Visas for Internationals (Non-UK graduates)

[VV]

Hello!

I am an international graduate who did not study in the UK, and I therefore do not have Tier 4 visa which can be extended on the Graduate Route. The firm would have to separately assist me with a Skilled Worker visa just to attend the Vacation Scheme first. Does anyone have experience with this, with Jones Day in particular? Experience with other firms also welcome!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hello!

I am an international graduate who did not study in the UK, and I therefore do not have Tier 4 visa which can be extended on the Graduate Route. The firm would have to separately assist me with a Skilled Worker visa just to attend the Vacation Scheme first. Does anyone have experience with this, with Jones Day in particular? Experience with other firms also welcome!

For most firms it is highly unlikely they will apply for a visa unless it is a specific vacation scheme for a relent pipeline from a particular country (sometimes seen with Indian, Australian or Chinese specific candidate programmes usually driven within the candidates’ home countries).

Even in those instances, they tend to not apply for skilled persons visas (a vacation scheme is unlikely to meet the skilled persons visa requirements set by the U.K. government).

It is much more likely a firm that is happy to sponsor a visa will bring someone in on a youth mobility visa, intern visa (Tier 5), or now with the High Potential Individual visa (HPI).

There have been some comments that a small number of firms do sponsor these visas - Macfarlanes has been one referenced before, but it’s always worth checking with the firm before applying to them. It will be a very common question all law firms receive.

 

[axelbeugre]

Hello!

I am an international graduate who did not study in the UK, and I therefore do not have Tier 4 visa which can be extended on the Graduate Route. The firm would have to separately assist me with a Skilled Worker visa just to attend the Vacation Scheme first. Does anyone have experience with this, with Jones Day in particular? Experience with other firms also welcome!

Hey @RV,

I totally agree with what @Jessica Booker said. I had a friend who attended Jones Day vacation scheme and they were very strict with the visa requirement and they do not sponsor visa to attend the Vacation Scheme. I would check with them but most firms do not sponsor international individuals who are not legally allowed to work in the UK. This was something that, as an international student myself, I had to make sure I was on top of. I remember that I could not attend Dentons Spring Vacation Scheme because it was schedule to happen during term time, and so they asked me to be considered for a direct training contract. In case they say that you are not allowed to do the scheme, it might be worth asking them if they are willing to offer you a direct training contract. Some firms would be willing to do it if they really like. I had personal experience with a couple of firms regarding this and they were happy to organise further interviews to offer me the training contract, I just rejected their offers as I had another one.

I hope this is helpful and good luck with your applications!

 

[VV]

Hi Axel and Jessica,

Thank you for your input - much appreciated very helpful!

I note the following from Jones Day FAQs; has it perhaps changed as they mention that they may sponsor a Skilled Worker Visa? Although of course, it is unclear if this extends to the Vacation Scheme itself.

Q. What is the process for international candidates?

A: As with all applicants, international students will be assessed on merit, although clearly eligibility to work in the UK will need to be considered in the later stages of the selection process. The firm does not have a blanket policy of refusing applications from those requiring work permits and has a Skilled Worker sponsorship license, for a very limited number of candidates. International students on a student visa (Tier 4) are eligible to attend our vacation schemes outside of term-time. From Summer 2021, Tier 4 visas can also be extended on the Graduate Route, allowing a further 2-years to live and work in the UK after graduation. This is an extremely complex area and you are encouraged to seek further information about work permits and your entitlement to undertake a placement scheme from your University Careers Service and the UK Visas and Immigration website.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Axel and Jessica,

Thank you for your input - much appreciated very helpful!

I note the following from Jones Day FAQs; has it perhaps changed as they mention that they may sponsor a Skilled Worker Visa? Although of course, it is unclear if this extends to the Vacation Scheme itself.

Q. What is the process for international candidates?

A: As with all applicants, international students will be assessed on merit, although clearly eligibility to work in the UK will need to be considered in the later stages of the selection process. The firm does not have a blanket policy of refusing applications from those requiring work permits and has a Skilled Worker sponsorship license, for a very limited number of candidates. International students on a student visa (Tier 4) are eligible to attend our vacation schemes outside of term-time. From Summer 2021, Tier 4 visas can also be extended on the Graduate Route, allowing a further 2-years to live and work in the UK after graduation. This is an extremely complex area and you are encouraged to seek further information about work permits and your entitlement to undertake a placement scheme from your University Careers Service and the UK Visas and Immigration website.

The reference to vacation schemes is in italics, and that states you need a Tier 4 visa to be eligible to attend the scheme. This means you will need to be studying at a U.K. university and be outside of your term time during the scheme.

 

[axelbeugre]

Hi Axel and Jessica,

Thank you for your input - much appreciated very helpful!

I note the following from Jones Day FAQs; has it perhaps changed as they mention that they may sponsor a Skilled Worker Visa? Although of course, it is unclear if this extends to the Vacation Scheme itself.

Q. What is the process for international candidates?

A: As with all applicants, international students will be assessed on merit, although clearly eligibility to work in the UK will need to be considered in the later stages of the selection process. The firm does not have a blanket policy of refusing applications from those requiring work permits and has a Skilled Worker sponsorship license, for a very limited number of candidates. International students on a student visa (Tier 4) are eligible to attend our vacation schemes outside of term-time. From Summer 2021, Tier 4 visas can also be extended on the Graduate Route, allowing a further 2-years to live and work in the UK after graduation. This is an extremely complex area and you are encouraged to seek further information about work permits and your entitlement to undertake a placement scheme from your University Careers Service and the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Jessica answered the question. I am pretty sure that they are referring to the training contract when it comes to sponsoring students.