Before applying for a UK visa, you must apply for a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship from Ecorys.

What is Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship?

A Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship, allows you to apply for a UK visa to undertake work placements in the UK.

Participants in the Grundtvig Programme who undertake a work placement in the UK will do so under Tier 5, Temporary Workers under the sub-category Government Authorised Exchanges.

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 Ecorys, a licensed sponsor.

Who needs a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship?

Grundtvig Programme participants who are nationals from outside the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries or Switzerland, should apply for a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship if you are taking part in the following Grundtvig activities:

• Grundtvig Senior Volunteering
• Grundtvig Assistantships

Accompanying people from the sending organisation 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.

How do I apply?

To apply for a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship you will need to follow the instructions outlined in the how to apply section.

When should I apply for a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship and UK visa?

You should apply to Ecorys for a Tier 5 Certificate at least 3 months prior to your intended date of travel to the UK, allowing one month for your Tier 5 Certificate to be processed and issued.

You will then need to fill in an application form for a UK visa and apply to the UK Border Agency, who will process your UK visa application. Visa processing times vary: usually 5-30 days, but you should allow up to two months.

Is there a cost for a Tier 5 Certificate?

There is no fee for the applicant as the cost of processing and issuing the Tier 5 Certificates is paid by the UK government.

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Please note: Obtaining a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship does not guarantee that a UK visa will be granted.

Ecorys manages and issues Certificate of Sponsorships only. They do not issue UK visas and is independent from the UK Border Agency.

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