This visa route, previously known as Tier 5 (GAE), is now the Government Authorised Exchange (Temporary Work) (GAE) visa.
For all international visits, the International Visitor Code of Practice must be followed by each school/department to ensure the appropriate visitor category is used for each visit. The GAE visa applies to Sponsored Researchers (funded research projects) and Visiting Researchers.
The Government Authorised Exchange visa (Temporary Work) is designed for non-UK/Irish nationals participating in approved schemes that facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices. As a Higher Education Institution, the University is authorised to sponsor 'researchers' (including academics, scientists, engineers, and other skilled research technology specialists) under this visa for a maximum period of 2 years to engage in the following activities:
- A formal research project or collaboration*
- A period of work-based training/work experience/internship/placement
- Skill development/knowledge transfer
- A series of lectures, which doesn’t amount to a formal teaching post*
- External examinations*
* Visits of 6 months or less which involve these activities can now be accommodated under the Standard Visitor (business category) visa route.
The complete criteria for the Sponsored Researcher Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) scheme can be found here.
GAE visa eligibility
Engagement with individuals under the above activities is subject to strict guidelines:
- The activities must not constitute a ‘genuine vacancy’, meaning they should exceed the school/department’s or institution’s usual staffing needs, and the position should not be automatically refilled upon the individual’s departure.
- The work must comply with UK employment laws, and any funding or salary provided must meet UK National Minimum Wage (NMW) requirements*.
- The work must be skilled to at least Level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (equivalent to ‘A Level’ and above).
* Individuals participating in work shadowing, work experience or internships may be exempt from the National Minimum Wage due to specific legislative exemptions. Further details are available here. Erasmus+ funded individuals are also exempt from the UK NMW requirement.
The individual:
- May receive funding from the University, their overseas employer, or an independent UK or non-UK funding body
- Can be employed by the University, if necessary
- Does not need to be employed overseas to qualify for sponsorship under this scheme
- May receive funding on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis, or as a lump sum, but cannot be self-funded (eg from savings, loans, pensions, or borrowed money)
- May undertake supplementary work, but is not allowed to volunteer
Other requirements
Finance/maintenance
For GAE applicants, the faculty/department can certify that, if necessary, it will provide maintenance and accommodation for the visitor (and their dependants if desired) for up to the end of the first month of each grant of permission.
What does it mean in practice?
This is not a commitment to provide financial support; it simply exempts the applicant from submitting bank statement with their application. However, if you agree to this and it becomes necessary, you will need to provide the following funds:
- The following minimum funds must be held and evidenced in a bank or savings account for at least 28 days:
- Main applicant: £1,270
- Spouse/partner: £285
- First child: £315
- Each additional child: £200
Family members
Family members of a GAE visa holder may work if they accompany or join the visa holder in the UK, provided they have the appropriate visa. Note that family members on a Standard Visitor visa are not permitted to work.
Applying for a GAE visa
The individual must first contact the school/department to confirm the appropriate visitor visa category using the International Visitor Code of Practice. The school/department is responsible for approving the visit and providing an invitation letter if required.
The HR Staff Immigration Team is responsible for issuing the Certificate of Sponsorships (CoS) for GAE visas. Please note that a CoS will only be issued after a valid ATAS certificate is obtained (if required) and can be issued no more than three months before the visitor’s start date at the University.
To apply for a GAE visa, the visitor should complete the following online form which is submitted to the HR Staff Immigration Team
Please attach the following documents to the online form:
- Passport and any previous UK visas
- A copy of your highest qualification certificate (PhD, Masters, or Degree)
- Invitation letter from your University of Nottingham supervisor, stating your job title as ‘Sponsored Researcher’, the research period (matching the funding dates), and the research project’s title or focus
- Funding letter from the institution sponsoring your research in the UK, detailing the funding body, the total amount, payment frequency (one lump sum or monthly), and confirmation that it meets UK National Minimum Wage requirements if applicable
- If you continue receiving a salary from your current employer while in the UK, provide a letter confirming the salary amount and payment dates
The HR Staff Immigration Team will send all GAE visa Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) recipients a list of FAQs covering the visa application process, via email with the CoS.
Applicants inside the UK must apply for their new visa before their current one expires, as failure to do so will jeopardise their ability to continue their visit at the University.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requirement
International researchers who are applying for a GAE visa who meet the eligibility criteria* must obtained an ATAS certificate before submitting their visa application. The ATAS requirement applies only to certain nationalities and specific roles or research fields.
During the ATAS application process, the researcher must provide details about their research program, including the relevant ‘CAH3’ code.
For further guidance on the ATAS scheme and making an application, please see:
Sponsor duties
To maintain a sponsor licence, the University must comply with UK government requirements. For full details, please refer to our Sponsor Duties web page.
Right to Work
The Home Office ‘online right to work’ service is available for Government Authorised Exchange (temporary work) (GAE) visa holders.
The standard right to work process will apply for these visa holders as found here.
Fees
A GAE CoS costs the school/department £25.
The individual is responsible for paying the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, with the total cost varying based on the duration of the engagement.
Last edited Sep 18, 2024