Embarking on an internship in the UK can be a transformative experience, offering invaluable insights into your chosen field and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.
However, before you can dive into this enriching journey, you will need to navigate the intricacies of the UK visa system, particularly if you are not a citizen of the UK. A visa which facilitates internships in the UK is the Government Authorised Exchange visa (GAE). Let’s delve deeper into what the GAE visa entails and how you can obtain it for your internship.
The GAE visa is designed for individuals who want to come to the UK for a short time for work experience, training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or a fellowship through an approved government authorised exchange scheme.
To be eligible for the GAE visa, you need to have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before you can apply to come to the UK to work, and have enough money to support yourself in the UK – you will usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you are exempt).
Securing an internship placement in the UK is crucial before applying for the GAE visa. You will need to have a formal offer from a licensed sponsor or an organisation willing to sponsor your internship. Ensure that your internship aligns with the requirements of the GAE visa and that the sponsoring organisation is reputable and compliant with UK immigration regulations.
Navigating the UK visa system for internships can seem daunting, but with the right information and preparation, it is entirely feasible. The GAE visa offers a pathway for individuals to pursue internships and gain valuable work experience in the UK. By meeting the eligibility criteria, completing the application process diligently and securing a suitable internship placement, you can embark on an enriching internship journey in the UK. Remember to stay informed, plan ahead, and seize the opportunities that come your way. Your UK internship experience awaits!
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, or send us an e-mail. Don’t forget to follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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