Government Authorised Exchange / Charity Worker

Exchange and charity temporary routes

Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) allows approved schemes to sponsor work experience, research, or training placements. Charity Worker covers voluntary work for registered UK charities — both sit under Temporary Worker rules.

Who may qualify

You may qualify if a licensed sponsor assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship for an approved exchange programme or charity placement and you meet age, activity, and maintenance rules for that sub-route.

Limited stay and activities

Stays are capped and work must match the sponsored activity. Paid work beyond permitted scope can breach conditions.

Scheme or charity confirmation

Placement letters from the approved exchange scheme or registered charity should align with CoS dates and role description.

Sponsor licence category

The sponsor must be authorised for GAE or charity worker sponsorship — not every Tier 5 licence covers every sub-category.

Maintenance and qualifications

Some applicants need maintenance funds or qualifications relevant to the placement (for example research or training background).

How to apply

Apply online under the correct Temporary Worker sub-route with CoS reference and supporting documents, then attend biometrics. Charity Worker applications must show genuinely voluntary activity for a registered charity.

Costs & processing time

Standard temporary worker visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge apply for the granted period. Official fees may change as of 2026 — we confirm before payment.

Common reasons applications are refused

• Placement not on an approved GAE scheme

• Charity not registered or role not genuinely voluntary

• CoS activity description mismatches actual placement

• Working beyond sponsored temporary permissions

• Maintenance or passport validity issues

Related guidance: Creative / Sports / Religious Worker, Youth Mobility Scheme, and Settlement & ILR.