2 What is the IAA registration scheme?
There are three different qualification levels in the IAA registration scheme. It starts at Level 1, which you must pass before progressing to Level 2, which you must pass before progressing to Level 3. Completing each level means that immigration advisors can take on work that is increasing in complexity:
- Level 1: basic immigration advice within the Immigration Rules.
- Level 2: more complex casework including applications outside the Immigration Rules.
- Level 3: appeals.
More detailed information on these levels [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] can be found on the IAA area of GOV.UK.
Activity 2: The work of qualified immigration advisors
a.
Appeals to the County Court
b.
Applications for entry clearance, or leave to enter or remain in the UK
c.
Bail applications and appeals against deportation
d.
Bringing cases for a breach of human rights
e.
Bringing cases for false imprisonment
f.
Bringing cases for unlawful detention
g.
Citizenship
h.
Claims for asylum
i.
Debt advice
j.
Deportation or removal
k.
Drafting housing applications
l.
Immigration employment documents
m.
Nationality
n.
Residence
o.
School entrance advice
The correct answers are b, c, g, h, j, l, m and n.
Discussion
Taking appeals to the County Court, drafting housing applications, and giving advice on debt or school entrance are undertaken by other professionals; for example solicitors, specialist debt advisors (the Money and Pensions Service), housing associations and other organisations, such as law centres or Citizens Advice.
There may be occasions where bringing cases for false imprisonment, unlawful detention or other human rights breaches may be relevant to the work of an immigration advisor. Such cases require specialist advice, and this work is beyond the remit of a Level 1 immigration advisor. Immigration advisors are, however, expected to be able to identify possible human rights breaches so that specialist advice can be sought and action can be taken.
The work that a qualified immigration advisor is permitted to do will depend on whether an advisor has qualified at Level 1, Level 2 Immigration, Level 2 Asylum and protection. Level 3 Immigration or Level 3 Asylum and protection. The work permitted / not permitted is set by the IAA. For example, applications to the Secretary of State for bail can be made by a Level 2 IAA immigration advisor, a basic application for entry clearance, or leave to enter or remain in the UK can be made by a Level 1 IAA immigration advisor.