Visa Sponsorship
Visa Sponsorship
Who needs a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship?
Grundtvig Programme participants who are not nationals of the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries or Switzerland and who want to undertake a work placement in the UK must first get a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship from ECOTEC before applying for a UK visa.
Accompanying people do not need a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship. They will be able to get a 'business visitor' visa without a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship.
Grundtvig Programme participants who are nationals of an EU and European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland do not need a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship to undertake a work placement in the UK.
| Programme and activity | Nationals of EEA countries & Switzerland | Nationals of all other countries |
| Grundtvig Senior Volunteering | ||
| Grundtvig Assistantships | ||
| Grundtvig In-Service Training | ||
| Grundtvig Multilateral Projects & Networks | ||
| Grundtvig Partnerships Projects | ||
| Grundtvig Preparatory Visits | ||
| Grundtvig Visits & Exchanges | ||
| Grundtvig Workshops |
What is a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship is not an actual certificate or paper document but is a virtual document, similar to a database record. Participants who successfully apply for Tier 5 sponsorship will receive a unique Certificate of Sponsorship reference number (in a letter) from ECOTEC, a licensed sponsor.
When should a participant coming to the UK apply for a Tier 5 Certificate?
Participants should apply for a Tier 5 Certificate at least 3 months before their intended date of travel to the UK, allowing one month to obtain a Tier 5 Certificate plus two months for visa processing. Visa processing times vary: usually 5-30 days, but you should allow up to two months.
A UK visa must be applied for while the Tier 5 Certificate is valid. The Tier 5 Certificate is valid for 3 months from the date it is issued by ECOTEC. After 3 months the Tier 5 Certificate expires.
More information
- Background Information
- Apply for Tier 5 Visa Sponsorship
- For Grundtvig Programme Participants
- For Sending Organisations
- For Work Placement Host Organisations
- For Intermediary Organisations in the UK
- For National Agencies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Glossary of Terms
Visa Sponsorship Helpline
If you have any questions about Tier 5 visa sponsorship for the Grundtvig Programme, then call the Tier 5 helpline on +44 121 212 8830, or send an email to tier5@ecotec.com.
