Tier 5 of the points-based system
The points-based system (PBS) for immigration was introduced in 2008 to streamline the routes of entry for prospective migrants seeking to work or study in the UK.
Tier 5 of the PBS covers a range of temporary worker categories enabling prospective migrants to enter the UK for primarily non-economic reasons.
For the legal sector, sharing knowledge, experience and best practice with lawyers from around the world through work experience, secondment and internship programmes is essential to business development.
The route by which these short-term migrants will enter the UK under the PBS is the Government Authorised Exchange framework within Tier 5. The Law Society has been licensed by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) as the overarching body administering Tier 5 migration for the legal sector.
Tier 5 Scheme for migrant lawyers
The Law Society Tier 5 scheme for migrant lawyers will enable firms to continue to develop international networks and will provide certainty in planning secondment and exchange programmes.
Under the scheme, the Society will authorise eligible firms to issue certificates of sponsorship to prospective migrants. The firm will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the migrants, including all reporting and record-keeping obligations required under the PBS.
Eligibility
Firms seeking to participate in the scheme must:
- operate an exchange programme that meets the requirements of the Law Society's Government Authorised Exchange scheme
- hold a current UKBA sponsor licence with an A rating; and
- enter into a contract with the Law Society undertaking to fulfil the sponsor obligations defined within the PBS
Firms not headquartered in the UK will also be required to become corporate members of the Law Society International Division in order to join the scheme.
Register your interest
Please contact tier5@lawsociety.org.uk to register your interest in the Law Society Tier 5 scheme for migrant lawyers.