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Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

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Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Part V is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 14 August 2026. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

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Part VU.K. Immigration Advisers and Immigration Service Providers

InterpretationU.K.

82 Interpretation of Part V.U.K.

(1)In this Part—

  • “claim for asylum” means a claim that it would be contrary to the United Kingdom’s obligations under—

    (a)

    the Refugee Convention, or

    (b)

    Article 3 of the Human Rights Convention,

    for the claimant to be removed from, or required to leave, the United Kingdom;

  • “the Commissioner” means the Immigration Services Commissioner;

  • “the complaints scheme” means the scheme established under paragraph 5(1) of Schedule 5;

  • “designated judge” has the same meaning as in section 119(1) of the M1Courts and Legal Services Act 1990;

  • “designated professional body” has the meaning given by section 86;

  • [F1“designated qualifying regulator” has the meaning given by section 86A;]

  • “immigration advice” means advice which—

    (a)

    relates to a particular individual;

    (b)

    is given in connection with one or more relevant matters;

    (c)

    is given by a person who knows that he is giving it in relation to a particular individual and in connection with one or more relevant matters; and

    (d)

    is not given in connection with representing an individual before a court in criminal proceedings or matters ancillary to criminal proceedings;

  • “immigration services” means the making of representations on behalf of a particular individual—

    (a)

    in civil proceedings before a court, tribunal or adjudicator in the United Kingdom, or

    (b)

    in correspondence with a Minister of the Crown or government department,

    in connection with one or more relevant matters;

  • “Minister of the Crown” has the same meaning as in the Ministers of the M2Crown Act 1975;

  • “qualified person” means a person who is qualified for the purposes of section 84;

  • “registered person” means a person who is registered with the Commissioner under section 85;

  • “relevant matters” means any of the following—

    (a)

    a claim for asylum;

    (aa)

    [F2an application for an ETA (within the meaning of section 11C of the Immigration Act 1971 (electronic travel authorisations));]

    (b)

    an application for, or for the variation of, entry clearance or leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom;

    (ba)

    [F3 an application for an immigration employment document;]

    (c)

    unlawful entry into the United Kingdom;

    (d)

    nationality and citizenship under the law of the United Kingdom;

    (e)

    F4...

    (f)

    F4...

    (g)

    F4...

    (h)

    removal or deportation from the United Kingdom;

    (i)

    an application for bail under the Immigration Acts or under the M3Special Immigration Appeals Commission Act 1997;

    (j)

    an appeal against, or an application for judicial review in relation to, any decision taken in connection with a matter referred to in paragraphs (a) to (i); F5...

  • F5...

(2)In this Part, references to the provision of immigration advice or immigration services are to the provision of such advice or services by a person—

(a)in the United Kingdom (regardless of whether the persons to whom they are provided are in the United Kingdom or elsewhere); and

(b)in the course of a business carried on (whether or not for profit) by him or by another person.

[F6(3)In the definition of “relevant matters” in subsection (1) “immigration employment document” means—

(a)a work permit (within the meaning of section 33(1) of the Immigration Act 1971 (interpretation)), and

(b)any other document which relates to employment and is issued for a purpose of immigration rules or in connection with leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom.]

[F7(4)The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the definition of “relevant matters” in subsection (1).

(5)Regulations under subsection (4) may make consequential amendments to this section.]

Textual Amendments

F3Words in s. 82(1) inserted (1.4.2004) by Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (c. 41), ss. 123(2), 162(1) (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/754, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5) (as amended (21.5.2003) by S.I. 2003/1339, art. 3 and (19.11.2003) by S.I. 2003/2993, art. 3)

F5Definition and preceding word in s. 82(1) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 33 (with Sch. 5)

F6S. 82(3) added (1.4.2004) by Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (c. 41), ss. 123(3), 162(1) (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/754, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5) (as amended (21.5.2003) by S.I. 2003/1339, art. 3 and (19.11.2003) by S.I. 2003/2993, art. 3)

F7S. 82(4)(5) inserted (2.12.2025 for specified purposes, 2.2.2026 in so far as not already in force) by Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 (c. 31), s. 65(3)(f), Sch. 1 para. 2; S.I. 2026/59, reg. 2(e)(i)

Marginal Citations

The Immigration Services CommissionerU.K.

