Beware of Dodgy Immigration Advisors: Why You Should Only Use Registered Professionals
Why It’s Crucial to Avoid Unregulated and Unregistered Immigration Advisers
When dealing with immigration matters, it’s essential to seek professional advice to avoid costly mistakes and delays. However, not all advisers are equal. While it’s not illegal to seek immigration advice from an unregulated adviser, it is illegal for some unregulated and unregistered advisers—those not registered with the Immigration Advice and Services (IAA) or the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)—to provide you with immigration advice or services.
It’s vital to ensure that you are working with an adviser who is properly authorised and regulated at the appropriate level to handle your case. Here’s why that matters:
What Does “Regulated” Mean?
A regulated immigration adviser is a professional who has been registered with an official body, ensuring they have the necessary qualifications and knowledge to provide advice on immigration matters. In the UK, the two main bodies that regulate immigration advisers are:
- Immigration Advice and Services (IAA)
- Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)
These regulators make sure that advisers comply with UK immigration laws and maintain high professional standards.
The Risks of Using Unregulated and Unregistered Advisers
Seeking advice from an unregulated or unregistered immigration adviser can expose you to several significant risks. Here’s why it’s important to avoid unregulated professionals who aren’t authorised to provide immigration services:
1. Inaccurate or Poor Advice
Unregulated advisers may not have the proper knowledge or training in immigration law. Without oversight from a regulatory body, their advice could be inaccurate or outdated, leading to mistakes on visa applications or asylum claims. This could result in visa refusals or other serious consequences.
2. Financial Scams
Some unregulated individuals may charge exorbitant fees for subpar or non-existent services. Since they are not held to any regulatory standards, there is no guarantee that you will receive value for your money. Worse, some unregistered advisers may take your payment and disappear, leaving you with no legal recourse.
3. Legal Consequences
While it’s not illegal to seek advice from an unregulated adviser, it is illegal for unregistered advisers to provide immigration advice or services. If you act on their guidance and it leads to problems, such as errors in your visa application or deportation issues, you could be left in a difficult position. Furthermore, working with an unregulated adviser could jeopardise your ability to appeal a visa refusal or take further legal action.
4. No Accountability
Unregulated advisers are not accountable to any professional body. If something goes wrong, there’s no mechanism for you to file a complaint or seek redress. However, regulated advisers are held to strict standards by their regulatory bodies and are subject to disciplinary action if they provide poor service or fail to comply with the law.
How to Identify a Regulated Adviser
To ensure you’re working with a qualified, legitimate adviser, always check that they are registered with a recognised regulatory body. Here’s how you can confirm:
- Check Registration: Regulated advisers should clearly display their registration number, which you can verify on the relevant regulator’s website (IAA, OISC, etc.).
- Check for Membership: If the adviser is a solicitor, ensure they are registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), or if they are a legal executive, confirm their membership with CILEx Regulation.
- Verify Through Official Channels: Use online tools provided by the IAA or OISC to verify that your adviser is listed and properly registered.
- Ask for Proof: A genuine and regulated adviser will have no problem providing proof of their registration and the level of work they are qualified to handle.
Why Working with a Regulated Adviser Matters
Whether you are applying for a UK visa, seeking asylum, or dealing with any other immigration issue, working with a regulated adviser is crucial for ensuring that your case is handled professionally and correctly. While unregulated advisers may offer services, they can’t legally provide immigration advice or services unless they are registered with the IAA or OISC.
Choosing a properly regulated adviser ensures that you receive:
- Accurate and up-to-date advice
- Proper handling of your immigration application
- Legal representation if needed (for higher-level cases)
- Accountability and protection against fraud
AHJ Immigration: Your Trusted, Regulated Adviser
At AHJ Immigration, we are fully regulated by the IAA (Previously known as OISC) and are committed to providing professional, reliable immigration advice. Whether you need assistance with visa applications, or any other aspect of UK visa and immigration law, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
To ensure your immigration matter is handled properly, always choose a regulated adviser who is authorised to provide the services you need. If you’re looking for trusted advice and services, reach out to us today.