UK Government Authorised Exchange visa for internships and training

You need a certificate of sponsorship or sponsorship reference from a licensed sponsor: an organisation running an approved exchange scheme listed by the Home Office, a higher education institution for sponsored researchers, visiting academics or examiners, or a government department or agency. The placement must relate to the sponsor’s work, follow minimum wage and working time rules, and be work experience, training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or a fellowship.

You must hold at least £1,270 for 28 consecutive days, unless the sponsor certifies it will cover your living costs on your certificate or you have been in the UK with a visa for 12 months. The visa fee is £340 and the health surcharge £1,035 for each year.

Apply online up to 3 months before the start date with the reference from your sponsor, prove your identity, and await a decision, usually within 3 weeks.

You can enter up to 14 days before the placement starts and stay 14 days after it ends, within the visa dates. You may study, do a second job for up to 20 hours a week, and also a job on the Immigration Salary List for up to 20 hours a week. You cannot take a permanent job or claim public funds.

If the application is refused you can usually ask for an administrative review within 28 days of the decision if you were outside the UK (14 days inside) where you think UKVI made a caseworking error; it costs £80 and the result usually takes 28 days or more. You can also simply make a fresh application.