UK Graduate Trainee Visa: Apply from Ireland

In order to be eligible to take the graduate trainee visa route to obtain a graduate trainee visa, the graduate trainee visa applicants have to meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years old or more at the date of application
• Be part of a structured graduate training programme for a managerial or specialist role with overseas businesses that have a legitimate work placement in the UK
• Be an already existing employee of a sponsor organisation that’s been approved by the Home Office as a UK sponsor and has been assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from that sponsor
• Be doing an eligible job with a relevant occupation code to the appropriate skill level as set out in the Immigration Rules
• Be paid the minimum eligible salary that meets the general salary threshold
• Be working for the overseas business at the date of application and have worked for that business for at least 3 months before they apply
• Notify UK visas to satisfy the personal savings  (if bringing a dependent partner or kids)

To reiterate, Irish citizens with an Irish passport do not require a graduate trainee visa to move and work in the UK. However, should you live in Ireland with other immigration permission, you do. To become a Graduate trainee visa holders must first provide the necessary documents:

•  A valid passport or another valid travel document that shows the graduate trainees’ identity and nationality.
• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number (this will be given to the applicant by their employer).
• Any form of proof that documents the graduate trainee visa applicant’s job title and annual salary.
• Do one of the eligible occupations and have an appropriate occupation code.
• Evidence showing the applicant’s employer and their sponsor license number.
• Financial forms show that the applicant holds all necessary funds to support themselves whilst in the UK (ex. bank statements).
• Evidence that proves the applicant was an overseas worker outside the UK for a minimum of 3 months prior to submitting the graduate trainee visa application (ex. Payslips or contract).
• Any documents of the structured graduate training programme the applicant will be attending.
• A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate (if the applicant’s job involves researching a sensitive subject at a PhD level or higher).
• Any documents that provide proof of relationship to dependants if applying with family members (such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption certificates, etc).
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).

All of the above documents must be submitted in either English or Welsh. If they are not already in those languages, it is imperative they are translated by a certified translator.

The graduate trainee visa permits you to undertake any work in the UK, including:

• Paid and unpaid employment
• Voluntary work or unpaid work
• Be self-employed
• Engaging in business or any professional activity

It is not possible to extend your visa, but you can apply for another graduate trainee visa from outside the UK.

Oppositely, the following are not permitted while on a UK visa:

• Apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
• Change jobs
• Have a second job
• Apply to settle permanently in the UK

As an Irish citizen, you do have the rights to access benefits, change jobs, have multiple jobs and live in the UK for good.