How can I tell if an immigration adviser is legitimate?

Legitimate immigration advisers must be registered with the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the Bar Standards Board, or CILEx Regulation. You can check their registration on the OISC and SRA websites.

What are common immigration scam tactics?

Common scams include fake emails or texts claiming to be from the Home Office, advisers who guarantee visa approval, requests for payment through unusual methods (cryptocurrency, gift cards), fake websites mimicking GOV.UK, and advisers who are not registered with any regulatory body.

Does the Home Office send emails asking for payment?

The Home Office does send some legitimate emails, but they will never ask you to make payments via email links to unfamiliar websites, request payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency, or threaten immediate deportation by email. Always verify by logging into your account directly on GOV.UK.

What should I do if I have been scammed?

Report the scam to Action Fraud (the UK's fraud reporting centre), the OISC (if it involves an unregistered adviser), and your bank (if you made a payment). If you provided personal documents to a scammer, monitor your accounts for identity fraud.

Immigration Scams: How to Protect Yourself

Immigration scams range from phishing emails impersonating the Home Office to unregistered advisers charging for worthless or harmful services. Protect yourself by only using OISC-registered or SRA-regulated advisers, never responding to unsolicited communications asking for payment, and always using official GOV.UK channels for applications.

Common Immigration Scams

Phishing emails and texts: Messages claiming to be from the Home Office, UKVI, or HMRC asking you to click a link and provide personal information or make a payment. The Home Office communicates through official channels, not random emails.
Fake GOV.UK websites: Websites designed to look like GOV.UK that charge fees for services that are free on the real GOV.UK site. Always check the URL starts with www.gov.uk.
Unregistered advisers: People offering immigration advice without proper registration. It is a criminal offence to provide immigration advice in the UK without being registered.
Guaranteed approval promises: No adviser can guarantee that your visa or ILR will be approved. Anyone who makes this promise is either lying or planning to submit a fraudulent application.
Document fraud: Advisers who suggest submitting false documents or making false claims. This is a serious criminal offence that can result in a ban from the UK.

How to Verify an Immigration Adviser

Before paying anyone for immigration advice:

Check OISC registration: Search the OISC register on GOV.UK.
Check SRA registration: Search the Solicitors Regulation Authority website for registered solicitors.
Ask for their registration number: Legitimate advisers will readily provide this.
Get a written fee agreement: Before engaging any adviser, get a clear written agreement on fees, services, and what is included.

For more on choosing a solicitor, see our solicitor vs DIY guide and our solicitor costs guide.

Red Flags to Watch For

Guaranteed visa approval
Pressure to pay immediately or in cash
Requests for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
Unwillingness to provide an OISC or SRA registration number
Suggesting you submit false documents or information
Unusually low or unusually high fees compared to market rates
No written contract or fee agreement
Communication only through social media or WhatsApp

Official Channels Only

All UK visa and immigration applications should be made through GOV.UK. The Home Office does not use third-party websites for applications. Fees are paid directly through the GOV.UK payment system.

If you receive a communication claiming to be from the Home Office and you are unsure if it is genuine, log into your Home Office account directly through GOV.UK to check.

What to Do If You Have Been Scammed

Stop all communication with the scammer immediately.
Report to Action Fraud: Call 0300 123 2040 or report online at actionfraud.police.uk.
Report to OISC: If the scam involved someone providing immigration advice without registration.
Contact your bank: If you made a payment, contact your bank immediately to try to stop or reverse it.
Monitor your identity: If you shared personal documents, monitor your credit report and accounts for signs of identity fraud.

Getting Legitimate Help

If you need immigration advice, there are legitimate options:

OISC-registered advisers and SRA-regulated solicitors
Citizens Advice for free general guidance
Law centres that provide free immigration advice
Your local MP for help with Home Office delays