Immigration Law
Under UK immigration law, only authorised individuals can give immigration advice to help you prepare and submit a visa application. Immigration advisers must be registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
All authorised agents have an authorisation number from the OISC.
Levels of service
The levels of service that can be provided:Â
| OISC Level |
| Level 0 – Signposting and Information |
| Level 1 – Initial Advice |
| Level 2 – Casework |
| Level 3 – Specialist |
Providers operating at level 0 are not covered by the OISC scheme and do not have to register.
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).
Not all immigration advisers are regulated by the OISC. 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
General enquiries to the OISC
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
5th Floor
Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2QN
Telephone: 0207 211 1500
Fax: 020 7211 1553
For general enquiries to the OISC email: info@oisc.gov.uk