83 The Commissioner.U.K.

(1)There is to be an Immigration Services Commissioner (referred to in this Part as “the Commissioner”).

(2)The Commissioner is to be appointed by the Secretary of State after consulting the Lord Chancellor[F8, the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland] and the Scottish Ministers.

(3)It is to be the general duty of the Commissioner to promote good practice by those who provide immigration advice or immigration services.

(4)In addition to any other functions conferred on him by this Part, the Commissioner is to have the regulatory functions set out in Part I of Schedule 5.

(5)The Commissioner must exercise his functions so as to secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that those who provide immigration advice or immigration services—

(a)are fit and competent to do so;

(b)act in the best interests of their clients;

(c)do not knowingly mislead any court, tribunal or adjudicator in the United Kingdom;

(d)do not seek to abuse any procedure operating in the United Kingdom in connection with immigration or asylum (including any appellate or other judicial procedure);

(e)do not advise any person to do something which would amount to such an abuse.

(6)The Commissioner—

(a)must arrange for the publication, in such form and manner and to such extent as he considers appropriate, of information about his functions and about matters falling within the scope of his functions; and

(b)may give advice about his functions and about such matters.

[F9(6A)The duties imposed on the Commissioner by subsections (3) and (5) apply in relation to persons within section 84(2)(ba) only to the extent that those duties have effect in relation to the Commissioner's functions under section 92 or 92A.]

(7)Part II of Schedule 5 makes further provision with respect to the Commissioner.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1S. 83 wholly in force at 30.10.2000; s. 83 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 170(4); s. 83(1)-(3)(6)(7) wholly in force and s. 83(4)(5) in force for certain purposes at 22.5.2000 by S.I. 2000/1282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 83(4)(5) in force at 30.10.2000 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2000/1985, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in art. 3)

The general prohibitionU.K.

84 Provision of immigration services.U.K.

(1)No person may provide immigration advice or immigration services unless he is a qualified person.

[F10(2)A person is a qualified person if he is—

(a)a registered person,

(b)authorised by a designated professional body to practise as a member of the profession whose members the body regulates,

[F11(ba)a person authorised to provide immigration advice or immigration services by a designated qualifying regulator,]

F12(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d)F13... or

(e)acting on behalf of, and under the supervision of, a person within any of paragraphs (a) to [F14(ba)] (whether or not under a contract of employment).]

[F10(3)Subsection (2)(a) and (e) are subject to—

[F15(a)]any limitation on the effect of a person’s registration imposed under paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 6.]

[F16(b)paragraph 4B(5) of that Schedule (effect of suspension of registration).]

[F17(3A)A person's entitlement to provide immigration advice or immigration services by virtue of subsection (2)(ba)—

(a)is subject to any limitation on that person's authorisation imposed by the regulatory arrangements of the designated qualifying regulator in question, and

(b)does not extend to the provision of such advice or services by the person other than in England and Wales (regardless of whether the persons to whom they are provided are in England and Wales or elsewhere).

(3B)In subsection (3A) “regulatory arrangements” has the same meaning as in the Legal Services Act 2007 (see section 21 of that Act).]

(4)Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who—

F18(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F19(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F20(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d)F21... falls within a category of person specified in an order made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this subsection.

F22(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)Subsection (1) does not apply to a person—

(a)holding an office under the Crown, when acting in that capacity;

(b)employed by, or for the purposes of, a government department, when acting in that capacity;

(c)acting under the control of a government department; or

(d)otherwise exercising functions on behalf of the Crown.

