The Graduate Trainee visa enables overseas employees to undertake a UK placement within a structured graduate training programme leading to a managerial or specialist role. It is separate from the Graduate visa available after eligible UK study.

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At a glance

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Sponsorship: Required from the linked UK business.

Where to apply: Outside the UK.

Length of stay: Up to 12 months, subject to the CoS and cumulative limits.

Extension: Not available from inside the UK.

English: No route-specific English language requirement.

Settlement: No direct route.

Dependants: Eligible partners and children may apply.

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Main eligibility requirements

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You must be at least 18 and an existing overseas employee of the sponsor group. You must have worked for the overseas business for at least three months immediately before applying.

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Your UK placement must form part of a genuine, structured graduate training programme leading to a managerial or specialist position.

 

The role must have an eligible occupation code, appropriate sponsorship and the required salary.

You must also meet maintenance and suitability requirements, with TB or ATAS evidence where applicable.

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Salary and maintenance

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The current minimum is normally £27,300 a year and 70% of the occupation's going rate, whichever is higher. Certain healthcare and education occupations require the full applicable going rate instead of the 70% rate.

You normally need £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days before application, unless an eligible sponsor certifies maintenance. Dependants may require additional funds. Visa fees and the healthcare surcharge normally apply.

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Length of stay and conditions

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Permission is limited to the shorter of 12 months or the assignment period on the CoS plus 14 days. Previous permission on GBM and relevant intra-company routes counts towards the overall five-years-in-six limit.

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You cannot switch into this route or extend it from within the UK. A further overseas application requires the relevant overseas employment and other conditions to be met again. You cannot take a second job.

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Evidence commonly required

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Passport; CoS; structured training plan; overseas employment records and payslips; assignment and salary details; and any required maintenance, TB, ATAS and family evidence.

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Application process

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The employer confirms the programme and UK placement, assigns the CoS and supplies the supporting evidence. You then apply from outside the UK and complete the required identity checks.

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Common issues

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An ordinary graduate-level vacancy is not enough. The placement must be part of a qualifying training programme, and the three-month overseas employment requirement must be met.

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Frequently asked questions

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Must I have graduated from a UK university?

No. This is an employer-sponsored training route, not a UK post-study visa.

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Can I remain permanently through this route?

It does not lead directly to settlement. Another immigration route may become available if you meet its separate requirements.