Douglas Olsen
If you are a student seeking an internship in the UK, it is important to understand the visa requirements. The type of visa you need depends on your nationality, the duration of your internship, and your individual circumstances. For example, EU/EEA nationals may need a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa, while non-UK nationals will need a student visa. You may also need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which acts as proof of your internship offer from a UK employer. This is a virtual document that holds information about you and your internship. It is important to note that you must have a valid passport and visa before travelling to the UK, and failure to comply with visa conditions may result in deportation and future travel restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Temporary Worker-Government Authorised Exchange Visa (TW GAE) or (T5) |
| Who can apply? | Students aged 16 or over |
| Passport validity | At least 180 days beyond the end of your internship program |
| Application window | 6 months to 3 months before the start of your course |
| Time taken for visa processing | 3 weeks |
| Visa fee | £524 |
| Additional fee | Immigration Health Surcharge (60 - 300 EUR) |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | A virtual document with a unique reference number that holds information about you and your internship |
| CoS fee | $1,150 |
| Additional requirements for CoS | CV/Resume, Transcript, Passport, and information about your internship position |
| Biometrics | Required |
| Additional requirements for non-US citizens | Additional documentation for travel outside the UK during the internship |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for non-UK nationals
For non-UK nationals, the visa requirements to intern in Britain vary depending on several factors, including nationality, duration of stay, and nature of the internship. Here are the visa requirements for non-UK nationals seeking an internship in the UK:
Temporary Worker Visa (Tier 5)
The Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa is a common option for non-UK nationals seeking internships in the UK. This visa allows individuals to work temporarily in the UK under specific exchange programs. It is important to note that the Tier 5 visa has different subcategories, so applicants should determine the appropriate subcategory based on their specific circumstances. One such subcategory is the Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange Visa (TW GAE), which is specifically designed for individuals seeking to gain practical work experience in their field of study or profession. To apply for this visa, individuals must have a valid passport and may need additional documentation, such as a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The CoS is a unique reference number that holds information about the applicant and their internship, and it is issued by a sponsoring organization based in the UK. Other requirements for the Tier 5 visa may include sponsorship by a licensed employer, meeting skill thresholds, and demonstrating pertinent qualifications or experience.
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
The Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is another option for non-UK nationals seeking internships in the UK. This visa allows students to undertake internships as part of their studies. However, it may be possible to switch from a Tier 4 student visa to a Tier 5 visa for an internship, depending on specific requirements and procedures.
High Potential Individual Visa (HPI Visa)
The HPI Visa is a temporary visa valid for up to 2-3 years. Candidates must have pursued a course from an eligible, reputable university internationally in the last 5 years. HPI visa holders can switch to other visas, such as skilled worker visas.
Graduate Visa
Individuals under a Student Visa can opt for a Graduate Visa once their student visa expires. This allows graduates to stay in the UK for up to 2 years without requiring sponsorship, and they can use this time for internships or self-employment.
It is important to consult official government sources and immigration advisors for accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements, as the landscape of internships and visa regulations in the UK is constantly evolving.
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Visa options for EU/EEA nationals
As an EU/EEA national, you can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. However, from 2 April 2025, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK without a visa. This does not apply if you have a family permit, pre-settled status, or settled status.
If you are planning to study in the UK, you can apply for a Student Visa if you are 16 or over and want to study in further or higher education. The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before your course starts. You will need to prove your identity as part of your application, and you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
If you are under 18 and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student Visa.
If you are planning to work in the UK, you will need to apply for a work visa. The type of work visa you need will depend on the nature of your work. For internships, you will need a Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange Visa (TW GAE). To apply for this visa, you must have a valid passport and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The CoS will be issued by a sponsoring agency on behalf of your employer. Once you have received your CoS, you will need to schedule a biometrics appointment to apply for the TW GAE visa.
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Visa extensions
If you're already in the UK on a Student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) visa), you may be able to extend your visa to stay longer and continue your course or study a new course. The visa extension application fee is £524. You'll need to prove your identity as part of your application. You'll usually get a decision within 8 weeks, but you may be able to pay more to get a faster decision. If your application is successful, you'll get an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status).
To extend your student visa, you must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor, shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You must also show that your studies are at a higher academic level than your current course (the 'academic progress requirement'). There are some exceptions to this rule.
If you've been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you'll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK. Your partner or children will need to apply separately to extend their visas. They can either apply at the same time as you or at any time before their current visa expires.
You can also switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course.
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The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
To obtain a student intern visa for Britain, one of the key requirements is the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The CoS is a crucial document that holds relevant information about the intern and their specific internship in London. It serves as a unique reference number, facilitating the visa application process.
The CoS is issued through Fragomen, an organisation partnering with Academic Programs International (API) and authorised by the UK Home Office. Fragomen acts as a sponsoring agency, issuing the CoS on behalf of the employer to support the intern's visa application. This process ensures that interns have the necessary sponsorship to pursue internship opportunities in the UK.
To initiate the process of obtaining the CoS, individuals must first secure a confirmed internship position. The CoS requires essential information about the employer, including details of the internship. Once an internship offer is accepted, API will collaborate with Fragomen to gather the necessary documentation for the CoS application. This typically includes the intern's CV/resume, transcript, passport, and specific internship information.
It is important to note that the CoS processing time can take up to 3-4 weeks. Therefore, it is advisable to commence this process promptly after accepting the internship placement with API. The fee for obtaining the CoS is $1,150, and this amount is separate from the visa processing fees paid directly to UKVI. Once the CoS is acquired, individuals can proceed to schedule their biometrics appointment and apply for the Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange Visa (TW GAE).
Overall, the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a fundamental component of the student intern visa process for Britain. It involves gathering essential documentation, obtaining the unique reference number, and making the necessary payments. By securing the CoS, interns can then proceed with their visa applications, bringing them one step closer to their internship opportunities in the UK.
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Passport validity
To obtain a student intern visa for Britain, you must have a valid passport. This passport must be submitted with your visa application to the British Consulate. The visa will then be inserted directly into your passport and returned to you.
Your passport must be valid for at least 180 days beyond the end of your internship program. If your passport is not valid for at least this period, you should apply for a new passport or renew your current passport immediately.
It is important to note that the requirements outlined here pertain specifically to participants who are U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens are advised to consult their local consulate for specific requirements. In many cases, non-U.S. citizens will have additional requirements for visas in terms of the documentation required and the locations where they are eligible to apply for their visa.
To apply for a student visa in Britain, you must be 16 or over and studying on a further or higher education course. The visa costs £524 per applicant, and you can apply up to six months before your course starts. You will usually get a decision on your visa within three weeks.
In addition to the visa processing fees, you may also need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge for access to the public health service.
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Frequently asked questions
To complete an internship in the UK, you will need a Temporary Worker-Government Authorised Exchange Visa (TW GAE) or a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa.
To apply for a TW GAE visa, you will need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer. This is a virtual document that proves you have a job offer from a UK employer who is willing to act as your sponsor. You will also need a passport that is valid for at least 180 days beyond the end of your internship program.
Your employer will need to apply for your CoS and provide information about your internship, including start and end dates, tasks, and duties. You will also need to submit a CV/resume, transcript, passport, and information about your internship position.
It can take up to 3-4 weeks to process a CoS, so it is important to begin this process as soon as you have accepted your internship placement.
