UK WORK-RELATED TRAINING VISIT VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

The Work-related Training Visit Visa is available to Swiss resident graduates from medical, dental, or nursing schools in Switzerland, employees of Swiss companies or organisations, and employees of Switzerland-based training companies. It allows these individuals to visit the UK to engage in permitted work-related training activities for up to 6 months.

This visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, intended for those wishing to visit the UK temporarily. Note that this visa does not lead to UK settlement.

Do Swiss (Or EU) Citizens Need a UK Visit Visa?

Under UK immigration law, Swiss (and EU) citizens are non-visa nationals. This means that most citizens of Switzerland (and the EU) who are visiting the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term work-related training activities in the UK do not need to apply for a UK Visit Visa in advance of travelling. Swiss (and EU) nationals can simply enter the UK using the ePassport gates and will automatically receive 6 months permission to enter as a Visitor.

However, all Swiss (and EU) citizens visiting the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term work-related training activities in the UK must still satisfy the UK Visitor Visa eligibility requirements (set out below) and may be asked to prove that these requirements are met at the UK Border.

If you are a citizen of Switzerland (or the EU) and you are planning to enter the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term work-related training activities in the UK, you should ensure that you understand the eligibility requirements for a short stay visit and can prove that you satisfy these requirements if asked to do so.

When Should a Swiss (Or EU) Citizen Apply for a UK Visit Visa?

Although not required under UK immigration law, some Swiss (and EU) citizens may choose to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for permitted short-term work-related training activities in the UK in order to reduce uncertainty and facilitate smoother entry into the UK.

The main reasons for Swiss (and EU) citizens to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term work-related training activities in the UK are as follows:

To Avoid Potential Issues at the UK Border: Applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can provide Swiss (and EU) citizens a level of certainty and reduce the risk of being denied entry upon arrival. Border officers have the discretion to refuse entry if they have doubts about your intentions or your ability to support yourself.

Previous Travel History Concerns: If you have previously had issues with UK immigration or have an irregular travel history, including having previously been refused entry into the UK or overstayed your permission for any reason, applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can help address any concerns proactively.

Having a Criminal Record: If you have a criminal record, applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can help address any potential issues. As part of your UK Visit Visa application you can provide necessary documentation and explanations, ensuring that any concerns are dealt with before travel rather than at the UK border.

Complex Travel Plans: If your travel plans are complex, involving multiple countries or tight schedules, having a UK Visit Visa could help ensure that there are no unexpected complications.

Do Swiss (or EU) Citizens Need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)?

From 2 April 2025, Swiss citizens (and EU nationals) visiting the UK will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, even if they do not require a visa. This additional requirement applies to all short visits, including those for family visits, tourism, work-related training, business and permitted paid engagements.

Do Other Residents of Switzerland Need a UK Visit Visa?

If you are a visa national under UK immigration law residing in Switzerland, you must apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling.

A visa national is someone who needs a visa to enter the UK as a visitor due to their nationality. The Home Office provides a list of nationalities that require a Visit Visa before travel. Some exceptions allow certain visa nationals to seek entry on arrival.

Non-visa nationals residing in Switzerland can seek entry upon arrival without a Visit Visa but must still satisfy the entry requirements, including explaining the purpose of their visit and their arrangements for accommodation and return travel. Although not required, non-visa nationals may choose to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for permitted short-term work-related training activities in the UK in order to reduce uncertainty and facilitate smoother entry into the UK.

Requirements for a UK Work-related Training Visit Visa from Switzerland

To qualify for a Work-related Training Visit Visa from Switzerland, you must satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:

• Purpose: You genuinely seek entry for purposes permitted by the visitor routes.

• No Prohibited Activities: You will not engage in prohibited activities.

• Financial Capability: You have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs (including travel, maintenance, and accommodation) without working or accessing public funds.

• Exit the UK: You will leave the UK at the end of your visit.

• Temporary Stay: You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home.

• General Grounds: Your application does not fall under the general grounds for refusal.

Requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Consulting an immigration lawyer for expert advice is recommended.

UK Visit Visa for Work-related Training

The Work-related Training Visit Visa is available to:

• Swiss resident graduates from medical, dental, and nursing schools in Switzerland.

• Swiss resident employees of companies or organisations in Switzerland.

• Swiss resident employees of Switzerland-based training companies.

Training should cover work practices and techniques unavailable in Switzerland, typically classroom-based or involving familiarisation or observation. Practical training is allowed if it doesn't amount to 'training on the job' or filling a role. Visitors may learn to use equipment but must not work for the UK company.

Work-related Training Visit Visa Permitted Activities for Swiss Residents

• Swiss resident medical, dental, or nursing school graduates may:

  • Undertake unpaid clinical attachments or dental observer posts without patient treatment, with written confirmation of the offer and no prior UK activity in this field.

  • Take the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board test with written confirmation from the General Medical Council.

  • Take the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations for overseas with written confirmation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

• Swiss resident employees of Swiss companies or organisations may receive training in UK work practices and techniques required for their employment in Switzerland.

• Swiss resident employees of Swiss training companies may deliver short training sessions to UK company employees, provided they are contracted for global training delivery.

As a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, Work-related Training Visitors may also undertake other activities permitted under the Standard Visitor route, including pre-arranged permitted paid engagements completed within 30 days of arrival.

Intention to Leave the UK and Return to Switzerland

Applicants must demonstrate they will leave the UK and return to Switzerland at the end of their visit and not live in the UK through frequent visits or make it their main home. The Home Office will consider:

• Previous immigration history.

• Financial circumstances and social, family, and economic ties.

• Personal and economic ties to the country of residence.

Concerns may arise if applicants have few ties to Switzerland, several family members in the UK, past attempts to deceive the Home Office, or discrepancies in their application.

Financial Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

Applicants must have sufficient funds to cover travel, maintenance, and accommodation without working or accessing public funds. Funds must be held in a permitted financial institution. A third party may cover these costs if they have a genuine relationship with the applicant, comply with immigration laws, and can support the applicant during their stay.

English Language Requirement for Swiss Residents

There is no English language requirement for Work-related Training Visit Visa applicants.

UK Work-Related Training Visit Visa Validity Period

Applicants can apply for a Visit Visa valid for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years, with multiple entries allowed unless specified otherwise. Each visit must not exceed 6 months.

Right to Work

Work-related Training Visitors cannot work, establish a business, take employment, or provide goods or services in the UK. They may undertake other Standard Visitor route activities, including pre-arranged permitted paid engagements completed within 30 days of arrival. Remote work is allowed if not the visit's primary purpose. Visitors can seek employment and attend job interviews but must leave the UK to apply for appropriate entry clearance if successful.

For working in the UK as a creative artist, consider applying for a Skilled Worker Visa instead.

Application Fees in Switzerland

• Short stay (up to 6 months): £115.

• Valid for 2 years: £432.

• Valid for 5 years: £771.

• Valid for 10 years: £963.

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 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 experienced UK immigration lawyers assist graduates, company employees, and training company employees in Switzerland to secure UK visit visas.

We provide advice on application merits, assistance with preparation, and legal representation for challenging refusals.

Our team is dedicated to offering clear and reliable immigration advice as part of a professional and friendly service.

For expert UK visa advice and assistance, contact our UK Visit Visa lawyers on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.