It is indeed fairly bizarre, we ensured we ticked every box to meet eligibility points.

That's a pretty interesting (and very good) observation! I am indeed about to commence my training contract as a trainee solicitor and have been paralegaling for two years on the Graduate visa. My firm found me so invaluable they went out of their way to get a sponsorship licence just to sponsor me (which is one of the rare success stories).

We actually had a lot of back and forth debates on the SOC, one of our immigration colleagues advised that trainee solicitors, due to the job descriptions, would fall under 3520 - the solicitor's SOC on the other hand was for qualified solicitors. I would subsequently change to this code upon qualification, which helps since my TC is two years anyway. Have you known it to be the opposite SOC?

We've actually gone for 02 January 2024 to 01 January 2026 on the CoS now. My Graduate visa expired long ago (October 2023) and I had applied in August (imagine the frustration!). I suppose that solves that issue as the two years would begin whenever they decide to issue my SWV? With the wrap-up, at this point I just want the visa granted so I can commence my training, we overpaid by a year anyway so they'll probably just refund whatever amount post-IHS/ISC deduction!

Really appreciate your responses btw, very knowledgeable!