Janice Lozano
For international students, finding a law firm that sponsors trainees can be challenging. The process often involves additional financial and administrative burdens for firms, including visa application costs and advertising expenses to demonstrate that no UK candidate can fill the role. As a result, some smaller commercial law firms may be reluctant to sponsor international students. However, larger firms and US law firms in London are more likely to sponsor, and some, like Clifford Chance, are experienced in dealing with international applicants and converting international qualifications to UK equivalents. Students can also seek information from resources like the H-1B Employer Data Hub and MyVisaJobs.com to identify potential sponsors. Networking at events and law fairs can also help students gather information about firms that sponsor international trainees. While it can be challenging, international students can increase their chances by gaining relevant international legal experience, participating in moot competitions, and showcasing their research and alignment with firms' D&I initiatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sponsoring firms as of December 2021 | Allen & Overy |
| Sponsoring firms (US-based) | Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, White & Case |
| Sponsoring firms (US-based, in London) | Latham & Watkins, White & Case, and others |
| Sponsoring firms (UK-based) | Clifford Chance, DWF |
| Sponsoring trainees | Yes |
| Sponsoring paralegals | Rare |
| Sponsoring international students for Tier 2 or Tier 5 visas | Yes |
| Sponsoring international students for skilled worker visas | Unlikely |
| Sponsoring international students for student visas | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Types of visas law firms sponsor
For international students, employment authorization and employer willingness to sponsor continued authorization can play a significant role in narrowing down appropriate employers. While some law firms do sponsor visas for international students, it is important to note that the process can be complex and may vary depending on the country and the firm's policies. Here are some types of visas that law firms may sponsor:
Student Visa
A student visa is typically required for international students pursuing an LLM course. While some law firms may provide support, it is often the responsibility of the student to obtain this visa independently.
Skilled Worker Visa
A skilled worker visa is generally applicable when an international student secures employment after completing their studies. Law firms may sponsor this type of visa, but it typically requires a minimum salary threshold, which may not be met during the training period.
Tier 2 or Tier 5 Visa (UK)
Tier 5 visas are available to individuals aged 18-30 who intend to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Tier 5 visa applicants must have approximately £2000 in savings and be citizens of specific countries, including Australia, Canada, and Japan. Tier 2 visas are another option for working in the UK, but they are not limited to individuals from the aforementioned countries.
H-1B Visa (US)
H-1B visas are available for specialized occupations in the United States, but they are granted through a highly competitive lottery system. Employers must assist with the H-1B visa process, and it is crucial to understand their policies and level of support before accepting any job offers.
Green Card (US)
While rare, some employers may be willing to sponsor a green card for international employees. However, due to the lengthy application process, most employers will not consider this option for junior associates.
It is worth noting that larger law firms, such as Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and White & Case, tend to be more accustomed to sponsoring international applicants than smaller firms. Additionally, US law firms operating in London are often more open to sponsoring foreign applicants, including Americans working in their London offices.
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US law firms that sponsor international students
For international students, finding a US law firm that sponsors visas can be challenging. Some firms may be reluctant to take on the administrative burden of sponsoring trainees, and visa requirements can change. However, some US law firms do offer sponsorship for international students.
BlackStone Tutors mentions that US law firms such as Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and White & Case sponsor foreign applicants. They also note that larger firms with a higher intake of trainees are more likely to sponsor international applicants.
Some law firms may sponsor H-1B visas for international students. However, the H-1B system is highly competitive, and even if a firm expresses willingness to sponsor a petition, there is uncertainty about whether the student will be permitted to stay and practice in the US.
Additionally, some UK law firms may sponsor Tier 5 visas for international trainees, but this requires the trainee to work only for the sponsoring employer and entails administrative responsibilities for the firm.
It is recommended that international students discuss their visa situation with their firm(s) to confirm their visa policies and determine their willingness to provide support. Students can also utilize resources such as the H-1B Employer Data Hub and MyVisaJobs.com to research potential employers and their visa sponsorship practices.
