Becoming a UK Solicitor: A Guide for International Students (Part 1)
Many international law graduates dream of building a legal career in the UK, but understanding the visa process can be overwhelming. Choosing the right immigration route is crucial, as some options provide only short-term work rights, while others lead to long-term career stability and settlement in the UK.
This article is the first in a two-part series that will break down the most important aspects of securing a Skilled Worker visa as a law graduate. You will learn:
- The key requirements for a Skilled Worker visa
- How the points-based system works
- Why applying only to sponsoring law firms is essential
We will also explain why certain legal roles, such as paralegal positions, do not qualify for visa sponsorship. By focusing your job applications on the right law firms, you can avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of securing a role that leads to long-term residency in the UK.
In the next article, we will cover how to secure a sponsored training contract, the transition from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, and how to plan for permanent residency in the UK.
Key Requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants must meet the validity, suitability, and eligibility requirements.
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Validity Requirements
The application must be submitted correctly and include the following:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-licensed sponsor
- A completed visa application form
- Payment of the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Submission of biometric data for identity verification
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Suitability Requirements
Applicants must meet the general suitability criteria under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.
The Home Office will consider the following factors when assessing this element of the application:
- criminal convictions: any serious offences could result in refusal
- past immigration breaches: overstaying a visa or using deception can lead to refusal
- security concerns: if the Home Office believes the applicant poses a risk, they’ll refuse the application.
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Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants need to have:
- A valid job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor
- A role that meets the required skill level
- A salary that meets the minimum threshold
- Proof of English language proficiency
Each of these requirements is assessed using a points-based system.
Understanding the Points-Based System
Applicants need to score 70 points to get a Skilled Worker visa. These points are divided into tradable and non-tradable points. Think of non-tradable points like the core ingredients of a cake: flour, eggs, and sugar. You need to have them, or the cake won’t bake.
Tradable points are like optional toppings: chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit. You can mix and match to reach the required 70 points, but you still need the base ingredients
Non-Tradable Points (50 Points, Mandatory Requirements)
These points must be met with no flexibility:
- Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor – 20 points
- Job at an Eligible Skill Level – 20 points
- English Language Requirement – 10 points
Tradable Points (20 Points, Flexible Criteria)
Options:
A: You earn £38,700 or more and meet the full salary rate for your job.
B: You have a PhD in a relevant subject, earn at least £34,830, and meet 90% of the salary rate.
C: You have a PhD in STEM, earn at least £30,960, and meet 80% of the salary rate.
D: Your job is on the Immigration Salary List, you earn £30,960 or more, and meet the full salary rate.
E: You are a new entrant (starting your career), earn £30,960 or more, and meet 70% of the salary rate.
Pre-April 2024 Options:
Options:
F: You earn £29,000 or more and meet the full salary rate for your job for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
G: You have a PhD in a relevant subject, earn £26,100 or more, and meet 90% of the salary rate.
H: You have a PhD in STEM, earn £23,200 or more, and meet 80% of the salary rate.
I: Your job is on the Immigration Salary List, you earn £23,200 or more, and meet the full salary rate.
J: You are a new entrant, earn £23,200 or more, and meet 70% of the salary rate.
K: You work in health or education, earn £23,200 or more, and meet the full salary rate.
Choosing the Right Salary Option for Your Skilled Worker Visa
Everyone applying under this route needs to earn 20 points from one of the options above. However, most applicants can only choose from Options A to E.
This is because you can choose from Options F to J only if:
- Your job is in Health and Care (special salary category), or
- You applied before 4 April 2030, were already on a Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024, and have stayed on this visa without gaps.
Option K is only for jobs in specific health and education roles listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Why Some Legal Roles Do Not Qualify for Sponsorship
Many law graduates assume that any legal job will qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. However, this is not the case. The UK government sets a minimum skill level and salary threshold for sponsorship, and some legal roles do not meet these criteria.
If you’re considering roles such as paralegal or legal secretary, it’s important to understand why these positions cannot be sponsored under this visa route.
For example, the following roles cannot be sponsored:
- Legal Secretary (SOC 4212) – This role does not meet the required skill level.
- Paralegal Roles – Paralegal positions are not listed as eligible under the Skilled Worker visa requirements.
- Salary Threshold – Even if a firm wanted to sponsor a paralegal, the salary for this role does not meet the minimum required amount.
For this reason, international graduates must focus on securing a training contract, as this is the only route to sponsorship for those seeking to qualify as a solicitor in the UK.
How to Quickly Check If a Legal Job Qualifies for a Skilled Worker Visa
If you’re wondering whether a legal job qualifies for sponsorship, the easiest way to check is by looking at the Eligible for Skilled Worker column in the official UK government list.
Find your job title in the table, such as legal secretary, paralegal, or solicitor.
If it says Yes, the job qualifies for sponsorship.
If it says No, the job does not qualify, meaning law firms cannot sponsor you under the Skilled Worker visa.
Since paralegal and legal secretary roles are not on the list as eligible, they do not qualify for sponsorship. If you want to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you need to secure a training contract as a trainee solicitor.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must prove they can speak, read, write, and understand English to B1 level on the CEFR scale.
You can meet this requirement by:
- Completing a UK degree taught in English
- Passing an approved English language test
- Holding a qualification from a majority English-speaking country
Next Steps
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants have to:
- Have a sponsored role at RQF Level 3 or higher
- Meet salary thresholds
- Pass the English language requirement
Since only trainee solicitor roles qualify, law graduates need to plan ahead and apply only to firms with a sponsorship licence.
The next article in this series will cover:
- How to secure a training contract for sponsorship
- How the New Entrant route works
- Why sponsorship is essential for long-term residency in the UK
- Securing a Skilled Worker visa is the first major step towards launching your legal career in the UK. By understanding the eligibility criteria, salary thresholds, and the importance of applying only to sponsoring law firms, you can avoid common pitfalls and focus your efforts on the right opportunities.
- However, getting the visa is only part of the journey. To qualify as a solicitor in the UK, you will need a training contract with a law firm that can offer sponsorship. Not all firms provide this, and many graduates waste time applying to firms that cannot support their long-term career goals.
- In Part 2 of this series, we will cover everything you need to know about securing a sponsored training contract, transitioning from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, and planning for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). By preparing ahead, you can maximise your chances of success and set yourself up for a stable legal career in the UK.