Graduate Trainee Visa

The Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility) lets an overseas business transfer an existing employee to a linked UK business as part of a structured graduate training programme. The programme must lead to a managerial or specialist role. The UK business must hold a sponsor licence and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Who may be eligible

• Existing employees of an overseas business on its structured graduate training programme.
• Employees who have worked for the business outside the UK for at least 3 months immediately before applying.

Key requirements

• A valid CoS from the licensed UK business, which must be linked to the overseas employer.
• Salary: at least £27,300 a year or 70% of the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
• A genuine training placement that forms part of the graduate programme.
• Any financial requirement that applies in your circumstances, which may be met by the sponsor certifying maintenance.

How long you can stay

You can stay for a maximum of 12 months. This route does not lead to settlement.

Information for sponsors

The UK business needs a sponsor licence covering this Global Business Mobility route. The CoS fee for this route is currently £55. Sponsors must keep records of the training programme and report changes in line with their sponsor duties.

Recent and upcoming changes

The salary threshold is now £27,300, so older guidance quoting lower figures is out of date. The latest changes to the Immigration Rules, which take effect from 8 October 2026, do not change this route. We check the position again before every application.

How the application works

1. The linked UK business confirms it holds a sponsor licence covering the Graduate Trainee route, or applies for one.
2. The sponsor assigns a CoS, which gives you a reference number to use in your application.
3. You apply online and prove your identity, which may include attending an appointment.
4. The Home Office decides the application. You must not start the UK placement until you have permission to do so.

Documents and evidence commonly needed

• A valid passport or other travel document.
• Your CoS reference number.
• Evidence of your employment with the overseas business for the required 3 months.
• Bank statements showing the required funds, unless you are exempt or your sponsor certifies maintenance.
• Any other documents the Home Office asks for, such as translations of documents not in English or Welsh.

Common problems we help with

• Showing that the placement is part of a genuine structured graduate programme.
• Evidence of overseas employment and the link between the businesses.
• Checking the salary against the going rate for the occupation code.

How Stonebridge can help

We help groups set up or extend their sponsor licence, check CoS details, and prepare and submit applications for graduate trainees.

To discuss a graduate transfer, book a consultation.