What is the GAE visa?
The GAE visa sits within the UK Temporary Work routes and is designed for short-term, supernumerary placements that share knowledge and best practice rather than fill regular vacancies. You must be sponsored under an approved scheme (e.g., an overarching scheme operator, a UK higher education institution for researchers/visiting academics/examiners, or a UK government department/agency) which will issue your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you apply.
Typical activities and sponsors
- Work experience / job shadowing / structured training under a government‑authorised scheme.
- Research / fellowships / visiting academic or examiner (higher education institution (HEI) sponsors).
- Overseas Government Language Programmes.
Sponsors can be approved scheme operators, HEIs for research/academic roles, or UK government departments/agencies.
Eligibility snapshot
- A valid CoS reference number from a licensed sponsor.
- The placement must be supernumerary (not a genuine vacancy or regular staffing).
- Maintenance funds: usually £1,270 held for 28 days, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
- Pay and hours must comply with National Minimum Wage (where applicable) and Working Time Regulations.
- Additional requirements where relevant: TB test; ATAS certificate for sensitive research areas at PhD level or higher.
How long you can stay & decision times
- Maximum stay depends on scheme:
- Up to 12 months for work experience.
- Up to 24 months for research, training or Overseas Government Language Programmes.
- Apply up to three months before your start date. Decision times: roughly 3 weeks (outside UK) and eight weeks (inside UK); priority services may be available.
Fees & healthcare surcharge
- Visa fee: £319 per applicant (same for inside/outside UK).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year for each applicant.
Conditions — what you can and cannot do
You can:
- Carry out the work/training/research/fellowship in your scheme; some study may be permitted.
- Take supplementary employment (commonly up to 20 hours/week) in permitted circumstances.
- Bring dependants (partner/children) if they meet eligibility and maintenance requirements.
You cannot:
- Fill a genuine vacancy or act as regular staff – roles must be supernumerary (in addition to normal staffing).
- Claim most public funds; use this route for settlement; or extend beyond the route’s maximum.
Switching & extensions
- Extensions may be possible within route limits (12 or 24 months).
- Some applicants can switch to other visas from the UK if they meet the rules (e.g., after study or under certain GAE conditions). Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.
- The GAE route does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
How we can help
Our expert immigration team can provide :
- Eligibility assessment & sponsor verification (scheme/HEI/government).
- Document checklist and application prep (maintenance evidence, ATAS/TB if needed).
- Compliance advice (supernumerary roles, NMW/Working Time Regulations, supplementary work).
- Route planning: extensions where allowed and switch strategy to longer‑term visas before expiry.
Start your GAE visa application
Contact one of our expert immigration advisors today a free initial enquiry. We offer fixed‑fee consultations, document checks, and full representation. We’ll align your case with current guidance and ensure your application is complete and compliant.