UK GRADUATE TRAINEE VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

The Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee Visa is designed for Swiss-resident workers (Swiss citizens or non-Swiss citizens) looking to transfer to the UK for a work placement as part of a graduate training course. The course should lead to a senior managerial or specialist role within the trainee's company (also known as an intra-company transfer graduate trainee).

The UK Graduate Trainee visa does not directly lead to settlement in the UK. However, applicants from Switzerland may switch to another immigration route that leads to settlement. Applicants from Switzerland can be accompanied by a partner and dependent children, and there is no limit on the number of graduate trainees a UK sponsor can sponsor.

Requirements for a UK Graduate Trainee Visa for Residents of Switzerland

To qualify for a UK Graduate Trainee visa, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you:

• Age: Are aged 18 or over.

• Employment Link: Currently work for a business linked to your UK sponsor by common ownership, control, or a joint venture, and have worked outside the UK for this business for at least 3 months immediately before your application.

• Certificate of Sponsorship: Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK sponsor for the job you intend to do.

• Genuine Job: Are planning to undertake a genuine job at an appropriate skill level.

• Salary: Will be paid a salary that meets or exceeds the general salary threshold of £25,410 per year and 70% of the pro-rated ‘going rate’ for the applicable SOC 2020 occupation code, whichever is higher.

• Financial Support: Have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.

The exact requirements Swiss residents need to satisfy may vary depending on personal circumstances. For specific advice tailored to your circumstances, it is recommended to consult a specialist UK immigration law firm in Switzerland.

Graduate Trainee Visa Overseas Work Requirement for Swiss Citizens (and non-Swiss Citizens)

To apply for a UK Graduate Trainee visa from Switzerland, you must be working for a business linked to your UK sponsor by common ownership, control, or a joint venture, and have worked outside the UK for at least 3 continuous months immediately before your application. This period cannot include time spent working in the UK.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirement for Swiss-resident Workers Transferring to the UK for a Graduate Work Placement

If you are a Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen) looking to transfer to the UK for a work placement as part of a graduate training course, you must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job you are planning to do. The CoS must be issued by a Home Office-authorised employer under the Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee route.

Your UK sponsor must be A-rated on the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors unless you are continuing with the same sponsor from a previous Graduate Trainee visa.

The CoS must be issued no more than 3 months before your application and include:

• Details of your name, job, and salary.

• Confirmation of your current employment with a linked business outside the UK for at least 3 months before applying.

• A start date within 3 months of your application.

• Confirmation that the CoS has not been previously used or withdrawn.

Genuine Job Requirement for Graduate Trainees from Switzerland

In order to qualify for a UK Graduate Trainee visa from Switzerland, the job you are being sponsored for must be genuine. If the Home Office suspects the job does not exist, is a sham, or was created to facilitate your visa application, it will be refused. Additionally, the job must not involve filling temporary or permanent positions or undertaking routine contract work for a third party who is not your sponsor.

Job Skill Level Requirement for Swiss national (and non-Swiss national) Graduate Trainees

If you are a Swiss national (or non-Swiss national) looking to transfer to the UK for a work placement as part of a graduate training course, the job must be at RQF Level 6 (graduate equivalent). You do not need a degree, but the role must be equivalent to a graduate level. The Home Office provides a list of eligible jobs in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Salary Requirement for a UK Graduate Trainee Visa Application in Switzerland

You must be paid a salary meeting or exceeding the general salary threshold of £25,410 per year and 70% of the ‘going rate’ for the occupation. For health or education occupation codes, the ‘going rate’ requirement is 100%. The salary is based on guaranteed basic gross pay plus allowances such as London weighting or a mobility premium.

Financial Requirement for a UK Intra-Company Transfer Graduate Trainee Visa

If you are a Swiss passport holder (or non-Swiss passport holder) residing in Switzerland and you wish to apply for a UK Intra-Company Graduate Trainee visa, you must have at least £1,270 in cash funds held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your application. You are exempt if your UK sponsor confirms they will cover your maintenance costs for the first month, or if you have been in the UK for 12 months or more with valid permission.

English Language Requirement for Residents of Switzerland on a Graduate Training Course

There is no English language requirement for the Graduate Trainee Visa.

Switching into the Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee Route

Swiss residents can switch into the Graduate Trainee route from within the UK unless they have, or were last granted, permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or outside the Immigration Rules.

UK Graduate Trainee Visa Duration of Stay

If your application for a UK Graduate Trainee visa from Switzerland is successful, you will be granted entry clearance for either 1 year from the job start date or the duration on your CoS plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. You cannot extend your visa but can apply for a new one from outside the UK.

Maximum Time in Global Business Mobility Routes

Global Business Mobility visa holders from Switzerland can stay in the UK for up to 5 years in any 6-year period under this visa.

Conditions of Stay for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) on a UK Graduate Trainee Visa

You are permitted to work for your sponsor in the job described on your CoS, undertake a course of study, and do voluntary work. Access to public funds is not permitted.

Settlement in the UK for Graduate Trainees

The UK Graduate Trainee visa does not directly lead to settlement. However, you may switch to another route that does, such as the Skilled Worker route. You may also qualify for settlement based on 10 years Long Residence.

Dependants of Swiss Nationals (and non-Swiss Nationals) Living in Switzerland

Holders of a UK Graduate Trainee visa can be joined by a partner and dependent children under 18.

Sponsor Licence Application for a UK Business Linked to a Swiss Business

Businesses must have a trading presence outside the UK and a qualifying link to a UK business to hold a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence. The UK business must:

• Have an existing presence in the UK.

• Have qualifying links to the overseas business.

• Have suitable key personnel to manage the licence.

• Have systems to meet sponsor licence duties.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services for Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) residing in Switzerland encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our team has experience assisting overseas workers and their employers. We provide planning and advice to ensure your work placement and immigration goals are met. We also assist UK employers in obtaining and maintaining sponsor licences.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive, delivering clear and reliable immigration advice to employers and skilled workers as part of a professional and friendly service.