At First Law Solicitors, we provide precise and strategic legal support to professionals, interns, and visiting academics applying for the Government Authorised Exchange Visa under the Temporary Work Route.
This visa allows overseas nationals to come to the United Kingdom for a short period to take part in government-approved exchange programmes that promote knowledge sharing, professional development, and international collaboration.
Our solicitors work closely with sponsors, institutions, and applicants to ensure full legal compliance with the 2026 Immigration Rules and the Home Office’s digital verification systems.
The Government Authorised Exchange Visa is designed for individuals undertaking temporary work experience, training, or research through an approved scheme. It enables non-permanent mobility for people who contribute to the UK’s innovation, education, and research ecosystem.
This route does not lead directly to settlement but provides valuable exposure to the UK’s professional and academic sectors.
The approved programmes include:
Each programme operates through a licensed sponsor authorised by the Home Office. Our solicitors assist applicants and sponsors alike to ensure all documentation, sponsorship declarations, and contracts meet DUAA 2025 digital standards.
Applicants must:
The Certificate of Sponsorship must detail the exact purpose of the placement, the host organisation, and the expected duration. Our solicitors verify that every detail complies with Appendix Temporary Work: Government Authorised Exchange to avoid refusals arising from technical inaccuracies.
The visa is typically granted for up to twelve or twenty-four months, depending on the nature of the scheme. Research programmes and training fellowships can last longer if the approved exchange agreement allows it.
Visa holders must work only in the role specified on their Certificate of Sponsorship. Supplementary employment may be permitted under specific conditions, provided it does not interfere with the main placement.
Dependants may accompany the applicant in certain programmes, and our firm advises on parallel dependant applications to ensure smooth entry and compliance.
Under the Data Use and Access Act 2025, all Temporary Work sponsors, including those operating Government Authorised Exchange schemes, are subject to real-time digital monitoring by the Home Office.
This includes continuous cross-checking of sponsor submissions with HMRC and Companies House data to confirm that the exchange activity, salary (if applicable), and host institution details match the declared terms.
Our solicitors assist with:
These safeguards ensure that your application and ongoing placement meet the new digital standards for transparency and accountability introduced under DUAA 2025.
A UK sponsor must hold a valid Temporary Work: Government Authorised Exchange Licence. The sponsor can be an academic institution, research organisation, or professional exchange body recognised by the Home Office.
The sponsor is responsible for:
First Law Solicitors supports sponsors in drafting compliant sponsor policies and conducting annual internal audits to prevent licence suspension or revocation.
As of 1 January 2026, the visa process operates entirely through the Home Office’s digital platform. Applicants confirm their identity via the UK Immigration ID Check App and receive a digital immigration status (eVisa) through a UKVI account.
Physical visa vignettes and Biometric Residence Permits have been fully phased out.
All status verification occurs through digital share codes in line with DUAA 2025 data protection protocols.
Our firm manages every stage of this process, ensuring the secure upload and certification of all digital documentation.
Legal Accuracy and Precision
We interpret and apply complex immigration rules with precision, ensuring every exchange programme application is legally compliant and strategically structured.
Institutional Coordination
Our solicitors liaise directly with universities, research institutes, and corporate sponsors to ensure consistency between contracts, sponsorship, and visa terms.
Digital Compliance Mastery
We process all applications through DUAA 2025-compliant systems, using QES authentication and encrypted data transfers to ensure maximum security.
Long-Term Strategy
We advise participants on how to leverage their UK experience to transition into future work or research visas, including the Skilled Worker and Global Talent routes.
At First Law Solicitors, we transform complex immigration procedures into seamless, strategic pathways for international collaboration.
For expert assistance with a Government Authorised Exchange Visa or sponsor compliance under the Temporary Work framework, contact First Law Solicitors today.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to arrange a private consultation with an immigration specialist.
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