The Code of Standards (Second edition)
Contents
- Introduction to the Code of Standards
- The Code of Standards
- Adviser Behaviour
- Organisational Standards
- Running the organisation
Foreword
The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (the Act) made it unlawful for anyone to provide unregulated immigration advice or immigration services.
Immigration advisers must be fit and competent. The Act requires that I issue a code setting the standards that immigration advisers must meet. This Code of Standards applies to those whom I directly regulate and those who are exempted by Ministerial Order. Immigration advisers who are regulated by one of the designated professional bodies are an exception to the Code.
The OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) has always made it clear that 'immigration advice and services' covers a wide variety of activities ranging from advocacy before an Immigration Services Tribunal to ensuring that an applicant completes the correct application form. This is because of the seriousness of the outcome of such advice or action.
I also have power under the Act to make rules concerning the professional practice, conduct and discipline of 'registered persons'. These are contained in a separate document, the Commissioner's Rules, which can be found at the back of this publication. Registered persons must comply with both the Code and the Rules. All advisers must comply with the Code.
This second edition of the Code of Standards will take effect from 2 July 2007.
Suzanne McCarthy
Immigration Services Commissioner
November 2006
