Immigration support for non-EEA nationals

This constitutes a major breakthrough and means it is now able to offer immigration assistance to lawyers from outside the European Economic Area (EAA) who wish to come to the UK to undertake pupillage (funded and unfunded), mini pupillage and other chambers based training programmes such as those run by the Inns of Court. It does this by issuing certificates of sponsorship to applicants, which then enables them to apply to the UK Border Agency for leave to enter the UK.

The Bar Council’s International Committee is delighted to enable overseas law students to complete their Bar qualification by undertaking pupillage, filling a gap left by the closure of the Tier 1 (post-study work) route to such individuals. It is also pleased to offer overseas lawyers and law students a viable entry route to the UK to participate in mini pupillages and Inns of Court and Bar Council managed training and exchange programmes. Such placements facilitate the exchange of legal knowledge and skills, enabling valuable links to be established and strengthened with key overseas jurisdictions. As a consequence, it is hoped that overseas lawyers’ understanding of the English legal system and the skills barristers can offer will be increased, facilitating the Bar’s development of its international practice by making vital links with aspiring as well as established international practitioners. If you have any queries about the programme then please refer to the international pages of the Bar Council’s website http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/aboutthebarcouncil/international/ or contact Sarah Richardson (SRichardson@BarCouncil.org.uk).