This comprehensive Government Authorised Exchange Visa UK guide covers everything you need to know about this unique temporary worker route in 2026. Whether you're joining a graduate internship through BUNAC, undertaking research via a Chevening Fellowship, or participating in the Medical Training Initiative, this guide explains the visa requirements, approved schemes, and application process. The Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa allows stays of up to 12 or 24 months depending on your programme type.
Understanding the Government Authorised Exchange Visa UK in 2026
The Government Authorised Exchange Visa UK is part of the Temporary Worker visa framework. Unlike other temporary work routes where employers directly sponsor workers, the GAE route operates through over 30 approved exchange schemes administered by government agencies, professional bodies, and higher education institutions. This structure ensures placements are genuine knowledge exchanges rather than vacancy-filling exercises.
What is a Government Authorised Exchange Visa UK?
The Government Authorised Exchange Visa UK allows international professionals to come to the UK temporarily for work experience, training, research fellowships, or language programmes through one of 30+ approved exchange schemes. You need a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved overarching body, £1,270 in maintenance funds, and the role must be at least RQF Level 3 (skilled). There is no English language requirement.
Who Can Apply for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa?
The GAE visa caters to several categories of international professionals:
- Graduate Interns: Recent graduates joining structured internship programmes (AIESEC, BUNAC, GTI, Mountbatten)
- Researchers & Fellows: Academics undertaking research fellowships (Chevening, Fulbright, UKRI, Chatham House)
- Medical Professionals: Doctors and healthcare workers on the Medical Training Initiative
- Legal Professionals: Lawyers on Bar Council or Law Society schemes for pupillage or training
- Language Teachers: Participants in Foreign Language Assistants or Mandarin Teachers programmes
- Government Exchange: Officials on Central Banks or Finance Ministries exchange programmes
Government Authorised Exchange Visa Requirements 2026
To qualify for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa UK, you must meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Immigration Rules. The requirements differ from standard work visas in several important ways.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
You must be accepted onto an approved Government Authorised Exchange scheme, have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the scheme's overarching body, show £1,270 in personal savings (held for 28 consecutive days), and be undertaking a skilled role (RQF Level 3 or above). Unlike most UK work visas, there is no formal English language requirement.
Approved Government Authorised Exchange Schemes
The Home Office maintains a list of over 30 approved exchange schemes, each administered by a designated overarching body. You cannot apply for a GAE visa without being accepted onto one of these approved schemes first.
What Are the Main Types of Approved Schemes?
Approved schemes fall into five main categories: graduate internships (AIESEC, BUNAC, GTI), research and academic fellowships (Chevening, Fulbright, UKRI), medical training (MTI, NHS Highland), legal professional schemes (Bar Council, Law Society), and language programmes (British Council, China-UK Mandarin). Each scheme has its own application process, and you apply to the scheme before applying for the visa.
Internship & Professional Placement Schemes
- AIESEC UK: Graduate internships in management, marketing, finance, engineering (12 months)
- BUNAC 'Intern in Britain': Work experience across various sectors for students and graduates (12 months)
- GTI (Graduate Trainee Immigration): Structured internship placements in UK companies (12 months)
- Mountbatten Institute: Business training and work experience in London (12 months)
- Bar Council Scheme: Pupillage and mini-pupillage for overseas lawyers (12 months)
- Law Society Schemes: Training for migrant lawyers (12 months)
Research & Academic Fellowship Schemes
- Chevening Fellowships: Professional development for mid-career professionals (up to 24 months)
- US-UK Fulbright Commission: Academic and cultural exchange programmes (up to 24 months)
- UKRI Science, Research and Academia: Research positions at UK institutions (up to 24 months)
- Chatham House Fellowship: Policy research at Chatham House (up to 24 months)
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Academic research through ACU (up to 24 months)
- Sponsored Researchers: UK Higher Education institution research positions (up to 24 months)
Medical, Language & Government Schemes
- Medical Training Initiative (MTI): Postgraduate medical and dental training in NHS (up to 24 months)
- Foreign Language Assistants: British Council language teaching placements (up to 24 months)
- China-UK Mandarin Teachers Scheme: Mandarin teaching in UK schools (up to 24 months)
- Finance Ministries & Central Banks: Government exchange for financial officials (up to 24 months)
For the complete list of approved schemes and their sponsoring bodies, see the official Appendix Government Authorised Exchange Schemes.