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UK law firms that sponsor international students
The process of obtaining a visa as an international student seeking employment in the UK can be challenging, and not all law firms are willing to sponsor trainees. Sponsoring international students imposes additional financial and administrative burdens on firms, and they must demonstrate that the candidate is filling a role that no UK candidate is able to.
However, some UK law firms do sponsor international students. Eversheds, for example, sponsors Tier 2 Work Visas. PwC is another firm that sponsors visas, although this is usually in conjunction with a professional qualification.
International law firms with offices in the UK, such as Winston & Strawn LLP and Cooley, may be more inclined to sponsor international students due to their global presence. Trowers is another international firm with a long history of valuing inclusivity and innovation.
When applying for positions, it is beneficial to emphasise your unique experiences and knowledge of international commerce and law. It is also important to be proactive in seeking opportunities, as some firms may not explicitly state their sponsorship capabilities on their websites. Checking the list of sponsors on the government website can help identify potential employers.
While there are challenges, many international students successfully obtain sponsorships from UK law firms, and the visa process has reportedly become easier over time.
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The cost of visa sponsorship
Visa sponsorship can be an expensive and time-consuming process for both the firm and the applicant, with many smaller commercial law firms being unable or unwilling to meet the financial and administrative burdens. The costs incurred by the firm in sponsoring a visa are additional to the visa application fee that the applicant must pay, unless the employer agrees to pay it on their behalf, which some larger firms do. As of February 2025, the cost of applying for a visa as an international trainee is £1,500 for a visa lasting more than three years. There is also an additional healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year that the applicant stays in the UK. The application process usually takes around three weeks.
For a firm to be approved as a visa sponsor, they must demonstrate that the applicant meets a certain number of 'points' in the UK's points-based immigration system. This can be challenging, as the firm must prove that the role cannot be filled by a UK candidate. This often involves advertising the role on job boards and undertaking additional HR processes, which smaller firms may be reluctant to do.
While US law firms in London and other larger international firms are more likely to sponsor international applicants, it is always best to check with the graduate recruitment team before applying. Some verified sponsoring firms include Allen & Overy, Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and White & Case.
It is worth noting that some international students may be eligible for alternative visas, such as the Tier 5 visa for individuals aged 18-30 who want to live and work in the UK for up to two years. This visa costs £244 and requires citizens of specific countries to have around £2000 in savings.
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The challenges of visa sponsorship for law firms
Visa sponsorship for international students is a costly affair for law firms, and it is a challenge to get through the tedious administrative procedures. The larger firms are more likely to sponsor international applicants, and are in a better position to do so. The cost to the firm for acting as a sponsor is in addition to the visa fee that the applicant has to pay, unless the employer agrees to pay it on their behalf, which many larger law firms do. As of February 2025, the cost to apply for a UK visa is £1,500 for a visa of more than three years. There is also a healthcare surcharge to pay, which is usually £1,035 per year that the applicant stays in the UK.
The UK uses a points-based test when vetting visa applications. Post-Brexit, it has become increasingly difficult to attain the required points. Employers have to demonstrate that the foreign candidate is filling a job that no UK candidate is able to do. This means that the law firm will need to advertise the role and undertake HR work to show this, which is an additional task for the firm.
US law firms in London are more likely to sponsor international applicants, as they have experience sponsoring American lawyers in their London office. For instance, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP supports TN visa status and may also sponsor individuals for H-1B visa status at the conclusion of any three-year TN approval period.
Some firms include a questionnaire in their hiring application that automatically weeds out candidates who indicate that they will need sponsorship in the future. This can be a huge challenge for international students.
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Frequently asked questions
International students need a Tier 5 visa to work at a UK law firm. This visa is available to those aged 18-30 who want to live and work in the UK for up to two years. You must have around £2000 in savings and be a citizen of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, or Taiwan. The visa costs £244 and takes around three weeks for a decision to be made.
Sponsoring a Tier 5 visa comes at a financial and administrative cost to the law firm. The firm must pay a fee, advertise the role, and undertake HR work to demonstrate that the foreign candidate is filling a job that no UK candidate is able to do.
As of December 2021, Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, and DWF are known to sponsor international applicants. Most US law firms in London also sponsor international applicants, as they have sponsored American lawyers in their London offices.
