How to become an Adviser
What is Immigration advice?
Immigration advisers provide advice and services on:
- claims for asylum
- applications for entry clearance or leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom (UK)
- immigration employment documents
- nationality
- citizenship
- residence
- deportation or removal
- bail applications and appeals against deportation
It is a criminal offence for a person to provide immigration advice or services in the UK unless their organisation is regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or is otherwise covered by the Act.
Find out more about Immigration Advice and Services
What is the difference between registered and exempted advisers?
Registered advisers charge a fee for immigration advice and services they provide.
Exempted advisers are organisations that do not charge a fee for immigration advice and services they provide.
Not all immigration advisers are regulated by us. Members of certain professional bodies may give immigration advice without registering with us.
These include:
- The General Council of the Bar
- The Law Society of England and Wales
- The Institute of Legal Executives
- The Faculty of Advocates
- The Law Society of Scotland
- The General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland
- The Law Society of Northern Ireland
How do I become an Immigration Adviser?
- Create an account on the OISC website
- You will be given a user name and password
- Take the code and rules test. You need to get 100% on this test to pass and proceed with your application
- You will be sent your unique code by email
- Download the application notes and application form either for registration or exemption (see side panel)
- Read the notes and complete the application form. Remember to include your unique code. If your organisation is already registered or exempted you also need to include its unique organisation code
- Post your application form to OISC
Application forms should be posted to:
Central Services
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
5th Floor Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London SE1 2QN
- You will be required to take the level one assessment test within 14 days of your application being accepted by us
- You can track your application online with the application tracker
Local Authority Nationality Checking Services
If you are a Local Authority Nationality Checking Service and only provide immigration advice and services as agreed between UKBA and the Local Government Association (LGA) please click here.
