Who’s Who Legal
Graduate Trainee Visa
Overview
The Graduate Trainee visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes. It allows overseas employers to transfer recent graduates to a UK branch of their organisation as part of a structured training programme leading to a specialist or managerial role. This is a temporary visa and does not lead to settlement in the UK.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for a Graduate Trainee visa, you must:
- Be currently employed by an overseas business linked to the UK sponsor by common ownership or control
- Have worked for that business outside the UK for at least 3 months immediately before your application
- Be sponsored for a genuine role that is part of a structured graduate training programme
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK sponsor licensed under the GBM route
- Meet the salary requirement
Salary Requirements
You must be paid at least £24,220 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the role, whichever is higher.
English Language Requirement
There is no English language requirement for this visa route.
Can I Bring Family?
Yes. You can bring:
- Your partner (spouse or unmarried partner)
- Children under 18 (including those born in the UK during your visa stay)
English Language Requirement
For new Skilled Worker applications made on or after 8 January 2026 you must demonstrate English ability to at least B2 level via:
- An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- A UK degree or academic qualification taught in English (confirmed via Ecctis if overseas)
- GCSE/A-level English gained at a UK school before age 18
- Exemption if you’re from a majority English-speaking country (e.g. USA, Australia, Canada)
Healthcare professionals may be exempt if they’ve passed a recognised English assessment for their regulatory body.
Our Legal Services
We provide expert legal support for the Graduate Trainee visa application. We:
- Assess your eligibility and role suitability
- Assist with sponsor licence compliance for the UK entity
- Guide you through the visa application process
- Prepare a detailed legal representation letter, which is essential for clearly outlining how you meet the requirements under the Immigration Rules.
We ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and professionally presented.
1000’s
of clients helped
+25yrs
Experience in immigration
1hr
Average response time
“I appreciate the outstanding work and the high level of professionalism in dealing with our immigration matters on a tailor-made basis. I believe each case is different and should be approached on the individual circumstance of each client and that is exactly what Lawrence did. I highly recommend him to anybody who wants to move to the UK using a well-organised route.”
Mrs S
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