Immigration Advice Authority (IAA)
The Immigration & Asylum Act 1999 makes the provision of Immigration law advice by an unregulated individual a criminal offence. For those who are not legally qualified lawyers, i.e. solicitors, barristers or chartered legal executives, and wish to practise in Immigration law and/or establish your own organisation, you will need to be regulated by the IAA, formerly known as the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
Amie was very patient and helpful, in clearing all my doubts and preparing my OISC application. And completed the work in agreed upon time.
Rakesh Siri
Director | Red Pickle Technologies Ltd
What Is The IAA?
The Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), originally known as the OISC, is a Government body which was established to regulate the provision of immigration advice by individuals and organisations who are not legally qualified. The OISC became the IAA on 16th January 2025.
The IAA has its own Code of Standards which advisors and organisations who are regulated by it must comply with.
Applying for Authorisation
An application for registration as a new organisation to the IAA is done via their online system. It consists of the completion of the following documents;
- The Application Form
- New Advisor Application & Competence Statement
- A Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check (a fee of £39.60 is payable)
As part of the application, you will also be required to submit the following documents;
- A Business Plan
- Cash Flow Forecasts
- Template Documents
- Fee Scale
- Bank Account Details
- Professional Indemnity Insurance Quote
The fee payable to the IAA depends on the number of advisors in the organisation and the level at which they work.
How can we help?
We have Consultants with significant experience in assisting with IAA applications and who can provide advice and assistance with all aspects of running an IAA regulated practice.
In addition to accepting ad hoc instructions, we also offer IAA regulated clients an ongoing retainer service. The purpose of the retainer service is to ensure that organisations are one step ahead of the game by maintaining a managerial system which meets or exceeds the requirements of the IAA.
We provide assistance from preliminary advice in respect of the application process and the required documentation and information to ongoing advice and support in respect of running the practice and maintaining ongoing compliance with the IAA requirements.
Our services include;
- Advising on, preparing IAA applications for new organisations
- Drafting and preparing Business Plans
- Drafting and preparing Cashflow Forecasts
- Drafting and preparing template letters
- Drafting IAA compliant plans, policies and procedures
- Advice and assistance with complaints
- Advice and assistance with IAA audits.
Mock Audit
We also provide a mock audit service which includes;
- a review of the firm's policies and procedures
- a review of a small sample of files
- a comprehensive feedback report detailing areas of good practice and areas for improvement
- assistance with remedial action, if required
Contact us
To discover more about how we can help you and your firm, please call 01509 214 999, send us an email or complete our free enquiry form.