Government Authorised Exchange Visa UK Fees 2026
The visa fees for the Government Authorised Exchange visa include the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. The same fees apply whether you apply from inside or outside the UK.
How Much Does a Government Authorised Exchange Visa Cost?
The Government Authorised Exchange Visa costs £319 for the application fee plus £1,035 for the Immigration Health Surcharge per year. For a 12-month placement, the total minimum cost is approximately £1,354. Research and training programmes lasting 24 months require £2,070 IHS (£1,035 × 2 years).
How to Apply for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa UK
The application process for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa UK begins with securing a place on an approved scheme. You cannot apply directly to the Home Office without first being accepted onto a scheme and receiving your Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Step 1: Apply to and be accepted onto an approved exchange scheme
- Step 2: Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship from the overarching body
- Step 3: Complete the online visa application form on gov.uk
- Step 4: Pay application fee (£319) and IHS (£1,035/year)
- Step 5: Prove identity (via app or visa application centre)
- Step 6: Submit supporting documents (bank statements, TB test if required)
- Step 7: Wait for decision (typically 3 weeks standard processing)
How Long Can You Stay on a Government Authorised Exchange Visa?
The length of stay depends on the type of programme you're undertaking:
- Application fee is £319 plus £1,035 IHS per year
- You must show £1,270 in maintenance funds (held for 28 days)
- No English language requirement (unlike most work visas)
- 30+ approved schemes including BUNAC, Chevening, UKRI, MTI
- Maximum 12 months (internships) or 24 months (research/training)
For official guidance and to start your application, visit the gov.uk Government Authorised Exchange visa page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Government Authorised Exchange Visa and the old T5 visa?
The Government Authorised Exchange Visa replaced the T5 (Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange) visa. The requirements and approved schemes remain largely the same, but the visa is now part of the simplified Temporary Worker framework rather than the points-based tier system. The application process and fees have been updated, with the current fee being £319.
How much does a Government Authorised Exchange Visa cost in 2026?
The Government Authorised Exchange Visa costs £319 for the application fee, plus £1,035 for the Immigration Health Surcharge per year. For a 12-month internship, expect to pay approximately £1,354 total. For 24-month research or training programmes, the IHS doubles to £2,070. Priority processing adds £500 or £1,000 for Super Priority.
Do I need to speak English for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa?
No, there is no formal English language requirement for the Government Authorised Exchange Visa. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, you do not need to take an English test or prove English proficiency. However, individual schemes may have their own language requirements as part of their selection criteria.
Can I bring my family on a Government Authorised Exchange Visa?
Yes, your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of 2+ years) and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Each family member must submit a separate application and pay £319 application fee plus IHS. Dependants can work in the UK without restrictions, unlike on some other temporary work visas.
What are the approved Government Authorised Exchange schemes?
There are over 30 approved schemes including AIESEC (graduate internships), BUNAC 'Intern in Britain', Chevening and Fulbright Fellowships, UKRI Science and Research, Medical Training Initiative, Foreign Language Assistants (British Council), Bar Council schemes for lawyers, and various university-sponsored research programmes. Each scheme is administered by an approved overarching body.
Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa from a Government Authorised Exchange Visa?
Generally, you cannot switch from a Government Authorised Exchange Visa to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK. You would typically need to return to your home country and apply for a new visa. This is because the GAE route is designed for temporary knowledge exchange, not as a pathway to permanent employment. Some exceptions may apply—consult an immigration adviser for specific circumstances.
How long can I stay in the UK on a Government Authorised Exchange Visa?
The maximum stay depends on your programme type: 12 months for work experience and internships, or 24 months for research, training, and language programmes. You can extend within your category, but your total time on the GAE route cannot exceed the maximum for your programme type. The visa does not lead to settlement.
Can I work a second job on a Government Authorised Exchange Visa?
Yes, you can take supplementary employment for up to 20 hours per week alongside your main exchange programme. The second job must be in a role that appears on the Skilled Worker Immigration Salary List at the same skill level or above. You are also permitted to study while on the visa. However, you cannot take a permanent full-time job or run a business.