How to choose an immigration adviser

You can directly search for an Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulated  immigration adviser by using our adviser-finder facility.

The OISC keeps a daily updated list, and register, of all immigration advisers it regulates. These advisers are deemed fit and competent to practise by the OISC.

Levels of adviser

When choosing an immigration adviser you should consider both the type of advice you need.

Regulation of advisers is at three levels:

• Level 1:Basic immigration advice and services
• Level 2: More complex casework
• Level 3: Appeals

You should also ask how much experience the adviser has in the subject area of your matter.

Advice fees

Some advisers charge for their advice or services ('registered' advisers) but others do not ('exempt' advisers).

Advisers that charge a fee

Most advisers who charge will be private businesses, but some may be voluntary bodies, including charities and local authorities which only charge in specific circumstances agreed with the OISC.

You should ask for a copy of the adviser's fee scales in advance, and compare prices and experience by speaking to more than one adviser.

Advisers that do not charge a fee

'Exempt' advisers range from some well-known charities to small community-based organisations. Some of these organisations provide publicly-funded advice or services.