UK GOVERNMENT AUTHORISED EXCHANGE VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

The UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa is designed for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland who want to come to the UK for 12 or 24 months to participate in an approved internship, training, work experience, or research programme.

While the UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa does not lead to settlement, holders can be accompanied by a dependent partner and children under 18.

UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa Requirements for Swiss Citizens (and non-Swiss Citizens) in Switzerland

To qualify for a UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa, residents of Switzerland must meet the following criteria:

• Certificate of Sponsorship: You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by an overarching body with a valid Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange sponsor licence.

• Role Compliance: The role meets the requirements of an approved Government Authorised Exchange scheme.

• Non-Vacancy Role: The role does not fill a vacancy in the UK workforce.

• Approved Occupation: The role appears in Table 1 or Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

• Financial Stability: You have sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK.

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

The exact requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Consulting a UK immigration law firm in Switzerland is advisable for personalised guidance on your UK visa application.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirement for Swiss Residents

To obtain this visa, persons living in Switzerland need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a Home Office-approved UK sponsor. Your sponsor must:

• Hold a valid Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange sponsor licence.

• Be authorised to sponsor individuals on the specific scheme you are applying for.

• Be responsible for the approved program you wish to undertake.

• Be listed as A-rated on the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors unless you are continuing with the same sponsor.

The Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued within three months before your application date and include:

• Details of your name, job, and salary.

• A start date within three months after your application date.

• Confirmation that the role meets the specific exchange scheme requirements and does not fill a vacancy.

• Confirmation that the role appears in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

• Confirmation that the Certificate of Sponsorship has not been previously used in a granted or refused application and has not been withdrawn or cancelled.

Government Authorised Exchange Visa Genuine Job Requirement

If you are a Swiss citizen (or citizen of another country) residing in Switzerland, you must prove that you are undertaking a genuine job as per the sponsorship and not intend to take on any other employment.

Financial Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

Unless you have been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or your UK sponsor agrees to cover your costs for the first month (as confirmed on your Certificate of Sponsorship), you need at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days, ending within 31 days before your visa application date.

English Language Requirement for Swiss Residents

There is no English language requirement for this visa.

Parental Consent Requirement

If you are under 18, you need written parental consent confirming support for your application, living and care arrangements in the UK, and travel to and from the UK. This consent can be from both parents, one parent with sole legal responsibility, or a legal guardian.

Duration of Stay on a UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa

If your UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa application submitted in Switzerland is approved, you can stay in the UK for the period stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus up to 14 days before and after. The maximum period allowed depends on the specific scheme, either 12 or 24 months.

Extensions of Stay

You may extend your stay up to the maximum period allowed under the scheme, either 12 or 24 months.

Settlement in the UK

This visa does not lead to settlement. However, you may switch to another route that can lead to indefinite leave to remain.

Switching into the Government Authorised Exchange Route

Switching into this route from within the UK is generally not allowed, except for specific cases such as students sponsored by a higher education provider.

Conditions of Stay

As a Swiss passport holder (or non-Swiss passport holders) you can work for your UK sponsor in the described role, including volunteering and job shadowing if recorded on the Certificate of Sponsorship. You can also undertake supplementary employment and studies but cannot access public funds.

Processing Times in Switzerland

Most Government Authorised Exchange Visa applications submitted in Switzerland are decided within three weeks. Extensions are typically decided within eight weeks. Priority services are available for faster decisions.

Dependants of Residents of Switzerland

You can be joined by a dependent partner and children under 18.

Government Authorised Exchange Visa Refusals

If your application for a UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa from Switzerland is refused, you may reapply or seek an Administrative Review.

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 team assists individuals with approved internships, training, work experiences, or research programs in the UK. We ensure you meet your start date and align your career progression with your immigration goals.

We are approachable, proactive, and dedicated to providing clear and reliable UK immigration advice in Switzerland as part of a professional and friendly service. Contact us at +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.