International pre-registration trainees
We have developed information and guidance on how optometry graduates can join the Scheme for Registration as an international pre-reg trainee.
If you need a visa to work or study in the UK, you will need a sponsor for your visa to complete the Scheme for Registration in a UK practice. The College is an approved licensed sponsor under the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) scheme, and can provide a Certificate of Sponsorship for your visa application.
Visit the GOC website before starting your application.
Applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship
Before we can process your application, you need to provide payment of £550. This can be paid online once an invoice has been generated. We will also need the following documents:
- your passport
- proof that you have graduated from a GOC approved university with a 2:2 or above in optometry. This can be a final transcript or degree certificate.
- contract/agreement from your employer for your pre-registration placement
- proof of address (utility bill, bank statement or rent agreement)
- a copy of your GOC approval letter, if relevant
- a completed Scheme for Registration enrolment form.
You can attach PDFs to an email to chareen.rae@college-optometrists.org. Please contact 0207 766 4357 for any visa queries.
Once we have payment and documents, we are usually able to email you a certificate in about 10 working days.
Here to help
If you would like to talk to someone about your application, call Chareen Rae on (+44) 20 7766 4357 or email chareen.rae@college-optometrists.org who will be happy to talk you through the application process.
Applying for your Tier 5 GAE visa
The Certificate of Sponsorship is only valid for three months, so it is essential that you apply to UKVI for your tier 5 GAE visa within three months of your certificate being issued. You can only start work when the UKVI has issued your visa. You should seek appropriate advice from UKVI or an immigration lawyer if you wish to live and work in the UK once your visa has expired. The Tier 5 GAE visa is valid for a maximum of 24 months. You cannot extend your visa if you don’t complete the Scheme in time.
Switching from a Tier 4 Visa to a Tier 5 Visa
If you plan to switch from a Tier 4 visa to a Tier 5 GAE visa, please notify the College at least twelve weeks before your current visa expires. You can take part in the Scheme for Registration under a Tier 4 visa, while you application for a Tier 5 visa is underway. However, if your Tier 4 visa expires, you will not be able to continue until you have your Tier 5 GAE visa.
Enrolling on the Scheme
Completing the Scheme
When you have completed the Scheme, we will inform the UKVI that we are withdrawing your sponsorship. If you wish to stay in the UK and work as an optometrist, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. You are able to apply within the UK, or from your home country. Your intended employer would act as your sponsor for this visa. Further information can be found on the UKVI website.
International optometrists practising in the UK
Frequently asked questions