Statutory guidance

Guidance on competence

This guidance sets out the standards that immigration advisers should meet to be considered competent.

• From: Immigration Advice Authority and Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
• Published: 15 July 2012
• Last updated: 14 October 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 14 October 2026

     The 2021 Guidance on Competence has been rebranded to align with the IAA's visual identity.

  2. 8 October 2026

     Section 1.3 – amended the reference from section 84(2) to section 84(1) of the Act to reflect the correct statutory provision. Level 3 – Advocacy and Representation – amended to accurately reflect the correct position. Section 10.2 – removed wording in the last sentence of the first paragraph as it was inconsistent with the position set out in the final paragraph of the section. Section 10.3 –final paragraph moved to Section 10.2, as the content relates specifically to solicitors working within non-commercial organisations.

  3. 1 July 2021

     Updated Guidance on Competence 2021

  4. 15 June 2021

     30 June 2021 marks the end of the ‘grace period’ in which certain aspects of EU Free movement law continue to apply and as such the Guidance on Competence has been updated to reflect the work advisers at each OISC level can undertake as of 1 July 2021.

  5. 30 March 2017

     Updated version from 30-3-17

  6. 15 July 2012

     First published.

Documents

Guidance on Competence 2021 (IAA branded)

PDF, 446 KB, 26 pages

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Guidance on competence 2021 (OISC branded)

PDF, 612 KB, 25 pages

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Guidance on competence 2021 - Introduction

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Guidance on competence 2021 - Summary of levels

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Guidance on competence 2021 - Level 1 - Advice and assistance

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Guidance on competence 2021 - Level 2 - Casework

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Guidance on competence 2021- Level 3 - Advocacy and representation

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Guidance on competence 2021 - Glossary

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Guidance on competence 2017

PDF, 660 KB, 25 pages

Guidance on competence: 2012

PDF, 591 KB, 30 pages

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Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email info@immigrationadviceauthority.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This document sets out the skills and knowledge advisers require to deliver high-quality immigration advice services. It outlines the competencies expected at each level and explains the types of work permitted at Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Please note that the 2017 and 2021 versions refer to the 2016 Code of Standards.