Graduate Trainee Visa UK

No. The Graduate Trainee Visa is a sponsored work route for an overseas group employee on a structured graduate training programme. The Graduate Visa is a separate route for eligible UK graduates who want to remain in the UK after completing eligible UK study.

Yes. The UK business must hold the correct sponsorship permission and assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the UK placement.

The main applicant must have worked for the sponsor group outside the UK for at least 3 months immediately before the application.

The role must usually pay at least £27,300 per year or 70% of the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Some health and education roles have different going-rate rules.

The visa is usually granted for the shorter of the Certificate of Sponsorship period plus 14 days or 12 months, subject to the wider maximum stay cap across relevant Global Business Mobility and legacy intra-company routes.

No. The main applicant cannot switch into this route from inside the UK because the route requires overseas employment with the sponsor group immediately before the application.

No. The main applicant cannot extend this visa from inside the UK. A fresh application may be possible from outside the UK if the route requirements and maximum stay rules are met.

A partner and dependent children may apply if they meet the relationship and financial requirements. Their permission is usually linked to the main applicant.

No. This route does not directly lead to indefinite leave to remain. A longer-term UK plan may require a different route, depending on the sponsor, role, salary and eligibility position.

We can review route suitability, sponsor position, Certificate of Sponsorship details, salary, occupation code, overseas employment evidence, training programme evidence, maintenance funds, dependants and future route planning.