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Temporary Worker – Government Authorized Exchange (Tier 5)
Overview: Want to work, train, or share skills in the UK for a short time? The Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange (Tier 5) visa lets you join approved schemes for cultural exchange, research, or training. It’s a flexible way to gain experience and explore life in the UK.
The government authorized exchange category is for people going to the UK, through approved schemes that aim to share knowledge, experience and best practice, and to experience the social and cultural life of the UK. This category must not be used to fill job vacancies or to bring unskilled labour to the UK.
Requirements
Applicants need:
- a sponsor (the overarching body) and
- a valid certificate of sponsorship
The sponsor must be an overarching body who manages the government authorized exchange scheme and has the support of a UK government department.
Individual employers and organizations are not allowed to sponsor migrants in this category, even if they are licensed as sponsors under other tiers or other categories of Tier 5. The only exceptions to this are for people going to the UK.
- as a sponsored researcher, where the higher education institution in the UK can be the sponsor
- to work for a government department or agency
The applicant’s work must be skilled (equivalent to the UK’s NVQ or SVQ level 3 or above), unless he/she is taking part in the scheme set up as part of the European Union’s lifelong learning programme, which allows vocational education and training at a lower skill level.
Successful applicants may stay in the UK for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the scheme and the length of time shown on the certificate of sponsorship.
Take Away Points
🌍 Gain valuable UK work experience in a cultural exchange setting.
📄 Requires a licensed sponsor to issue your Certificate of Sponsorship.
🕒 Stay for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on your scheme.
💼 Ideal for training, research, or short-term professional development.
✈️ Return home with enhanced skills and global connections.