Graduate trainee visa

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Global mobility routes

• UK expansion worker visa
• Senior or specialist worker visa
• Graduate trainee visa
• Secondment worker visa
• Service supplier visa

The graduate trainee visa is part of the global business mobility route. It allows employees on graduate programmes overseas to undertake a UK placement as part of their professional development.

This route helps international companies build leadership pipelines and transfer future managers across borders under structured training programmes.

Following the HC 1333 reforms, sponsors must comply with the new Part Suitability framework, and applicants may need to meet the higher B2 English language standard from 8 January 2026.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

• Be employed by a business linked to the UK sponsor by ownership or control.
• Have a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) for a graduate trainee role.
• Have worked for the overseas employer for at least three months before applying.
• Be part of a structured graduate training programme leading to a senior management or specialist role.
• Have sufficient funds to support themselves unless exempt.
• Meet the new B2 English language requirement if applying from 8 January 2026 onwards.
• Ensure the UK sponsor meets the updated suitability and compliance standards under HC 1333.

Application process

• Step 1 – Sponsorship: The UK employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and issue a CoS.
   
• Step 2 – Visa application: Apply online, pay the visa fee and immigration health surcharge, and provide supporting documents.
   
• Step 3 – Decision: Most applications are processed within three weeks if made from outside the UK.

Length of stay

The visa is valid for up to 12 months or the time on the CoS plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Settlement

The graduate trainee visa does not lead directly to settlement. Applicants may switch into other routes, such as skilled worker, that can lead to indefinite leave to remain.

How we help

We support businesses and employees by:

• Advising on eligibility and sponsorship requirements.
• Preparing and submitting applications.
• Ensuring compliance with Home Office rules.
• Advising on next steps towards long-term UK residence.
• Providing guidance on adapting graduate training programmes to meet updated Home Office requirements.

Why choose us

Our solicitors combine immigration expertise with commercial insight. We help multinational companies run training programmes lawfully while supporting graduate employees during UK placements.

Contact our business immigration solicitors today for advice on graduate trainee visas.