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Most Recently, on 16th January 2025, a key change in the UK’s immigration services 2025 was announced—the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) will officially rebrand as the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).
The change from OISC to IAA is not just a slight change of short form but broadly reflects the UK government’s immediate focus on immigration and its increasing demand for professional guidance.
For both immigration advisers and advice seekers, the rebranding of OISC to IAA symbolises a step forward to simplified immigration advice.
However, there are many confusions and questions right now regarding what will change and what will remain the same for both the advisers and advice seekers. To clarify these points, we are here with an up-to-date detailed guide on the change that answers all your questions.
Read the guide and get to know the reasons behind this rebrand, what the changes mean for UK immigration advisers and the public, and how it will impact the compliance side of both individuals and organisations.
Let’s go ahead!
Why the Name Change from OISC to IAA?
As you may know, immigration has always been a top priority for the UK government and with an ever-increasing demand for immigration services, the government has regulated the advisory services with recognition of OISC to meet industry expectations and public convenience.
To make the OISC even better, it is renamed to the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) on 16 January 2025. The change is directed at making immigration advice more accessible, reliable, and trustworthy.
The newly named Immigration Advice Authority will be focused on three key areas involving regulation, enforcement, and promoting best practices and will be the central point to how the IAA operates and serves both advice seekers and immigration advisers.
What Exactly Has Changed?
The name and branding are changing, but still, the IAA will be fulfilling many of the same responsibilities as the OISC. However, here we have outlined the exact changes that has made in OISC to make it IAA:
1. Visual Identity
The IAA have a new logo, branding, and visual identity. The rebranding is meant to make the IAA more modern and approachable while backing its three-step approach to immigration services. It is also aimed to make it more recognisable and distinctive from other regulatory bodies in the sector.
2. Website
As part of the rebranding, the IAA has launched an updated, user-friendly website to make it easier for both immigration advisers and advice seekers to provide relevant information, updated regulations, and complete support.
3. Public Engagement
The IAA focuses on growing its engagement with both the public and professional advisers.
With more accessible services and resources, you will be able to find qualified immigration advisers easily and on the other hand, if you are an immigration adviser, you will get clarified with clear guidelines and better communication from the IAA.
4. Leadership and Workforce
To ensure the effectiveness of the implemented changes, the IAA has also redefined its leadership structure and increased its workforce.
5. Regulation, Enforcement, and Best Practice
As we have discussed earlier, The IAA will focus on three main functions:
- Regulation to ensure that immigration advice is only given by qualified immigration advisers, whether it is an organisation or individual.
- Enforcement to actively tackle illegal immigration advice and take action against non-compliant practitioners.
- Best Practice to promote the highest standards of advice across the sector through guidance, training, and support.
How will the Change affect the UK Immigration Advisers?
As immigration advisers, you may be wondering how these changes will impact you and your practices.
Here are a few key points to consider before being tensed about the changes IAA will bring to life:
1. No Impact on the Code of Standards
The IAA has confirmed that there will be no immediate changes to the Code of Standards, so you do not need to worry on the Code of Standards side. However, note that there will a new version be released in the future featuring the updated name and branding.
2. Maintaining Registration
If you are an Immigration adviser or organisation, previously registered with the OISC you will continue to be recognised by the IAA, provided you maintain the required standards of practice. Your registration will remain valid, and you won’t need to reapply due to the rebranding.
3. Ongoing Compliance Requirements
The IAA will continue to enforce high standards of compliance. If you are an immigration adviser, you must adhere to the regulatory standards set by the IAA. You have to maintain your professional qualifications, provide ethical and reliable advice, and follow the correct procedures for client engagement.
How will the Change affect the UK Advice Seekers?
If you are one of the individuals seeking immigration advice, the rebranding brings you a couple of positive changes to make the process faster, clearer, and more accessible for you.
Here’s how it affects you:
1. No Need for Action
If you have already applied for immigration advice before the change, you don’t need to take any action as a result of the rebranding. Your immigration application or status will not be impacted by the renaming of the OISC to the IAA.
2. Better Accessibility
With the launch of the new IAA website and branding, it will be easier for you to find qualified immigration advisers in the UK. Through the IAA’s Adviser Finder, you can choose trusted professionals who meet the IAA’s high standards of service.
3. Ongoing Validity of Documents
If you are in the process of submitting documents or applications, you don’t need to worry about resubmitting them because of the rebranding. Any documents or applications that you have already submitted will remain valid, regardless of the new branding.
4. No Changes to Immigration Procedures
Most importantly, note that the IAA is responsible for regulating immigration advisers, not for processing immigration applications, so your application process will remain unchanged.
How to Recognise Official Communications from the IAA?
Here’s how you can verify the authenticity of communications from the IAA:
1. Official Emails
All official communications from the IAA will come from email addresses using the gov.uk domain, so be careful of emails from unverified sources.
2. Official Website
Ensure you are on the official IAA website by checking the URL, which is gov.uk/iaa now. Remember that this domain is the primary source for information about the IAA and its services.
3. Social Media
Social media accounts of the IAA also feature the new logo and branding and provide official updates, news, and guidance.
What if I found Old Branding on Application Forms?
During the transition period, you may find some forms having the old OISC branding. So be assured that these are still valid and will continue to be accepted. Though the IAA will update all materials to reflect the new identity in the course of time, there is no need for worry if you notice outdated branding during this transition phase.
What’s Next for the IAA?
See, the IAA’s rebrand is just a beginning!
Over the next few months, we can expect continued advancements in how the organisation operates and interacts with both advisers and the public. With a stronger focus on regulation, enforcement, and best practices, the IAA is preparing to ensure you get reliable and trustworthy immigration advice from qualified immigration advisers.
Final Note
So, the rebranding of the OISC to the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) represents an important shift in how immigration services are regulated and delivered in the UK.
Even after the change of name, the IAA’s core mission remains the same, to provide you reliable and professional immigration advice, and ensure that unqualified or illegal immigration advice is wiped out.
In this transition period, Westend Consultants welcome the decision and assure the complete commitment towards the UK Immigration law. Our team of immigration lawyers keep you informed, engaged and aware about the immigration changes from time to time.
If you still have queries regarding the IAA or need expert-qualified immigration advice, without a doubt, contact us. As one of the best immigration consultants in the UK, we provide qualified immigration support whether you are looking for personal immigration or, business immigration.