OISC stands for the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner. It is the regulatory body for immigration advisers in the UK who are not solicitors, barristers, or legal executives. OISC registers and regulates advisers to ensure they meet competence and professional standards.

What is the difference between an OISC adviser and a solicitor?

Both can provide immigration advice and representation. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). OISC advisers are regulated by OISC. The key difference is that OISC advisers are regulated at specific levels (1, 2, or 3), and can only handle cases within their level. Solicitors can handle all levels of immigration work.

How do I check if an adviser is OISC registered?

Use the OISC adviser finder on the GOV.UK website. Enter the adviser's name or organisation and check their registration status and level. Never use an unregistered adviser — it is a criminal offence for unregistered persons to provide immigration advice for a fee.

What are the OISC levels?

Level 1 advisers can handle straightforward applications. Level 2 advisers can handle more complex cases, including some appeals. Level 3 advisers can handle the most complex cases, including judicial review preparation and complex appeal work.

Is it illegal to give immigration advice without registration?

Yes. Under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, it is a criminal offence to provide immigration advice or services unless you are registered with OISC, regulated by the SRA (solicitors), or regulated by another designated qualifying body. This applies to anyone charging for advice.

OISC Registered Immigration Advisers: Guide 2026

Immigration advice in the UK is regulated. Only OISC-registered advisers, solicitors, barristers, and legal executives are legally permitted to provide immigration advice for a fee. This guide explains the OISC system, how to find a registered adviser, what the different levels mean, and how to protect yourself from unregulated advisers.

Who Can Provide Immigration Advice?

In the UK, immigration advice is regulated by law. The following people and organisations are legally permitted to provide immigration advice:

OISC-registered advisers. Regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner.
Solicitors. Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. See our solicitor costs guide.
Barristers. Regulated by the Bar Standards Board.
Legal executives. Regulated by CILEx.
Certain exempt organisations. Some charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from OISC registration.

Anyone else who charges for immigration advice is committing a criminal offence. This includes unregistered "consultants," community members who charge for form-filling, and overseas agents who are not regulated. For guidance on whether you need professional help, see our DIY vs solicitor guide.

OISC Levels Explained

Level 1. Straightforward applications: standard Skilled Worker visas, spouse visas, and visitor visas. Form completion and basic advice.
Level 2. More complex cases: appeals before the First-tier Tribunal, complex ILR applications, visa refusal appeals, and cases with complications (such as overstaying or refusal history).
Level 3. The most complex cases: judicial review preparation, Upper Tribunal appeals, complex asylum cases, and cases involving points of law.

An OISC adviser can only take on cases within their registered level. If your case is more complex than their level allows, they should refer you to a higher-level adviser or a solicitor.

How to Find a Registered Adviser

Use the GOV.UK OISC adviser finder. You can search by:

Location (postcode or town)
Name of adviser or organisation
Type of immigration work

Always verify registration before paying for any immigration advice. If someone claims to be registered, check their details on the GOV.UK tool. This is especially important for complex applications like British citizenship or English language test exemption requests.

OISC Advisers vs Solicitors

Cost. OISC advisers are often less expensive than solicitors, particularly for straightforward cases.
Specialisation. Many OISC advisers focus exclusively on immigration, whereas solicitors may cover multiple areas of law.
Complaints. Complaints about OISC advisers go to OISC. Complaints about solicitors go to the Legal Ombudsman.
Scope. Solicitors can handle cases at all levels of complexity. OISC advisers are limited by their level.

Warning Signs of Unregulated Advisers

They cannot provide an OISC registration number or SRA number.
They guarantee a specific outcome ("100% success rate").
They ask for cash payments with no receipt.
They pressure you to make quick decisions.
They are not listed on the GOV.UK adviser finder.

If you suspect someone is providing unregulated immigration advice, report them to OISC.

Next Steps

Search for a registered adviser using the GOV.UK adviser finder. Check their level against the complexity of your case. For information about solicitor costs, see our immigration solicitor costs guide. You can also contact the Home Office directly for general queries about your application.