Making registration applications easier and more efficient
Applications have been paused until 17 November 2026 to allow changes that will streamline the registration process, reduce delays and improve processing times.
The Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) is introducing a revised application process for advisers and organisations to simplify the registration journey, reduce delays and enable applications to be processed more efficiently.
It follows an announcement on a series of changes to the competence assessment process, including revised syllabuses, a new assessment platform and more frequent assessment opportunities.
A clearer application process
Organisations applying for registration or continued registration must provide details of all advisers who will be working for them. Under the current system, where an adviser is required to complete a competence assessment, the application cannot proceed until they have passed.
This can delay applications where advisers need to rebook and retake assessments before the registration process can continue.
Under the revised process, individuals will be required to complete and pass the competence assessment before being added to an organisation’s application. This will remove a common cause of delay and provide greater certainty for applicants and organisations at an earlier stage.
Providing information at the point of application
The application journey is also being updated to ensure all information needed to assess an application is provided at the point of submission.
Currently, some information may be requested after an application has been submitted, which can delay progress while further details are obtained.
The revised process will ensure key information, including employment history and right to work details, is captured from the outset, reducing the need for follow up enquiries and supporting more efficient application processing.
By removing common barriers to progression and collecting the required information upfront, applications will be able to move through the process more efficiently.
The changes will also enable IAA staff to spend less time resolving incomplete applications and more time assessing applications and supporting applicants.
When will the changes take effect?
The revised application journey will be introduced from 17 November 2026.
The online competence assessment remains temporarily paused while the new arrangements are being implemented. The IAA has previously advised that assessments are expected to resume from November 2026, subject to the completion of the necessary arrangements and dependencies. Due to the volume of applications already received, alongside anticipated demand when assessments reopen, candidates should be aware that there may be delays while the new system is introduced. Further updates and assessment dates will be published on the IAA website once confirmed.
Important: Application process closing temporarily
All application types have been paused with immediate effect to enable the necessary changes to be implemented. During this period, no new applications will be accepted, and all applicants will need to follow the revised process when it becomes available.
From 17 November 2026:
- all new applicants will be required to follow the revised application process
- individuals will need to apply for a competence assessment first
- individuals who are required to complete a competence assessment must pass the assessment before they can be added to an organisation’s application or apply to establish their own organisation
Applications already in the system before the transition will be dealt with under the previous process.
Individuals who are exempt from sitting a competence assessment will still be able to join an IAA-regulated organisation through a recognised exemption process.
Further information about the transition arrangements, together with updated guidance and supporting materials, will be published ahead of implementation.