Overview
The Graduate Trainee visa, part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility scheme, is designed to help international companies bring their talented graduates to the UK for specialized training. This visa allows graduates to gain valuable experience and skills at the UK branch of their company, setting them up for future leadership roles. It’s an excellent opportunity for aspiring professionals to develop their careers while contributing to the growth of their global organisations. Here are the key details about this visa route:
Purpose:
The Graduate Trainee visa enables overseas businesses to transfer their graduate employees to the UK for training purposes, which is part of a graduate training program that leads to a senior management or specialist role.
Eligibility Criteria:
Sponsorship:
- The applicant must have a valid certificate of sponsorship from an approved UK sponsor. The sponsor must be a licensed sponsor with authorization for this specific visa category.
Employment and Training:
- The applicant must be employed by the overseas branch of the UK sponsor and must have been employed for at least three months immediately before the application.
- The training program must be a structured graduate training program leading to a senior management or specialist position.
Job Role and Salary:
- The job must be at an appropriate skill level (at least RQF Level 6).
- The minimum salary requirement is typically £24,220 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the job, whichever is higher (DLA Piper) (Global Citizen Solutions).
Points-Based System:
- Applicants must score a total of 60 points, divided into 20 points each for sponsorship, job at an appropriate level, and salary.
Application Process:
Certificate of Sponsorship:
- Obtain a certificate of sponsorship from your employer, which includes details about your role, salary, and the training program.
Application Submission:
- Complete the online visa application form, pay the application fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Biometrics:
- Submit biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application center
Supporting Documents:
- Provide necessary documents such as a valid passport, proof of employment and training program, financial evidence (if needed), and other relevant documents (UK Visa Blog) (Global Citizen Solutions) .
Duration and Extensions:
- Initial Duration: The visa is typically granted for a maximum of one year.
- Extensions: The visa cannot be extended beyond one year.
Conditions and Restrictions:
- Dependants: Visa holders can bring family members (spouse/partner and children under 18) with them.
- Work Restrictions: The visa holder can only work for their sponsor in the job described in their certificate of sponsorship.
- No Public Funds: Visa holders cannot access public funds.
Key Benefits:
- Facilitates the transfer of graduate employees to the UK for training, helping businesses to develop future leaders and specialists.
- Supports international businesses in integrating their global operations and developing a skilled workforce.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions):
The Graduate Trainee Visa, part of the Global Business Mobility route, allows you to come to or stay in the UK to work for your employer in their UK branch. Your job must be part of a graduate training programme for a managerial or specialist role.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To qualify for a Graduate Trainee Visa, you must:
- Be an existing employee of an organisation approved by the Home Office as a sponsor.
- Have worked for your sponsor outside the UK for at least 3 months immediately before you apply.
- Have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer with details about the work you will do in the UK.
- Do a job that is on the list of eligible occupations.
- Be paid at least £25,410 per year.
The costs associated with the Graduate Trainee Visa are:
- Application fee: £298 per person.
- Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year.
- Proof of funds: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK.
You can stay in the UK for the shorter of:
- The time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days (about 2 weeks).
- 12 months.
No, you cannot extend a Graduate Trainee Visa. However, you can apply for another Graduate Trainee Visa from outside the UK.
Yes, your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants if they are eligible. They will also need to pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge.
You must apply online from outside the UK. As part of your application, you will need to prove your identity and provide your documents. You will usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
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