Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Visa
Temporary Worker Route
The Temporary Worker route covers specific categories of short-term workers whose presence in the UK contributes to cultural, charitable, or international objectives. This can include activities such as volunteering, job shadowing, or participating in exchange programmes.
This route was previously known as the ‘Tier 5’ category.
It includes a range of areas such as the creative sector, charity work, government-authorised exchange programmes, and seasonal work.
Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Category
The Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) route is designed for individuals coming to the UK for a period of up to 24 months under approved exchange schemes. These schemes aim to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, experience, and best practice through structured work, training, or research programmes.
As a higher education institution, the University of Glasgow is able to participate in the GAE route through the Sponsored Researcher Scheme. This scheme enables universities to host sponsored researchers in a supernumerary capacity.
Sponsored researchers may include academics, researchers, scientists, research engineers, or other skilled research and technology specialists. Individuals in this category are typically hosted by the University to undertake collaborative research, contribute to knowledge exchange, and support institutional research objectives, rather than to fill a substantive vacancy.
Eligibility Requirements
The Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) route enables individuals to come to the UK on a temporary basis to undertake research, training, work experience, or an overseas government language programme through an approved sponsorship scheme. The route is designed to support knowledge exchange, skills development and international collaboration, and is not intended to fill permanent vacancies or provide a pathway to long-term employment in the UK.
To be eligible for sponsorship under the GAE route, both the individual and the proposed role must meet specific criteria set by the Home Office. The key requirements are outlined below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | The role must be skilled to at least RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) and be listed within Appendix Skilled Occupations. |
| Supernumerary Role | The position must be additional to the organisation's normal staffing requirements and must not be used to fill a genuine vacancy. |
| Sponsored Researchers | Researchers must participate in an approved research, training or exchange programme supported by the relevant scheme operator. |
| Funding Requirements | Individuals must receive funding that meets or exceeds the applicable National Minimum Wage requirements. Self-funded arrangements are not permitted under this route. |
| Temporary Purpose | The placement must be temporary in nature and align with the objectives of the approved exchange programme. |
Please note that roles which do not meet the above requirements cannot be sponsored under the Government Authorised Exchange route. Where a proposed activity falls outside the scope of the scheme, an alternative immigration route may need to be considered.
A sponsored researcher’s funding must meet at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) requirements.
Funding is typically provided by an external source, such as an approved funding body or the researcher’s overseas employer. Researchers cannot rely on personal funds (e.g. savings).
Failure to meet these requirements will result in the researcher being ineligible for sponsorship under this route.
The Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Sponsored Researcher route is intended for academics, researchers and other highly skilled specialists who will be hosted by the University in a supernumerary role. Individuals sponsored under this route must be participating in a temporary research, training or knowledge-exchange activity that supports academic collaboration and professional development.
Sponsored researchers must not fill an existing vacancy and should be undertaking activities that are additional to the University's normal staffing requirements. The route is commonly used to facilitate international research partnerships, specialist training opportunities and the exchange of knowledge and expertise between institutions.
Examples of activities that may be suitable under the Sponsored Researcher route are outlined below:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Research Activities | Undertaking research projects, participating in research programmes, or contributing to formal research collaborations with University staff. |
| Academic Lectures | Delivering one or more guest lectures where this does not constitute a formal teaching post. |
| Examining Duties | Acting as an examiner or assessor. In some cases, the Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) route may be a suitable alternative. |
| Knowledge Transfer | Supporting the exchange of specialist skills, expertise and knowledge between institutions or organisations. |
| Training and Development | Undertaking a period of work-based training, work experience, internship or placement, subject to the requirements of the scheme. |
| Research Collaboration | Participating in formal academic or research collaborations with the University of Glasgow and external partner organisations. |
Individuals who may be eligible for sponsorship under this route include academics, researchers, scientists, research engineers and other skilled research or technical specialists who will be hosted by the University for a temporary and approved research-related purpose.
The Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) route cannot be used to bring unskilled labour to the UK.
To be eligible, the role must appear in Tables 1, 1a, 2, 2aa, 3 or 3a of Appendix Skilled Occupations, which generally represent roles at Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 3 or above, equivalent to A-levels or Scottish Highers.
If a role is not listed in these tables, it is not eligible for sponsorship under the GAE route.
A fundamental requirement of the Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) route is that all sponsored roles must be supernumerary. This means that the role must be additional to the University's normal staffing requirements and must exist solely for the purpose of the sponsored individual's programme, research activity, training or knowledge exchange.
