Question 1

What is the purpose of the Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility)?

Accepted Answer

The Graduate Trainee visa is designed for employees of multinational companies who are participating in structured graduate training programs. It allows them to be transferred to a UK branch to gain international work experience and develop skills leading to a senior management or specialist position.

Question 2

What is the first step I should take when applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

The initial step is to secure a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based employer who is a licensed Home Office-approved organization. This sponsor must confirm your role is part of a structured graduate training program requiring transfer to the UK. Without this sponsorship, you cannot proceed with your application.

Question 3

Who qualifies as a licensed sponsor for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

A licensed sponsor is an organization that holds a valid UK sponsor license. This means they have been approved by the UK Home Office to sponsor employees for visas, confirming their capability to manage the sponsorship and meet legal responsibilities.

Question 4

How can I demonstrate my English language proficiency for the visa application?

Accepted Answer

You can prove your English language proficiency by providing evidence of a degree taught in English, passing an approved English language test at CEFR Level B1, or being a national from a majority English-speaking country. The test must be taken with an approved provider and results submitted with your application.

Question 5

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 provided by your employer that confirms you are eligible for sponsorship. Your employer must issue the CoS within three months before your visa application, and it must be included in your visa application.

Question 6

What are the specific document requirements for the Graduate Trainee visa application?

Accepted Answer

You will need your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, proof of English language proficiency, evidence of sufficient personal savings unless your sponsor certifies maintenance, a valid passport, and any previous travel history documents if applicable. Ensure all documents are originals or certified copies.

Question 7

What is the minimum salary requirement for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

The minimum salary requirement is £25,000 or the 'going rate' for your specific job role, whichever is higher. The 'going rate' is determined by the occupation code relevant to your job.

Question 8

What is the typical processing time for a Graduate Trainee visa application?

Accepted Answer

The processing time for a Graduate Trainee visa is generally around 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK. However, it is advisable to check for any updates on processing times as they may vary based on current workloads and external factors.

Question 9

What defines a structured graduate training program?

Accepted Answer

A structured graduate training program is a formal scheme that includes training and development activities, designed to prepare employees for managerial or specialist roles. It typically involves rotations through different departments and international transfer opportunities.

Question 10

Can I apply for the Graduate Trainee visa while already in the UK on another visa?

Accepted Answer

No, you must apply for the Graduate Trainee visa from outside the UK. This visa route is specifically for those transferring temporarily as part of a structured graduate training program from overseas to a UK branch.

Question 11

How much work experience is required before applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

You should typically have at least one year of work experience with your sponsoring employer outside the UK. This experience ensures you are well-prepared for the training and development opportunities in the UK.

Question 12

What is the cost associated with applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for the Graduate Trainee visa is £259. Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £624 per year of your stay. These fees are payable at the time of application submission.

Question 13

Are there any English language requirements for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

Unlike other UK visas, there is no mandatory language test for the Graduate Trainee visa. However, proficiency might be implied through your employment requirements, as you need to effectively engage in the training program.

Question 14

Does this visa route lead to UK settlement or permanent residency?

Accepted Answer

The Graduate Trainee visa does not lead directly to settlement or permanent residency in the UK. It is designed for temporary assignments and professional development within a global business strategy.

Question 15

What financial requirements must be met for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

You must demonstrate that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while in the UK. This typically involves showing you have at least £1,270 available, unless your sponsor can cover your costs during your first month in the UK.

Question 16

What happens if my Certificate of Sponsorship details are incorrect?

Accepted Answer

If there are errors in your Certificate of Sponsorship, you should immediately contact your sponsor to correct and reissue it. Incorrect details can lead to delays or refusal of your visa application. Ensure all information matches your application documents.

Question 17

How long does the application process for the Graduate Trainee visa take?

Accepted Answer

The standard processing time for the Graduate Trainee visa is approximately three weeks if applying from outside the UK. However, delays can occur, so applying well in advance of your planned start date is advisable.

Question 18

What should I do if my visa application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your application is refused, you can apply for an administrative review if you believe there was a mistake in the decision. Alternatively, you may address the reasons for refusal and reapply. It is advisable to seek professional legal advice to strengthen your application.

Question 19

What are the costs associated with applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for the Graduate Trainee visa is £259. Additionally, you must pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £624 per year. Additional costs may include biometric appointments or translation of documents.

Question 20

Can I switch employers while on a Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot switch employers on a Graduate Trainee visa. The visa is tied to your sponsoring employer and specific training program. Any change in employment would require a new visa application under an eligible category.

Question 21

Can I switch to the Graduate Trainee visa from another visa category within the UK?

Accepted Answer

Switching to the Graduate Trainee visa from within the UK is generally not permitted. You must apply from outside the UK. If you are already in the UK, you may need to return to your home country to apply.

Question 22

How does my sponsor certify maintenance, and what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

If your sponsor certifies maintenance, it means they confirm they will support you financially for your initial period in the UK. This must be clearly stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship, relieving you from showing personal savings evidence.

Question 23

What should I do if my visa application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your application is refused, you will receive a refusal notice explaining why. You may be able to appeal the decision or apply for an administrative review if you believe a mistake was made. Consulting an immigration lawyer may be beneficial.

