Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange

The Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange is designed for individuals who are looking come into the UK on approved schemes, the aim of which, is normally to share knowledge and best practices. It may also be for experience and cultural exploration in the UK. It is not designed or intended to fill employment vacancies or to hire unskilled labour to the United Kingdom.

The sponsor in this category is normally an overarching institution that manages the country's exchange scheme. It is very important that the overacting body has the support of the UK government.

It is also important to note that private employers are not allowed to sponsor migrants in this immigration category notwithstanding their sponsor license.

Exceptions

Exceptions to private sponsorship include :-

• If the applicant is coming to the UK as a sponsored researcher. In this case, you can either be sponsored by a higher educational institutions or a government body.
• Every job or employment under this category must be ok or above NVQ or SVQ level 3. The exception to this is where he applicant is taking part in a scheme set designed as part of the EU's lifelong learning programme.

The length of stay under this visa is usually 1 or 2 years. This largely depends on your current scheme as well as the duration of your employment as stated on your COS.