The GAE route is designed to support temporary academic and professional development opportunities and must not be used to fill permanent or temporary vacancies. Individuals sponsored under this route should complement existing activities rather than replace members of staff or undertake duties that would ordinarily be carried out by a substantive employee.
The key characteristics of a supernumerary role are outlined below:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional to Staffing Levels | The role exists in addition to the University's normal staffing establishment and is not required to maintain routine operations. |
| Does Not Fill a Vacancy | The position must not be used to fill a permanent, temporary or vacant post within the organisation. |
| Does Not Replace Existing Staff | The individual must not undertake duties that would otherwise be carried out by an existing employee. |
| Temporary Purpose | The role should support a defined programme of research, training, work experience or knowledge exchange. |
| GAE Compliance | The role must meet all Government Authorised Exchange requirements and be suitable for sponsorship under the scheme. |
When assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), the University is required to confirm that the role is supernumerary and provide a clear explanation of how the role meets this requirement.
The following factors may indicate that a role is not genuinely supernumerary and may therefore be unsuitable for sponsorship under the GAE route:
| Potential Indicator | Reason for Concern |
|---|---|
| High salary levels | The role may be more appropriate for an alternative sponsored work route, such as Skilled Worker sponsorship. |
| Core staffing duties or | The role appears to form part of the University's regular workforce rather than an additional placement. |
| Excessive working hours | Working patterns exceed those typically associated with a temporary training, research or exchange opportunity. |
| Repeated similar placements | Regular use of similar roles may suggest the position is meeting an ongoing staffing need. |
Roles that do not satisfy the supernumerary requirement cannot be sponsored under the Government Authorised Exchange route. Where there is uncertainty regarding eligibility, departments should seek advice from the Staff UKVI Compliance Team before making arrangements for sponsorship.
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), administered by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), requires certain individuals subject to UK immigration control to obtain clearance before researching in sensitive subject areas.
These areas are those where knowledge could potentially contribute to the development of advanced military technologies or weapons systems. Non‑exempt researchers must therefore secure an ATAS certificate before starting their research in the UK.
The requirement to obtain an ATAS certificate applies to all relevant applications, including visa extensions, where the following conditions are met:
- Exempt National: The applicant is not an exempt national
- Applicable SOC Code: The role falls within a relevant SOC code
- ATAS-Categorised Subject Area: The role includes elements of research at PhD level or above in an ATAS‑relevant subject area
Where an ATAS certificate is required, the University will not assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) until the applicant has obtained the necessary ATAS clearance.
Nationals of certain countries are exempt from the requirement to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
This exemption applies to nationals of:
- Australia
- European Economic Area (EEA)
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Republic of Korea
- Singapore
- United States of America
Individuals from these countries do not need to apply for ATAS clearance when undertaking eligible study or research in the United Kingdom.
Certain roles at the University of Glasgow fall within the scope of the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) due to their involvement in advanced research within sensitive subject areas.
The following Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes are commonly associated with ATAS‑relevant roles:
- 2119 – Natural and Social Science Professionals (Not Elsewhere Classified)
- 2162 – Other Researchers (unspecified discipline)
- 2311 – Higher Education Teaching Professionals, such as Lecturers and Professors
Roles aligned to these SOC codes may require an ATAS certificate where they involve research at PhD level or above in subject areas subject to ATAS controls.
The University is committed to ensuring compliance with UKVI requirements and will advise applicants where ATAS clearance is required before employment or study can commence.
