What happens when I have submitted my application?

Once you have submitted all the documentation required for registration, a caseworker will be assigned to consider your application. The information you have submitted will be assessed for compliance with the Code of Standards and the Commissioner's Rules.

You will be invited to sit a level 1 online competence assessment as part of your overall assessment of competence. You may also be asked to sit an assessment at levels 2 and 3 (this only applies to applicants wishing to work at level 2 or 3). See Competence Assessment for information on assessments.

The principles that are applied in deciding applications for registration are set out in section 83(5) of the 1999 Act and in paragraphs 1 and 2 of schedule 5 to that Act. That is that applicants must demonstrate that they are fit and competent to provide immigration advice and immigration services. Relevant to the assessment of fitness and competence is compliance with the Code of Standards and the Commissioner's Rules.

Copies of the Code of Standards and Commissioner's Rules, and the Commissioner's Guidance on Competence can be viewed online or downloaded in PDF format from the Useful Documents section on this page.