GTI can sponsor UK visa applications for international students looking to join internship programmes in the UK.
GTI holds an ‘A rated’ Government Authorised Exchange Sponsor Licence which permits us to assign Sponsorship Reference Numbers on behalf of UK employers and provide ongoing visa sponsorship management during the internship.
Formerly known as the ‘Tier 5 Intern Scheme’, we have operated this Government Authorised Exchange scheme since 2010.
Employers need to be approved by GTI and agree to meet the rules of the scheme before sponsorship can be agreed.
Get in touchEmployers need to be approved by GTI and agree to meet the rules of the scheme before sponsorship can be agreed.
During an initial set-up phase, employers complete an application form and participate in a meeting with GTI to discuss requirements. They will be expected to supply details of their organisational structure, internship programme, HR policies and procedures and submit to background checks before accepting terms & conditions and being approved to join the scheme.
Once approved to join the scheme, employers can request Certificates of Sponsorship for their interns as and when they run their internships.
Interns will need to make their Government Authorised Exchange visa applications directly to the Home Office before they can start work in the UK.
During the internship, employers will be expected to meet set record-keeping and reporting duties in order to maintain their intern’s continued UK work permission.
The initial employer assessment and set up with GTI can typically be completed within 1-2 weeks and is contingent on availability for the registration meeting.
Requests for Sponsorship Reference Numbers can typically be returned within 3 working days of receipt of the completed request form and all supporting documents required.
Interns can submit visa applications to the Home Office within 3 months of the internship start date. The Home Office target a turnaround of 15 working days for applications made overseas and 8 weeks for applications made within the UK.
The Sponsorship Reference Number fee for an internship of less than 6 months is £750+VAT, or for an internship of 6 months or more is £850+VAT.
A one-time fee for a new employer to join the scheme is £250+VAT and is only payable if a Sponsorship Reference Number is assigned on your behalf.
Visa application fees will be payable by the Intern to the Home Office when they submit their visa application.
In order to join the scheme, employers should register via the application form.
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