On 16 January 2025, the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) became the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).
The rebrand reflects the regulator’s continuing role in regulating immigration advice and protecting people who use immigration advice services.
For clients, the change from OISC to IAA does not mean that regulated immigration advice has become less important. If you are paying for help with a UK visa or immigration application, choosing a properly regulated adviser remains an important safeguard.
What is the Immigration Advice Authority?
The Immigration Advice Authority is the UK’s regulator for immigration advice and services.
It operates as an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Home Office and regulates organisations and individuals who provide immigration advice within its regulatory framework.
The IAA’s role includes:
- regulating immigration advisers and organisations;
- setting professional standards and codes of conduct;
- taking enforcement action against those providing immigration advice unlawfully or improperly; and
- promoting good practice within the immigration advice sector.
The purpose is straightforward: to help protect people seeking immigration advice and maintain standards across the sector.
What happened to OISC?
The Immigration Advice Authority replaced the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) in January 2025.
The change was primarily a rebrand of the regulator, rather than the creation of an entirely new immigration advice system.
Existing OISC-regulated advisers and organisations transitioned to the IAA framework.
This means that if you previously used an OISC-regulated immigration adviser, the change in name does not by itself mean that your adviser has stopped being regulated.
Why use an IAA-regulated immigration adviser?
UK immigration rules can be complex, and mistakes in an application can have serious consequences.
Using a regulated immigration adviser gives you an additional layer of protection when obtaining professional immigration advice.
Regulated advisers are required to comply with applicable professional standards and the regulator’s requirements. They are also subject to regulatory oversight.
Before instructing an immigration adviser, it is therefore sensible to check:
- whether they are authorised to provide immigration advice;
- who they are regulated by;
- what level of advice they are authorised to provide; and
- whether their services are appropriate for your particular immigration matter.
You should be particularly cautious when dealing with anyone who claims to be able to provide UK immigration advice but cannot demonstrate that they are properly authorised to do so.
Is Visa Positive regulated by the IAA?
Yes. Visa Positive is authorised and regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) to provide immigration advice and services.
We have been providing regulated UK immigration advice since 2011.
Our approach is deliberately focused on providing direct professional support rather than passing applications between multiple layers of staff.
If you are considering a UK visa or immigration application and would like professional advice about your options, you can speak to our team about your circumstances.
Choosing the right immigration adviser
The IAA name may be new, but the importance of using a properly regulated immigration adviser is not.
Whether you are applying for a spouse visa, Global Talent visa, Skilled Worker visa, settlement or another UK immigration route, make sure you understand who is advising you and whether they are authorised to provide the advice you need.
Need help with a UK immigration application?
Speak to Visa Positive about your circumstances and find out how we can help.