Next steps
Looking ahead to the OISC Level 1 qualification
We hope that you have found this overview of UK immigration law and advice both useful and interesting.
If you want to take your studies further and are planning to take the first steps towards becoming an immigration adviser, then you may be interested in our course Foundations of UK immigration law (OISC Level 1) [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] . This is explored further in Audio 1.
Transcript: Audio 1 Welcome to the course.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief introduction to UK-wide immigration law and have gained an insight into how the system of immigration works in the UK.
As you’ve learnt, it’s a complex area where law, politics, policy and the needs of individuals are intertwined. If you’ve been inspired to build your knowledge, or wish to pursue your studies further, you may be interested in the courses The Open University offers in partnership with HJT, a leading UK law firm specialising in training around human rights and business issues.
These courses are written by experts and cover all OISC adviser-level training, from [Level] 1 through to 3. For those wishing to become an adviser, courses will prepare you for the examinations and registration that you’re required to undertake. For those with a more general interest, the courses cover knowledge and skills relevant to the OISC syllabuses and build on the knowledge you have gained here.
Each course is studied online and is flexible, to enable you to study at your own pace and at a time that suits you.
You start with the Level 1 course. The Level 1 course is designed to support you to develop both the skills and knowledge required. It consists of units of study, each covering specific skills and knowledge, and a resource book. Each unit of study covers a topic relevant to immigration advice and the OISC Level 1 examination syllabus.
The units contain a mix of materials and activities, with opportunities for you to self-assess your own progress. Support, including hints and tips, specifically designed for the OISC Level 1 examination, are given throughout the units.
In the Level 1 course, you’ll learn more about the structure and sources of immigration law, including the framework of the immigration legislation, the procedure for making applications under the immigration rules, the structure and operation of the immigration rules, and the personnel and terminology relating to immigration law.
In addition, you have opportunities to develop the skills needed to work as a Level 1 immigration adviser, including: completion and filing of the appropriate application forms and supporting documentation; advising clients on the types of immigration decision; letter-writing; interviewing clients; and summarising legal advice. You also have an opportunity to develop and practise the examination skills required for the OISC Level 1 examination.
Whatever your next steps are, we wish you all the very best.
To help you decide what to do next, this final section illustrates the expectations of an immigration adviser by introducing the OISC’s Level 1 competencies.
As an agency of the UK Government, the OISC is responsible for regulating immigration advice services. All immigration advisers must follow its Code of Standards.
Level 1 advisers are expected to demonstrate a range of competencies (OISC, 2021).
Activity 1: Thinking about the OISC’s Level 1 competencies
Reflect on the OISC’s Level 1 competencies. Which ones do you think you already possess? Are there any others that you hope to develop through further study? Note down your thoughts in the space below.
Discussion
There is no correct answer to this activity, which was designed to encourage you to reflect on your current knowledge and identify what you hope to gain from your studies of future courses. Please keep a note of your reflections, because they may prove to be a useful reminder if you plan further study.
With very best wishes for your future studies.