Question 1

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record generated by your UK sponsor, outlining the details of your work or training program. To obtain one, you must be accepted into a government-authorized exchange program. Your sponsor will provide you with a unique reference number, which you need to include in your visa application.

Question 2

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain it?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique reference number issued by your UK sponsor, who must be a licensed organisation running a government-authorised exchange scheme. Your sponsor will provide this after confirming your eligibility and role within their programme. Ensure that the CoS outlines the role’s start and end date, which should not exceed the duration specific to your exchange scheme.

Question 3

What are the maintenance fund requirements for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your visa application. Alternatively, if your sponsor is A-rated, they may certify your maintenance, meaning they can assure the UK Home Office that they will provide financial support.

Question 4

How much are the maintenance funds required and how can I prove them?

Accepted Answer

You need to show you have at least £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your application. Bank statements or a letter from your bank confirming your funds are typical proofs. Ensure your name, account number, and the bank’s details are included, and the documents are in English or translated if necessary.

Question 5

Do I need to prove my English language proficiency for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no English language requirement for the Government Authorised Exchange visa. This makes it accessible to a wider range of applicants from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Question 6

Is there a minimum salary requirement for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

There is no explicit minimum salary threshold for this visa category. However, the role should offer adequate remuneration to cover your living expenses in the UK. This typically varies depending on the nature of your exchange programme, so confirm with your sponsor what is considered sufficient.

Question 7

How long can I stay in the UK with a Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

The visa is typically valid for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the specific exchange program and what is stated in your Certificate of Sponsorship. It is not designed for long-term settlement in the UK.

Question 8

Do I need to meet any English language requirements for this visa?

Accepted Answer

No formal English language requirement exists for the Government Authorised Exchange visa. However, it is essential to have a level of proficiency sufficient to perform your intended role effectively, as this may be assessed informally by your sponsor or during the visa interview.

Question 9

What documents do I need to submit with my Government Authorised Exchange visa application?

Accepted Answer

Essential documents include your valid passport, Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, evidence of maintenance funds, and a criminal record certificate if applicable. Check specific requirements for any additional documents based on your circumstances.

Question 10

What is the application fee for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for the Government Authorised Exchange visa is £259. Be aware that this fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied, so ensure all your documents and information are accurate and complete before applying.

Question 11

What fees are associated with applying for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for the Government Authorised Exchange visa is £259. Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £624 per year of your stay.

Question 12

How long does it take to process the Government Authorised Exchange visa application?

Accepted Answer

Processing generally takes around three weeks. However, it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date, as processing times can vary depending on the time of year and the volume of applications received.

Question 13

How long does it typically take to process the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

Visa processing usually takes around 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK. It's advisable to apply well in advance to account for any delays or additional information requests.

Question 14

Can I switch to another visa category from the Government Authorised Exchange visa while in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot switch to another visa category while in the UK on a Government Authorised Exchange visa. You must leave the UK and apply for a new visa from your home country if you wish to change your visa status.

Question 15

Can I switch to a different visa category while in the UK on a Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot switch to another visa category while in the UK on a Government Authorised Exchange visa. If you wish to apply for a different visa, you must leave the UK and apply from your home country.

Question 16

What happens if my visa application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your application is refused, you’ll receive a letter explaining the reasons. While the application fee is non-refundable, you may have the option to request an administrative review or reapply, addressing the issues that led to the refusal.

Question 17

What happens if my Government Authorised Exchange visa application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. You may have the option to request an administrative review if you believe there has been an error in processing your application.

Question 18

Can I extend my stay under the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

You may be able to extend your stay if your initial CoS was issued for less than the maximum allowed duration and your sponsor agrees to extend your participation. However, the total stay must not exceed the maximum duration stipulated for your specific exchange scheme.

Question 19

Can my family members join me on a Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

Dependents, such as your spouse or children, can apply to join you in the UK. They must submit their own applications and meet the financial maintenance requirements to support themselves during their stay.

Question 20

Am I allowed to bring family members with me on this visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can bring dependents, such as your partner and children, with you. They must apply for visas as 'dependents of a Temporary Worker' and pay the relevant fees. Ensure you have sufficient funds to support them during your stay in the UK.

Question 21

Is it possible to extend my stay in the UK under the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

Extensions are generally not available under this visa category. You must leave the UK when your visa expires, unless you apply for a new type of visa from your home country.

Question 22

What should I do if my Certificate of Sponsorship details change after applying?

Accepted Answer

If there are changes to your CoS details after applying, contact UK Visas and Immigration immediately. Depending on the nature of the change, you may need a new CoS, or your sponsor may need to update the existing one. Prompt action helps avoid complications with your application.

Question 23

Can I work in any job while on the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

You can work only in the role specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship. Any additional work must comply with the conditions of your visa, and you should not take on permanent employment.

Question 24

Can I work a second job while in the UK on this visa?

