Getting immigration advice: how to choose a regulated adviser

Immigration law is detailed, changes frequently, and the consequences of a mistake can be serious, including refusal, loss of status or a ban on future applications. Getting advice from a properly regulated adviser is essential.

Who can give immigration advice?

Under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, it is a criminal offence to provide immigration advice or services in the UK unless you are qualified to do so. The main regulated advisers are:

• solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA);
• barristers and chartered legal executives with the appropriate authorisation;
• advisers registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), which was known as the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) until 2025. IAA advisers are authorised at different levels, so check that they are allowed to handle your type of case.

How to check an adviser

For solicitors, check the firm on the SRA register (every firm on this site shows its SRA number). For other advisers, check the IAA's online register. Be wary of anyone who guarantees success, asks for large cash payments, or advises you to give false information. Doing so can lead to refusal and a re-entry ban.

Common types of application

• Family visas, such as spouse, partner, fiancé(e), parent and child applications.
• Work routes, such as the Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas, and sponsor licences for employers.
• Student and graduate visas.
• Extensions, indefinite leave to remain and British citizenship.
• Asylum, humanitarian protection and human rights claims.
• Appeals, administrative reviews and judicial reviews.

Costs

Most solicitors charge a fixed fee for each application. SRA-regulated firms must publish price information for immigration applications (excluding asylum). On top of the legal fee, you will usually pay the Home Office application fee and, for many routes, the Immigration Health Surcharge. Check the latest Home Office fees on GOV.UK.

Legal aid

Legal aid is available for asylum claims and some other cases, such as those involving trafficking, domestic abuse (for some applications), detention and certain judicial reviews, subject to means and merits tests. It is not normally available for visa or citizenship applications. Charities and law centres may give free advice.

If your application is refused

Read the refusal letter carefully. It will say whether you have a right of appeal or administrative review, and the deadline. Deadlines are short, sometimes 14 days or less, so contact an immigration solicitor straight away.