A new route has opened for overseas workers who are on temporary work assignments in the UK where those workers are on graduate training courses which require them to do a work placement in the UK. The course must lead to a senior management or specialist position.

To qualify, the applicant must:

• Have a certificate of sponsorship from an A-rated, Home Office-authorised sponsor.
• Have worked for the sponsor for at least 3 months prior to applying.
• The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
• Earn at least £23,100 per year or 70% of the going rate for the role.
• Show sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK.

Visa Duration and Conditions:

If granted, the visa allows the applicant to stay in the UK for the shorter of:

• 14 days after the certificate of sponsorship date, or
• 12 months.

Cumulatively, leave cannot exceed 5 years in any 6-year period under Global Business Mobility routes.

Applicants cannot switch to this route from within the UK or if they hold certain permissions (e.g., visitor, short-term student). However, holders of Global Business Mobility visas may switch to another route if eligible.

Dependents can also apply, but this route does not lead to settlement.

There are further requirements, some of which may apply depending on your circumstances.

Please get in touch for our advice in obtaining a Graduate Trainee Visa, we will be happy to help.