International student - Post TC offer questions

[LawyerInMaking]

Hi,
I am an international student in the UK on a student visa and following a spring VS, was fortunate to secure a TC with a US firm in my penultimate LLB year (in June 2024). After finishing my final LLB year in June 2025, I start my SQE with BPP in Sept 2025, followed by 2 year TC commencing in Sept 2026. Can someone who has gone through a similar journey answer following questions:
1. My final year LLB results will be declared around first week of July 2025. When do I apply for the new student visa for my sponsored SQE? Do I have to wait for my final uni results or can I apply as soon as exams are over in May? How long did it take for your SQE visa to come through? Is it ok to travel outside UK after the exam and come back in July for visa application OR should I stay put in the UK during summer?
2. What is the usual start date for the BPP SQE course in September ? Given the intensity of the SQE exam, should I be studying anything during summer vacation ? If so, what material you recommend?

Any other finer considerations for student visa extension and SQE will be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi there @LawyerInMaking ,

These are all valid questions!

From people I have spoken to that have gone through this route, I know a couple were outside the UK when their SQE visa was being processed. I also know of people who let the firm know of any instances in which they’ll be travelling, or inquired on any operational things they were unsure about. These may differ between firms.

As I also start the SQE in September, I’m afraid I cannot provide the most certain responses to some of these queries. So, I have tagged @Jessica Booker as I’m sure she’ll be able to provide more insights on the specifics.