Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) temporary work visa

The Government Authorised Exchange (Temporary Work) visa, known as the GAE visa, allows non-UK and non-Irish nationals to come to the UK through an approved scheme that promotes the sharing of knowledge, experience and best practice.

As a Higher Education Institution, the University can use the GAE route to host sponsored researchers. This includes academics, researchers, scientists, research engineers, and other skilled research or technology specialists who are hosted in a supernumerary role.

GAE visa holders can come to the UK for a maximum of two years to carry out the following activities:

• a formal research project or collaboration (see note below)
• a period of work-based training, work experience, internship or placement
• skill development or knowledge transfer
• a series of lectures that does not amount to a formal teaching post or fill an advertised position (see note below)
• external examinations (see note below)

Note: visits of six months or less involving these activities may also be undertaken under the visitor visa routes.

The University can sponsor a Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa holder to undertake one of the permitted activities only if the following conditions are met by both the University and the individual.

The activities or work

The activities or work must meet these requirements:

• must never amount to a genuine vacancy, as the tasks must be in addition to the School or professional services unit’s normal staffing requirements and cannot fill a permanent or temporary role
• any funding or salary received must meet UK National Minimum Wage requirements
• must be skilled to at least Level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework, which includes all academic research and teaching tasks

The individual

The individual must also meet the following conditions:

• may be funded by the University, an overseas employer, an overseas university, 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 be eligible for sponsorship under this scheme
• will receive funding on a weekly, monthly or annual basis, or in one lump sum, but cannot be self-funded (funding from savings, loans or family and friends is not acceptable)

Financial requirement

For GAE visa holders, the University will certify that, if necessary, it will support the visitor and any dependants until the end of the first month of their visa.

This is not a commitment to provide financial support. It simply means that the applicant does not need to submit bank statements with their application. However, it is the visitor's responsibility to arrange accommodation for their stay in the UK and only when exceptional circumstances prevent this from happening will the University assist.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requirement

International researchers applying for a GAE visa must obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before submitting their visa application.

The ATAS requirement applies only to certain nationalities and in specific roles or research fields. More information is available on the ATAS webpage.

Family members of Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa holders can work in the UK if:

• they are accompanying or joining the visa holder
• they have obtained the correct visa to do so

Any visitor coming to the University through the Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange route must be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This will be arranged by the HR Immigration Team.

Apply before your current visa expires

If the visitor is applying from inside the UK, they must apply for their new visa before their existing visa expires. Failure to do so will affect their ability to continue their visit at the University.

Responsibilities of the host and visitor

The host and the visitor are jointly responsible for contacting the HR Immigration Team to start the visa process.

Information required

The following information must be provided:

• visitors' personal details
• dates of visit
• duties or area of research
• details of any funding arrangements to support the visit

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The University is licensed to offer a limited number of Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Certificates of Sponsorship each year. Once the information above has been received, the HR Immigration Team will assess whether this is the appropriate visa route.

The CoS will be issued no more than three months before the intended date of arrival. Once it is issued, the visitor is responsible for obtaining the relevant visa or entry clearance.

Right to work check

The visitor must contact HR upon arrival in the UK so that a right to work check can be carried out in line with immigration requirements.

Covered by the University

Human Resources will cover the cost of the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Covered by the individual

The individual is responsible for:

• paying the visa fee
• paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The total cost will depend on the length of the proposed stay in the UK.