Global Business Mobility Visa for Graduate Trainees
Graduate Trainee Visa
The Graduate Trainee Visa falls under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route, a UK immigration framework made up of five visa categories that support overseas companies in establishing a UK presence or transferring staff to their UK operations.
This visa is designed specifically for international employees who are part of a structured graduate training programme. The programme must be aimed at preparing candidates for senior management or specialist roles and must include a mandatory UK-based placement as an essential part of the training.
The Graduate Trainee Visa has replaced the former Intra-Company Graduate Trainee visa and comes with updated conditions. Successful applicants are permitted to work only in their approved training role in the UK and cannot take up any second job. However, they are allowed to carry out voluntary work and pursue additional studies alongside their primary training role.
If you are not enrolled in a graduate training programme, you may still be eligible to work in your employer’s UK office through an alternative GBM route, such as the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, which is suitable for experienced professionals transferring to the UK.
Why Choose UK Visas?
UK Visas is a trusted and established immigration advisory firm, specialising in UK visa services for businesses, education providers, and individuals worldwide. With in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws and ever-evolving Home Office policies, we provide accurate, reliable, and up-to-date guidance for every type of visa application.
Our experienced immigration experts manage the entire visa process on your behalf—from assessing your eligibility and preparing documentation to submitting your application and handling follow-ups with the Home Office. This ensures that your application is completed correctly, efficiently, and with the highest chance of success.
By choosing UK Visas, you gain a dedicated support team that prioritises your career goals, education plans, or business expansion. We remove stress, save your time, and give you the confidence to move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria for the Graduate Trainee Visa
To be eligible for a UK Graduate Trainee Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a current employee of an organisation that is approved by the UK Home Office as a licensed sponsor.
- You must have worked for your sponsoring employer outside the UK for a minimum of three months. However, as outlined in the proposed 2025 Immigration White Paper, this requirement may increase to 12 months, unless the applicant earns £73,900 or more per year, in which case the requirement may be waived.
- You must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your employer, clearly detailing your intended role in the UK.
- Your job role must appear on the official list of eligible occupations.
- You must receive a minimum annual salary of £24,220. Please note that salary thresholds across Global Business Mobility visa routes are currently under review as part of ongoing immigration reforms.
- You must apply from outside the UK, as switching into this visa category from within the UK is not permitted.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
The Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record issued by your sponsoring employer, not a physical certificate. It confirms your job offer and eligibility for sponsorship.
Applicants must ensure that they:
- Use the unique reference number from their CoS when submitting their visa application.
- Submit their visa application within three months of receiving the CoS.
- Confirm that their employer holds a valid UK sponsor licence. If not, the employer must apply for and secure a licence before sponsoring any employees under this route.
Application Fees and Processing Times
The current application fee for the Graduate Trainee Visa is £298. However, under the proposed changes outlined in the 2025 Immigration White Paper, visa fees may increase and are expected to range between £284 and £1,235, depending on visa length and individual circumstances.
Once you have submitted your application, completed identity verification, and provided all required supporting documents, you can usually expect a decision within three weeks.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this visa cannot be extended, and switching into this category from within the UK is not permitted. Applicants must leave the UK and apply under a different eligible visa route if they wish to continue their stay.
At present, applicants must have worked for their sponsoring employer outside the UK for at least three months. However, proposed changes under the 2025 Immigration White Paper suggest this may increase to 12 months, unless the applicant earns £73,900 or more per year, in which case the requirement may be waived.
No, this visa does not directly lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Applicants who wish to settle in the UK must switch to a qualifying long-term visa route.
No, secondary employment is not permitted under this visa route. However, voluntary work and academic study may be allowed, provided they do not interfere with your main sponsored role.
Yes, your employer must be approved by the UK Home Office and hold a valid sponsor licence to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for this visa category.
