
| Where you can apply | Outside the UK only | Inside or outside the UK |
| Switching in-country | Not permitted | Permitted if eligible |
| Role skill level | RQF 6 (graduate level) | RQF 3 and above |
| Salary threshold | £27,300 or 70% of going rate | General threshold + going rate |
| English language requirement | No requirement | B1 English required |
| Supplementary paid work | Not permitted | Permitted in limited cases |
| Maximum grant per stay | CoS + 14 days or 12 months | Up to 5 years |
| Overall time cap | 5 years in 6-year period | No cap |
| Settlement (ILR) | Not eligible | Eligible after 5 years |
| Dependants allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Immigration Skills Charge | Not payable | Payable |
1. Sponsorship
Employer sponsorship is central to the application process for the UK Graduate Trainee visa.
To sponsor a graduate trainee, employers must hold a valid sponsor licence under the Global Business Mobility category, specifically authorised for Graduate Trainee workers. This licence is issued by UKVI and permits employers to sponsor overseas workers. Obtaining a sponsor licence involves a rigorous application process where employers must demonstrate that they are genuine and capable of meeting the sponsorship obligations. The licence now runs on a 10-year validity cycle and must be maintained via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
Employers must comply with several requirements to maintain their sponsor licence. They must ensure that their sponsored employees comply with the terms of their visa, including working only in the role specified in the Certificate of Sponsorship. Graduate Trainees are not permitted to undertake supplementary paid employment, and employers should not authorise any off-programme work. Employers are also required to monitor the attendance and progress of the trainees within their programme and report any issues or changes in circumstances to UKVI.
UKVI may carry out compliance visits before granting a Graduate Trainee licence and at any time during its validity. Employers should be prepared to show evidence of the overseas business link, training programme documents, and payroll records to confirm that salary thresholds are met. As part of Appendix D record-keeping duties, sponsors must keep proof that the trainee has worked overseas for the required 3 months before applying and retain copies of the training scheme to demonstrate the UK placement forms part of a wider programme.
Furthermore, employers must adhere to record-keeping and reporting duties. They need to maintain accurate records of the sponsored employees, including contact details and copies of relevant documents, and must report certain events, such as if a sponsored worker does not turn up for their first day of work, within a specified timeframe. The £55 CoS assignment fee applies to each Graduate Trainee, but the Immigration Skills Charge does not apply to this visa category.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in severe consequences for the employer, including the revocation of their sponsor licence. This not only affects their ability to sponsor future visa applicants but can also impact their existing sponsored employees, who may have their visas curtailed as a result. For Graduate Trainees, there is no in-country switching option, so a suspension or revocation will usually mean that the worker must leave the UK immediately.
Read our full guide to Sponsor Licence Applications here >>
2. Visa Application Support
The employer’s primary responsibility in the visa application process is to assign the CoS. This confirms that the employer has offered a job to the international graduate as part of a structured graduate training programme. The CoS includes detailed information about the job role, the training programme, and the duration of employment. The start date listed on the CoS must be realistic, as the Home Office can curtail permission if the worker fails to commence the role on time.
Employers must ensure that the job offered is part of a genuine training programme designed to prepare the graduate for a managerial or specialist role. The training programme should be clearly structured, with defined objectives and outcomes. Employers are responsible for ensuring that the job meets the necessary skill level and salary thresholds set by the Home Office.
Once the Certificate of Sponsorship is issued, the employer must support the graduate throughout the visa application process. This includes providing necessary documentation and information, such as job descriptions, proof of the training programme, and any other relevant details that may be required by UKVI. Employers should also be clear that the Immigration Skills Charge does not apply to Graduate Trainee visas, avoiding unnecessary costs in budget planning.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The Graduate Trainee visa is short-term but the compliance demands are the same as for long-term sponsored routes. Compliance investigations on Graduate Trainee sponsors can be especially brutal because UKVI knows these schemes are often used casually. But compliance breaches – like poor record keeping – in relation to your graduate trainees can lead to penalties that jeopardise your entire sponsorship privileges and every sponsored worker, not just your Graduate Trainee placements.
Section E: Staying in the UK
The Graduate Trainee visa is designed for short-term placements in the UK as part of a wider graduate programme. The rules are strict, and the scope to remain in the UK beyond the initial grant of leave is limited. Employers and trainees should plan early for what happens at the end of the visa period, as the route does not provide flexibility to extend or change roles from inside the UK.
1. Change of role
A Graduate Trainee can only work in the job role stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship. If the sponsor wants the trainee to move into a different occupation code role, even within the same programme, a new CoS is required and a fresh Graduate Trainee visa application must be made from outside the UK. Minor role changes within the same occupation code may not always require a new visa application, but these must be carefully assessed. Employers should use the Sponsor Management System to report any changes and seek legal advice before making alterations to avoid breaching sponsor duties.