Question 24

What is considered part of 'ongoing training' in the context of this visa?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing training refers to being actively enrolled in a structured graduate training program, which is part of your career progression within the company. This program should be clearly outlined in your Certificate of Sponsorship as necessary for your transfer to the UK.

Question 25

Can my family join me in the UK on the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your dependents, including a spouse or partner and children under 18, can apply to join you in the UK on this visa route. They will need to meet specific eligibility criteria and pay the relevant application fees and healthcare surcharge.

Question 26

Can I bring dependents with me under the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can bring dependents, such as your partner and children, with you to the UK under this visa. They will need to apply separately and pay the relevant visa and health surcharge fees. You must also demonstrate financial means to support them.

Question 27

What happens after my Graduate Trainee visa expires?

Accepted Answer

Once your Graduate Trainee visa expires, you must leave the UK unless you have applied and been granted a different visa. The Graduate Trainee visa is typically not extendable or convertible into settlement options.

Question 28

What should I do if my role changes within the company during my stay in the UK?

Accepted Answer

If your role changes significantly, you must inform the Home Office and potentially apply for a new visa if the change affects the conditions of your Certificate of Sponsorship. Always consult with your sponsor to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.

Question 29

Can I work for other employers while in the UK on the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

You are only allowed to work for your sponsoring employer while on the Graduate Trainee visa. However, you may undertake voluntary work or additional paid work of up to 20 hours per week in a job within the same occupation code as your primary job.

Question 30

How do I prove my educational background for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Accepted Answer

You need to provide evidence of your qualification, such as degree certificates or transcripts, demonstrating your participation in the graduate training program. These documents should align with the information provided by your sponsor in your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility) FAQ

Featured Questions

What is the purpose of the Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility)?General00

What is the purpose of the Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility)?

What is the first step I should take when applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?Application Process0

What is the first step I should take when applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Application Process Questions

What is the first step I should take when applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?00

What is the first step I should take when applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?

How can I demonstrate my English language proficiency for the visa application?

How can I demonstrate my English language proficiency for the visa application?

Documents Questions

What are the specific document requirements for the Graduate Trainee visa application?00

What are the specific document requirements for the Graduate Trainee visa application?

Costs Questions

What is the cost associated with applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?00

What is the cost associated with applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?

What are the costs associated with applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?0

What are the costs associated with applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Timeline Questions

What is the typical processing time for a Graduate Trainee visa application?00

What is the typical processing time for a Graduate Trainee visa application?

How long does the application process for the Graduate Trainee visa take?0

How long does the application process for the Graduate Trainee visa take?

After Application Questions

What happens after my Graduate Trainee visa expires?00

What happens after my Graduate Trainee visa expires?

General Questions

What is the purpose of the Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility)?00

What is the purpose of the Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility)?

Who qualifies as a licensed sponsor for the Graduate Trainee visa?0

Who qualifies as a licensed sponsor for the Graduate Trainee visa?

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Who qualifies as a licensed sponsor for the Graduate Trainee visa?General00

Who qualifies as a licensed sponsor for the Graduate Trainee visa?

How can I demonstrate my English language proficiency for the visa application?Application Process00

How can I demonstrate my English language proficiency for the visa application?

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 specific document requirements for the Graduate Trainee visa application?Documents00

What are the specific document requirements for the Graduate Trainee visa application?

What is the minimum salary requirement for the Graduate Trainee visa?General00

What is the minimum salary requirement for the Graduate Trainee visa?

What is the typical processing time for a Graduate Trainee visa application?Timeline00

What is the typical processing time for a Graduate Trainee visa application?

What defines a structured graduate training program?General00

What defines a structured graduate training program?

Can I apply for the Graduate Trainee visa while already in the UK on another visa?Application Process00

Can I apply for the Graduate Trainee visa while already in the UK on another visa?

Can I apply for the Graduate Trainee visa while already in the UK on another visa?00

Can I apply for the Graduate Trainee visa while already in the UK on another visa?

How much work experience is required before applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?00

How much work experience is required before applying for the Graduate Trainee visa?

What should I do if my visa application is refused?00

What should I do if my visa application is refused?

What should I do if my visa application is refused?00

What should I do if my visa application is refused?

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 is the minimum salary requirement for the Graduate Trainee visa?00

What is the minimum salary requirement for the Graduate Trainee visa?

What defines a structured graduate training program?00

What defines a structured graduate training program?

Are there any English language requirements for the Graduate Trainee visa?00

Are there any English language requirements for the Graduate Trainee visa?

Does this visa route lead to UK settlement or permanent residency?00

Does this visa route lead to UK settlement or permanent residency?

What financial requirements must be met for the Graduate Trainee visa?00

What financial requirements must be met for the Graduate Trainee visa?

What happens if my Certificate of Sponsorship details are incorrect?00

What happens if my Certificate of Sponsorship details are incorrect?

Can I switch employers while on a Graduate Trainee visa?00

Can I switch employers while on a Graduate Trainee visa?

Can I switch to the Graduate Trainee visa from another visa category within the UK?00

Can I switch to the Graduate Trainee visa from another visa category within the UK?

How does my sponsor certify maintenance, and what does it mean?00