REGISTERING WITH THE OISC

Why Immigration Advice?

Lack of immigration status is a barrier to:

• Working
• Finding accommodation
• Studying
• Opening bank accounts
• Accessing healthcare
• Driving
• Living
• Contributing
  

What are relevant matters?

• It regulates organisations (not individuals)
• It must also regulate advisers within organisations
• You can't have one without the other! Usually*
• A regulated adviser is only regulated to give advice on behalf of the organisation (but can be regulated through more than one organisation)
• There is an exemption for CABs at Level 1 only

*Maybe for organisations employing solicitors or barristers

What is the CAB exemption?

• All CAB's are automatically registered at Level 1
• Their advisers do not need to register or pass assessments
• But they must apply in the usual way to do Level 2 or higher work
• Trust is key: the OISC trusts CABs to act responsibly

Pros: Fewer barriers to setting up or expanding at Level 1 service - just need effective training and supervision, no applications or assessments required

Cons: Experienced Level 1 advisers have no 'registration' that they can carry with them when they leave - they must do the assessments at that point

How should organisations prepare?

• CEO and trusts must read Code of Standards Guidance on Competence‍
• Assess the local needs- what problems do local people have?
• Identify short and long term goals for meeting needs- be realistic and look for partnerships and referral pathways!
• Consider casework practices (file keeping, etc.) and professional indemnity
• Identify who to train/recruit (but don't bank on being able to train/recruit OISC advisers easily!)
• Have a plan B!
  

How should advisers prepare?

• Read the Code of Standards and Guidance on Competence
• Start reading immigration blogs and news sites (e.g. Free Movement and EIN)
• Attend training (Our courses are typically 5 days -other trainers do shorter courses, but these are often geared towards the private sector)
• Make time to study (minimum 2 days-longer is likely to be needed)
• Make contacts with other trainees/form study groups internally or externally
• Strike while the irons hot! Most people who are going to get registered do so within the first 6 months. Around 70% of people never get registered.