2. Can you extend a Graduate Trainee Visa?
The Graduate Trainee visa cannot be extended from within the UK. Once the period of leave expires, the individual must leave the UK. A fresh application can be made from overseas for a new Graduate Trainee visa, provided the cumulative 5 years in any 6-year period across all Global Business Mobility routes has not been exceeded and the applicant still meets the eligibility requirements.
| Route | Maximum Stay per Grant | Overall Time Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Trainee | Up to 12 months (CoS + 14 days, whichever is shorter) | Maximum 5 years in any 6-year period across all GBM and legacy ICT routes |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | Up to 5 years at a time | Maximum 5 years in any 6-year period (or 9 years for high earners) |
| UK Expansion Worker | Up to 12 months at a time | Maximum 2 years total on this route |
| Service Supplier | Up to 6 or 12 months (depending on trade agreement) | Maximum 5 years in any 6-year period across GBM and legacy ICT routes |
| Secondment Worker | Up to 12 months at a time | Maximum 2 years total on this route |
3. Can you switch to a different visa?
You cannot switch into the Graduate Trainee visa from another route within the UK. Similarly, switching from Graduate Trainee into another category while in the UK is not permitted. If a Graduate Trainee intends to remain in the UK longer term, they will need to leave the UK and apply from overseas under a new route. For most workers, the Skilled Worker visa is the practical option, but this will require sponsorship, meeting salary thresholds, and satisfying English language requirements.
4. Can you apply for ILR after a Graduate Trainee visa?
Time spent on the Graduate Trainee visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The route is strictly temporary and is not a pathway to settlement in the UK. Any long-term immigration plans must be pursued under a different visa route, such as Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, or family visas, depending on eligibility.
5. Visa options to remain after the Graduate Trainee visa
Graduate Trainees who want to remain in the UK once their visa expires will need to apply from overseas under an eligible long-term visa route. The most common option is the Skilled Worker visa, provided the employer holds the correct sponsor licence and the role meets the salary and skills thresholds. Other potential options include the Scale-up visa, Innovator Founder visa, or family-based visas if applicable. Employers should factor this into workforce planning, as there will be no option for an in-country transition from Graduate Trainee status.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
There is no wiggle room: no extensions, no in-country switches, no settlement. Graduate trainees have to leave after 12 months. Long-term retention will mean planning for alternative visa options, budgeting for higher salaries and new overseas applications.
Section F: Summary
The UK Graduate Trainee Visa provides a valuable pathway for international graduates to enhance their careers and personal development by gaining work experience in the UK and participating in structured training programmes that can lead to managerial or specialist roles. However, the visa application process involves a complex set of requirements, both for the applicants and their sponsoring employers.
Employers must obtain a sponsor licence, issue a Certificate of Sponsorship and adhere to strict compliance and reporting obligations. Similarly, graduates have to meet strict eligibility criteria, submit necessary documentation and navigate the detailed application process.
Section G: Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris’ business immigration specialists provide guidance on the Home Office requirements to deploy personnel under the Graduate Trainee route, including advice on the sponsorship obligations for employers and the visa application process for your employees.
As a team of immigration lawyers and former Home Office personnel, we can work in support of your in-house HR team or take care of all aspects of your sponsor licence and visa applications. Contact our UK immigration specialists for advice.
Section H: UK Graduate Trainee FAQs
What is the UK Graduate Trainee visa?
The UK Graduate Trainee visa is for individuals being transferred to the UK temporarily by their overseas employer for a work placement as part of a structured graduate training programme leading to a senior managerial or specialist role. It is one of the Global Business Mobility routes.
Who is eligible to apply for the Graduate Trainee visa?
To be eligible, you must be employed by an overseas business linked to a UK sponsor, be on a structured graduate training programme leading to a managerial or specialist role, have worked for the overseas business outside the UK for at least three continuous months before applying, and meet the salary and role requirements.
Do you need to be sponsored for the UK Graduate Trainee visa?
Applicants must be sponsored by a UK-based employer that holds a Home Office sponsor licence under the Global Business Mobility: Graduate Trainee category. A valid Certificate of Sponsorship is required for every application.
How long is the Graduate Trainee visa valid?
The visa is granted for the shorter of the period stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, or 12 months. The overall maximum time on Graduate Trainee and other Global Business Mobility routes is capped at five years in any six-year period.
Can you extend a Graduate Trainee visa?
The Graduate Trainee visa cannot be extended in the UK. A new application can only be made from overseas, provided the applicant still qualifies and has not exceeded the maximum cumulative stay permitted across GBM routes.
Can you switch into or out of the Graduate Trainee visa in the UK?
Switching in-country into or out of the Graduate Trainee visa is not allowed. If longer-term work in the UK is intended, a new application must be made under another route, usually the Skilled Worker visa.
Does time on a Graduate Trainee visa count towards ILR?
Time spent in the UK under the Graduate Trainee visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The route is temporary only and does not lead to settlement.
How much does the Graduate Trainee visa cost?
The visa application fee is £319 per applicant. In addition, the Immigration Health Surcharge is payable at £1,035 per year. Each dependant pays the same visa fee and IHS charge. The sponsoring employer must also pay £55 to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship. The Immigration Skills Charge does not apply to this route.
Section I: Additional Resources and Links
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| UK Government – Graduate Trainee Visa Overview | Comprehensive details on eligibility, application process, and requirements. | https://www.gov.uk/graduate-trainee-visa |
| Visa Sponsorship for Employers | Information for UK employers on how to sponsor graduate trainees. | https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers |
| Visa Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge | Details of visa application costs, including the annual healthcare surcharge. | https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application |
| Apply for a Graduate Trainee Visa | Step-by-step instructions and the online application portal. | https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk |
| Supporting Documents Guidance | Official list of documents and evidence required for UK visa applications. | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-visa-sponsorship-documents |
| Working in the UK – Guidance | Government information on employment rights and opportunities in the UK. | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-in-the-uk |