Accepted Answer

You may take additional work in the same sector and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week. However, you cannot take a permanent position or work outside the conditions set in your CoS without prior permission.

Question 25

Is there an age limit for applicants of the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Accepted Answer

There is no age limit for applicants of this visa category. However, you must meet all other eligibility criteria, including having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.

Question 26

What kind of criminal record documentation is required for this visa?

Accepted Answer

You may be asked to provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. Ensure the document is translated into English if necessary and provides a comprehensive account of your criminal history, if applicable.

Question 27

Do I need a criminal record certificate for the Government Authorised Exchange visa application?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have lived in any country for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, you need to provide a criminal record certificate from that country as part of your application.

Question 28

Are there any restrictions on the type of work I can do under this visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you must only do the job described in your CoS. This visa does not allow for permanent employment or work outside the scope of your exchange scheme. Ensure your activities align with your sponsor’s programme to comply with visa conditions.

Question 29

What should I do if my sponsor withdraws their sponsorship after I receive my visa?

Accepted Answer

If your sponsor withdraws their sponsorship, your visa may be curtailed. You should contact the UK Visas and Immigration department immediately for guidance and explore other visa options if necessary.

Question 30

What should I do if my visa is nearing expiration but my exchange programme is still ongoing?

Accepted Answer

If your programme extends beyond your visa’s expiration, you must seek an extension before your current visa expires. Coordinate with your sponsor to update your CoS and submit your extension application promptly to avoid overstaying your visa.

Government Authorised Exchange visa (Temporary Work) FAQ

Featured Questions

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?General00

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain it?General00

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain it?

What are the maintenance fund requirements for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?General00

What are the maintenance fund requirements for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

How much are the maintenance funds required and how can I prove them?General00

How much are the maintenance funds required and how can I prove them?

Do I need to prove my English language proficiency for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?General00

Do I need to prove my English language proficiency for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Is there a minimum salary requirement for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?General00

Is there a minimum salary requirement for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

How long can I stay in the UK with a Government Authorised Exchange visa?Timeline00

How long can I stay in the UK with a Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Do I need to meet any English language requirements for this visa?General00

Do I need to meet any English language requirements for this visa?

What documents do I need to submit with my Government Authorised Exchange visa application?Documents00

What documents do I need to submit with my Government Authorised Exchange visa application?

What is the application fee for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?Costs & Fees00

What is the application fee for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Application Process Questions

What happens if my visa application is refused?00

What happens if my visa application is refused?

What happens if my Government Authorised Exchange visa application is refused?00

What happens if my Government Authorised Exchange visa application is refused?

Do I need a criminal record certificate for the Government Authorised Exchange visa application?00

Do I need a criminal record certificate for the Government Authorised Exchange visa application?

Documents Questions

What documents do I need to submit with my Government Authorised Exchange visa application?00

What documents do I need to submit with my Government Authorised Exchange visa application?

What kind of criminal record documentation is required for this visa?00

What kind of criminal record documentation is required for this visa?

Costs Questions

What is the application fee for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

What is the application fee for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

What fees are associated with applying for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

What fees are associated with applying for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Timeline Questions

How long can I stay in the UK with a Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

How long can I stay in the UK with a Government Authorised Exchange visa?

How long does it take to process the Government Authorised Exchange visa application?00

How long does it take to process the Government Authorised Exchange visa application?

How long does it typically take to process the Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

How long does it typically take to process the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

After Application Questions

What should I do if my Certificate of Sponsorship details change after applying?00

What should I do if my Certificate of Sponsorship details change after applying?

What should I do if my sponsor withdraws their sponsorship after I receive my visa?00

What should I do if my sponsor withdraws their sponsorship after I receive my visa?

General Questions

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain it?00

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain it?

What are the maintenance fund requirements for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

What are the maintenance fund requirements for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

How much are the maintenance funds required and how can I prove them?00

How much are the maintenance funds required and how can I prove them?

Do I need to prove my English language proficiency for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

Do I need to prove my English language proficiency for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Is there a minimum salary requirement for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

Is there a minimum salary requirement for the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Do I need to meet any English language requirements for this visa?00

Do I need to meet any English language requirements for this visa?

Can I switch to another visa category from the Government Authorised Exchange visa while in the UK?00

Can I switch to another visa category from the Government Authorised Exchange visa while in the UK?

Can I switch to a different visa category while in the UK on a Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

Can I switch to a different visa category while in the UK on a Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Can I extend my stay under the Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

Can I extend my stay under the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Can my family members join me on a Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

Can my family members join me on a Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Am I allowed to bring family members with me on this visa?00

Am I allowed to bring family members with me on this visa?

Is it possible to extend my stay in the UK under the Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

Is it possible to extend my stay in the UK under the Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Can I work in any job while on the Government Authorised Exchange visa?00

Can I work in any job while on the Government Authorised Exchange visa?