Hello, I recently received a TC offer from a UK law firm. They will sponsor my visa as I'm an international. My graduate visa expires in Sept 2026, which is the same time I will be starting the SQE LLM. My question is: what type of visa will the law firm give me for the year I spend studying for and taking the SQE.
I don't think it can be a skilled worker visa (SWV) because that requires a minimum salary of £34,300, and law firms pay less than that for the SQE grant. The skilled worker visa will likely start after I've completed the SQE and started training.
If not a Skilled Worker Visa, will it be a student visa? Can law firms even sponsor those and will I be required to pay?
Additionally, as I'm sure you're aware, the SQE grant offered by law firms barely covers living expenses in the current economic climate. I have developed a strong resume and qualify for other jobs with salaries ranging from £60-80K. I was wondering if I could continue working while I study for the SQE. If it is the student or SWV, there is the 20h/week limit on how much I can work - which makes having a full-time job quite challenging. I have heard of people getting double sponsorship on SWV, but apparently, employers don't like that sort of thing.
It's difficult to get clear answers online. I'd appreciate any guidance before I contact my law firm for further clarification. Thank you!
I don't think it can be a skilled worker visa (SWV) because that requires a minimum salary of £34,300, and law firms pay less than that for the SQE grant. The skilled worker visa will likely start after I've completed the SQE and started training.
If not a Skilled Worker Visa, will it be a student visa? Can law firms even sponsor those and will I be required to pay?
Additionally, as I'm sure you're aware, the SQE grant offered by law firms barely covers living expenses in the current economic climate. I have developed a strong resume and qualify for other jobs with salaries ranging from £60-80K. I was wondering if I could continue working while I study for the SQE. If it is the student or SWV, there is the 20h/week limit on how much I can work - which makes having a full-time job quite challenging. I have heard of people getting double sponsorship on SWV, but apparently, employers don't like that sort of thing.
It's difficult to get clear answers online. I'd appreciate any guidance before I contact my law firm for further clarification. Thank you!
