Government Authorised Exchange visa (Temporary Work)

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Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange visa.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You might be able to extend your stay. You must still meet the eligibility requirements.

You must apply while you’re still in the UK.

How long you can stay

You can apply to stay in the UK for up to a maximum of:

  • 12 months, if you’re doing work experience
  • 24 months, if you’re doing research, training or an Overseas Government Language Programme

You can usually stay for 14 days after the end date given to you by your sponsor.

Apply to extend your Government Authorised Exchange visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Find out how to sign in to your account.

Your partner and children

Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend if you extend yours. If they do not extend their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

  • use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
  • have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

  • if your supporting documents need to be verified
  • if you need to attend an interview
  • because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

If your application is successful

You’ll get an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status).

Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa. You’ll need to create a UKVI account.

Find out how to get your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you were told you’d get one when you applied.

Changing your sponsor

You must apply again and meet all the eligibility rules if you want to change your sponsor within the same organisation or move to a new organisation.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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