Tier 5 GAE - Migrant Lawyers

I have a query regarding my right to remain/ extend my visa under the Tier 5 GAE visa - Migrant Lawyers, sponsored by the Law Society.

Following is a summary of my current situation.

I moved to the UK last March on the T5-GAE visa with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the Law Society, I spent the next almost 1 year on this visa, which was initially valid from March-September 2023 and then with an extension for this visa from November 2023 to February 2024.

In December I was offered another position with a law firm from March-September 2024, however, this time (unlike the others) firm was not applying for the visa for me, it only obtained the CoS from the Law Society and left me to apply for the visa.

While applying for the visa in January, I was under the wrong impression that I could apply for another extension of the T5-GAE from the UK itself, rather than applying for a new visa T5-GAE from India. But, I received an email from the Home Office on 2 February stating that I have reached a maximum period for the scheme of 12 months, asking me about how to proceed with this application.

I replied to the Home Office on 7 February, requesting them to convert my extension application to a new application, so I can continue to stay in the UK with the same CoS.

Home Office responded to me today (20 Feb) repeating their last email i.e., stating that I have reached a maximum period for the scheme of 12 months, asking me about how to proceed with this application.

I would be grateful for advice and guidance as to how to proceed with this situation and how to respond to the Home Office for the second time.

Thank you all,
Tigmika

You cannot get this visa for more than 12 months on the scheme you are on. This is clearly stated in the immigration rules, the link is on the UKVI website for this visa category.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... ge-schemes

This scheme for overseas lawyers is open to law firms based in England and Wales. It covers placements, internships and secondments offered to lawyers and law students from other countries coming to the UK for primarily non-economic purposes for limited periods to share knowledge, experience and best practice.

The Law Society of England and Wales

Work experience programme Maximum 12 months

If you are able to find a sponsor that will offer you a skilled worker visa then you would be able to carry on in that category. It is unlikely that a sponsor will offer a lawyer role if you are not fully qualified though.