It allows international graduates to gain work experience, share knowledge and best practises, and experience British social and cultural life. The Tier 5 GAE visa is normally granted for 12 months and can be extended for up to two years in the UK. Employees gain valuable professional and life experience while employers hire the best candidates from abroad, evaluate their performance, and hire them permanently. Prior to the UK government reintroducing the graduate immigration route, this was the most popular post-study work experience option for international graduates.
GAE INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS
A sponsoring body issues Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to individuals who meet the criteria for the Tier 5 GAE scheme. The criteria for each scheme varies, but some common post-study internship requirements are listed below.
- The placement cannot last more than 12 months.
- The intern must have a degree or be studying towards one.
- The internship role must be supernumerary and not fall under Tier 2 (General), avoiding any impact on the UK Resident Labour Market.
- The internship must be full-time, and the terms and conditions must comply with the National Minimum Wage Act and all other applicable laws.
- The intern must be over 18.
- Company, charity, or government department must be UK registered.
- Work performed by the Intern must be at NVQ Level 3 or higher.
- The Employer providing the internship must have the financial and human resources to support and supervise the Intern.
- Employers in Agriculture, Hospitality, or Care are not eligible.
- Internships directly related to degrees completed by international students studying in the UK are eligible for switch.Applicants must also have £945 in savings for 90 days prior to application. In addition, if the applicant’s A-rated sponsor certifies the maintenance.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Applicants must have an internship offer from a UK firm. If the Internship is approved, we will determine which scheme it best fits into. We will then advise the employer on which sponsor/ scheme to join. With the employer and applicant’s help, we can finalise the GAE registration with the overarching sponsor. Assisting the employer/intern in obtaining the certificate of sponsorship and submitting the Tier 5 GAE application.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
We have assisted many international graduates and their employers in registering for the GAE programme through Lemian & T Solicitors’s immigration lawyers. Overarching sponsors are another area of expertise for Lemian & T Solicitors. We are a multi-award winning law firm because we are approachable, innovative, and go the extra mile for our clients. All members of our Immigration team are committed to providing our clients with straightforward advice.