Graduate Trainee Visa

What is a Graduate Trainee Visa?

The Graduate Trainee visa is a visa that enables individuals to come to the UK to work for their existing employer at their UK branch. To be eligible for this particular visa, your current job must be part of a graduate training program for a managerial or specialist position. You must also meet the appropriate salary thresholds, have worked for your employer for at least 3 months outside of the UK, and have been issued a Certificate of Sponsorship. You’ll be eligible for the visa if you meet all of these criteria. This means you can work for your employer in the UK for up to 12 months, pursue academic or professional studies, and bring any dependant partners or children.

The Graduate Trainee Visa should not be confused with a Graduate Visa, available to students who have completed an academic qualification within the UK. The Graduate Trainee Visa is a relatively new visa that forms part of the Global Business Mobility Scheme. It has replaced the previous Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa, formerly the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Graduate Trainee visa.

Eligibility Requirements in Further Detail

Certificate of Sponsorship Requirement

Your sponsor, which must be your employer, will provide you with an electronic record called a Certificate of Sponsorship that contains details about the specific work you will be undertaking in the UK. A Certificate of Sponsorship can only be issued by an employer with a valid Sponsor Licence, and it’s generated through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). It’s important to note that the Certificate of Sponsorship is in electronic format, not a physical paper document.

When applying for your visa, you will require the reference number mentioned in your Certificate of Sponsorship. It is crucial to submit your visa application within three months of receiving your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Salary Requirement

To meet the salary requirement for a Graduate Trainee visa, you must receive a salary of at least £24,220 or 70% of the “going rate” for your particular job, whichever is higher. The “going rate” varies for each occupation code, and the figures are specified in the going rates table. It is essential to review the going rate applicable to your job to ensure that you meet the salary requirement.

For certain healthcare or education positions, different salary rules apply. In these cases, your salary must meet the higher of two requirements: it should be at least £24,220 or match the full “going rate” for your job. The going rates for these particular roles are determined by independent bodies such as the NHS (National Health Service) or other relevant institutions responsible for setting national pay scales. Details on these rates are also available on the going rates table.

Job Eligibility Requirement

Only certain roles are eligible for a Graduate Trainee Visa. A full list of eligible occupations is on the government website, and you should make sure your role is listed before commencing an application. Each role is given a 4-digit occupation code, and the appropriate code needs to be stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, which your employer generates.

Maintenance Requirement

To prove your ability to support yourself in the UK, you must have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account. This amount should have been available continuously for at least 28 days, and the 28th day must be within 31 days before submitting your visa application. If your partner and children are accompanying you, they must also demonstrate their financial ability to support themselves in the UK. The additional maintenance funds required for them are as follows:

• £285 for your partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child

If your employer intends to support you during your first month in the UK, this must be explicitly stated in your Certificate of Sponsorship. Your employer should complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section under ‘Additional data’ on your certificate.

Rights and Entitlements on a Graduate Trainee Visa

Under a Graduate Trainee visa, you are permitted to engage in the following activities:

• Work for your sponsoring organisation in the specific role outlined in your certificate of sponsorship.
• Pursue studies or educational programs.
• Bring your eligible partner and children to the UK as dependants.
• Engage in voluntary work.
• Travel outside the UK and return.

However, there are certain restrictions and limitations associated with the visa. These include:

• Ineligibility to apply for most benefits or the State Pension.
• Inability to change jobs during your stay.
• Prohibition on taking up a second job.
• Inability to apply for settlement or indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

If your application is approved, you will receive a comprehensive list detailing the specific activities that are permitted and those that are prohibited under the Graduate Trainee visa.

Graduate Trainee Visa Costs