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Biological Sciences: |
Engineering: |
Mathematical and Computer Sciences: |
Medicine (and Allied Subjects): |
|---|---|---|---|
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CAH03-01-02 - Biology (non-specific) |
CAH10-01-01 - Engineering (non-specific) | CAH09-01-01 - Mathematics | CAH02-02-01 - Pharmacology |
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CAH03-01-03 - Ecology and Environmental Biology |
CAH10-01-07 - Civil Engineering | CAH09-01-02 - Operational Research | CAH02-02-02 - Toxicology |
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CAH03-01-06 - Zoology |
CAH10-01-02 - Mechanical Engineering | CAH11-01-01 - Computer Science | CAH02-02-03 - Pharmacy |
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CAH03-01-04 - Microbiology and Cell Science |
CAH10-01-04 - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering | CAH11-01-02 - Information Technology | CAH10-01-06 - Bioengineering, Medical and Biomedical Engineering |
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CAH03-01-05 - Plant Sciences |
CAH10-01-05 - Naval Architecture | CAH11-01-03 - Information Systems | |
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CAH10-03-05 - Biotechnology |
CAH10-01-08 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering | CAH11-01-04 - Software Engineering | |
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CAH03-01-07 - Genetics |
CAH10-01-09 - Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering | CAH11-01-05 - Artificial Intelligence | |
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CAH02-05-03 - Biomedical Sciences (non-specific) |
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CAH03-01-08 - Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry |
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CAH03-01-01 - Biosciences (non-specific) |
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CAH03-01-10 - Others in Biological Sciences |
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Physical Sciences: | Technologies: |
Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture and Related Subjects: |
|---|---|---|
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CAH07-02-01 - Chemistry |
CAH10-03-03 - Polymers and Textiles | CAH05-01-02 - Others in Veterinary Sciences |
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CAH10-03-07 - Materials Science |
CAH10-03-01 - Minerals Technology | CAH06-01-02 - Agricultural sciences |
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CAH07-01-01 - Physics |
CAH10-03-02 - Materials Technology | |
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CAH07-01-02 - Astronomy |
CAH10-03-04 - Maritime Technology | |
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CAH26-01-05 - Others in Geographical Studies |
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CAH07-04-01 - Physical Sciences (non-specific) |
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CAH07-04-03 - Sciences (non-specific) |
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CAH07-04-04 - Natural Sciences (non-specific) |
Visa Application
Once a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) has been issued by a licensed UK sponsor, the applicant can submit their GAE visa application online via the Home Office website. The CoS must be used within three months of issue.
A summary of the process has been provided below:
| Stage | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application Process | Submit Application | Complete the online form, enter CoS reference, upload documents, and pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. |
| Identity Verification | Biometric Enrolment | Verify identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a VAC/UKVCAS service point (as instructed during application). |
| Processing Times | Application Processing | Outside UK: 3-4 weeks. |
If successful, permission is granted and immigration status is usually issued digitally as an eVisa.
Applicants outside the UK must submit their application from their home country or from a country where they have permission to reside for at least six months.
For further information and to access the application, please see the following link:
Travelling to the UK
The visa will specify a start and end date, and the applicant must travel to the UK on or after the visa start date.
If the applicant enters the UK before the visa becomes valid, they will be admitted as a visitor and will not have permission to work. To activate the visa, the applicant would need to leave and re-enter the Common Travel Area (CTA).
The applicant should travel within the validity period of the visa and avoid booking travel until the visa decision has been received.
Financial & TB Testing Requirements
| Requirement | Description | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Requirement (Maintenance) | Proof of Maintenance Funds | Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves. Where sponsored by an A-rated sponsor (such as the University of Glasgow), maintenance may be certified on the Certificate of Sponsorship, removing the need to provide separate evidence. | Link |
| TB Test Certificate | Tuberculosis screening | Required if applying from certain countries specified by the Home Office. Applicants must provide a valid TB test certificate from an approved clinic where applicable. | Link |
Dependants
Family members who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for permission to accompany or join a GAE visa holder in the UK. Dependants can apply at the same time as the main applicant or submit an application at a later date, provided they continue to meet the relevant immigration requirements.
Under the UK Immigration Rules, the following family members may qualify as dependants of a GAE visa holder:
| Dependant Type | Definition under the UK Immigration Rules |
|---|---|
| Partner | A husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner of the main visa holder. |
| Child under 18 | A child under the age of 18, including a child born in the UK during the visa holder's stay. |
| Child aged 18 or over | A child who is already in the UK with immigration permission as a dependant of the main visa holder and continues to meet the relevant requirements. |
Costs
When applying for a GAE visa, applicants should be prepared for several associated costs, including the visa application fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| GAE Application Fee | £340 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year of visa granted |
Fees are payable per applicant, including any dependants applying with the main applicant.
Please note that visa fees and immigration charges are subject to change. Applicants should always check the latest Home Office guidance before submitting an application.
Supplementary Employment
GAE visa holders may, in certain circumstances, take on additional work alongside their sponsored role. This is known as supplementary employment.
This can include paid or voluntary work, provided the individual continues to be employed in their main sponsored role and meets the relevant conditions set out in the Immigration Rules.
The supplementary work conditions are summarised in the table below:
| Requirement | Work Conditions |
|---|---|
| Occupation Eligibility | Be in the same occupation code as the sponsored role, or included on the Immigration Salary List |
| Working Hours | Maximum of 20 hours per week. |
| Timing of Work | Must be undertaken outside the hours of the sponsored role. |