How to apply

The Temporary Worker Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) scheme enables researchers, scientists, research engineers or other skilled research technology specialists, to come to the UK on a temporary basis.

The University of Edinburgh is able to offer sponsorship to eligible researchers, academics, scientists, research engineers or other skilled research technology specialists for a maximum duration of 2 years.

To apply for the scheme you must meet the following criteria:

1. To be sponsored under this scheme you must be in the UK to undertake one of the following activities:

  • A formal research project or collaboration

  • A period of work-based training/work experience/internship/placement

  • Skill development/knowledge transfer

  • A series of lectures, which doesn’t amount to a formal teaching post

  • External examinations (although the PPE visitor route is the preferred option for this)

2. You cannot be self-funded and must be in receipt of funding in line with, or above, the UK National Minimum Wage.  You may be funded by your host, overseas employer or an independent UK or non-UK funding body.

3. The work or activities you undertake must never amount to what the Home Office terms ‘a genuine vacancy’.

4. In accordance with the UKVI rules, the role must be over and above the organisation’s normal staffing requirements, and which would not be automatically refilled once the post holder leaves.

5.  Any work or activity you undertake within the scheme must be at or above RQF level 3, or the equivalent in Scotland.


Applying for a Temporary Worker visa

The University of Edinburgh (HR colleagues) will need to confirm that all of the criteria has been met, and sponsorship can be offered.  You will then need to consider the following:

Work with HR colleagues in the Schools to request a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

  • HR can advise you of the timescales for producing this CoS and the information​​​​

You need to check with your School/department if the ATAS requirement needs to be met.

  • This is for certain jobs involving an element of research in certain sensitive subject areas where knowledge used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery.  If ATAS clearance is needed, the individual will need to apply. 
  • HR colleagues must have the ATAS certificate before HR can issue the CoS. 

You need to show the following supporting documents: 

  • A valid passport with at least one blank page
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The application form will ask you for information which is contained in this certificate.
  • Financial requirement – you need to show at least £1270 in personal savings.  This must have been held in a bank account for a minimum of 28 days prior to the date of the visa application (and the balance cannot fall below the £1270 amount for even one day during that 28-day period).  Alternatively, in some circumstances, HR colleagues will certify your maintenance which means they do not have to include any bank statements.   You will need to speak to them about this.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test – this may be required if you are resident in any of the countries listed by the UKVI.

The application form is available online.

  • You will need to upload your supporting documents.
  • Depending on your nationality, you will either attend an appointment at the visa application centre (this can take a couple of weeks to arrange) or use an App.  

Visa processing times

Once submitted you have submitted your application and uploaded your supporting documents and provided your biometric information, the TW GAE visa processing times are around 3 weeks. Priority options may be available at an additional cost.

These visa processing times are not guaranteed, so please leave plenty of time to submit your application. 

Bringing your family

This article was published on