Student immigration: the basics

The UK’s immigration system may seem complex but there are many sources of credible and up-to-date advice to help you. Always check that whoever provides the advice is competent to do so. Only lawyers authorised by a designated professional body (for example, barristers, solicitors and legal executives) or advisers regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) can provide immigration advice. The IAA's role is to ensure that immigration advisers are competent and act in the best interest of the people they advise. Therefore, it is important that you seek advice from the right place. 

Your institution/ students’ union

Your institution or students’ union will tell you which members of staff can provide you with the level of immigration advice you need. Many educational institutions are exempt from having to register with the IAA, depending on what kind of institution they are and/or whether they hold a Student sponsor licence. This means that advisers in immigration at relevant institutions can provide you with immigration advice in accordance with their level of competency, even if they are not authorised by a professional designated body.  

 
UKCISA

Our website contains general and up to date information on student immigration. If you need further assistance with your immigration matter (or have any further questions on any other areas of information and advice we provide) you can call our advice line for international students. UKCISA is registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA). This means that the immigration advice you receive on our advice line is provided by an IAA accredited adviser. 

Other places to seek advice

Sometimes you may be advised to get immigration advice elsewhere. This is to ensure you obtain the right level of advice for your particular situation, and is done in your best interest. If they are unable to help you, advisers at colleges, universities and schools should be able to suggest or recommend other advice providers. If not, the following links should help you find specialist immigration advice in the UK (please note that this includes services that charge fees).

Immigration Advice Authority (IAA)
The IAA maintains a register of the immigration advisers that it regulates. If you think you have received bad service from an IAA registered adviser, or from an exempt adviser at an education provider, you can complain to the IAA.

Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA)
ILPA maintains a list of its members who provide immigration advice. You can search by region to find an immigration adviser close to you (in the UK) and can also search according to the type of immigration advice you require.

The Law Society
The Law Society (in England or Wales), the Law Society of Scotland and the Law Society of Northern Ireland all have databases of regulated law firms.

Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
The SRA contains useful tips on choosing a solicitor and provides advice on how to get the best from a solicitor that you instruct. You can also check whether a solicitor is regulated by the SRA.

Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides free and independent advice on a wide range of issues, including immigration.