F23(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F21Word in s. 84(4)(d) omitted (17.11.2014) by virtue of Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 7 para. 2(1)(b); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 5(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1S. 84(1) excluded (temp. from 30.4.2001 to the end of January 2002) by S.I. 2001/1393, arts. 1, 3, 4

S. 84(1) excluded (30.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1403, arts. 2-4, Schs. 1-3

S. 84(1) excluded (temp. from 1.2.2002 to 31.12.2002) by The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Part V Exemption: Relevant Employers) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002/9), arts. 1, 3

S. 84(1) excluded (temp. from 1.1.2003 to 31.12.2003) by The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Part V Exemption: Relevant Employers) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002/3025), arts. 1, 3

Commencement Information

I2S. 84 wholly in force at 30.4.2001; s. 84 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 170(4); s. 84(5)(7) wholly in force and s. 84(2)(a)(b)(4)(a)(d) in force for certain purposes at 30.10.2000 by S.I. 2000/1985, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in art. 3); s. 84 in force so far as not already in force at 30.4.2001 by S.I. 2001/1394, art. 2, Sch.

[F2484ALimitations on acting under supervision: sanctions under this PartU.K.

(1)A person (“P”) is not entitled to provide immigration advice or immigration services by virtue of section 84(2)(e) (persons acting under supervision) if—

(a)P is disqualified under paragraph 4 of Schedule 6 (conviction of certain immigration offences) for registration under paragraph 2 of that Schedule or continued registration under paragraph 3 of that Schedule,

(b)P’s registration is suspended under paragraph 4AA of Schedule 6 (suspension on grounds of risk of serious harm), or

(c)P’s registration is suspended under paragraph 4B of Schedule 6 (suspension of persons charged with particular offences).

(2)A person (“P”) is not entitled to provide immigration advice or immigration services by virtue of section 84(2)(e) during the relevant period if—

(a)P’s registration has been cancelled under paragraph 4A(e) of Schedule 6 (cancellation for lack of competence etc), and

(b)the cancellation took effect before the end of the period mentioned in subsection (3A) of section 87 because condition A in subsection (3AB) of that section (risk of serious harm) was met in relation to P.

(3)In subsection (2) “the relevant period” means the period of 12 months beginning with the time specified in the notice under section 87(3AB) as the time at which the decision to cancel P’s registration had effect.

(4)Subsection (2) does not apply if—

(a)the Commissioner decides to register P or to continue P’s registration, or

(b)the cancellation of P’s registration is overturned on appeal (unless the cancellation is subsequently reinstated as a result of a further appeal).

(5)A person (“P”) is not entitled to provide immigration advice or immigration services by virtue of section 84(2)(e) if—

(a)P’s registration has been cancelled under paragraph 4A(e) of Schedule 6, and

(b)the cancellation took effect before the end of the period mentioned in subsection (3A) of section 87 because condition B in subsection (3AC) of that section (conviction of particular offences) was met in relation to P.

(6)Subsection (5) does not apply if—

(a)P’s conviction of the offence mentioned in section 87(3AC) is quashed or set aside,

(b)the Commissioner decides to register P or to continue P’s registration, or

(c)the cancellation of P’s registration is overturned on appeal (unless the cancellation is subsequently reinstated as a result of a further appeal).

(7)A person (“P”) other than a person to whom subsection (1), (2) or (5) applies is not entitled to provide immigration advice or immigration services by virtue of section 84(2)(e) if—

(a)subsection (8) applied to P when P entered into the arrangement for supervision, and

(b)P did not inform the person by whom P was to be supervised of that fact before entering into that arrangement.

(8)This subsection applies to P if—

(a)P is or has previously been subject to a direction by the First-tier Tribunal under section 89(2A)(a) (directions in connection with registration),

(b)P is or has previously been subject to a direction by the First-tier Tribunal under section 89(8)(a) (restrictions on provision of immigration advice or immigration services),

(c)P has previously been subject to a direction by the First-tier Tribunal under section 89(8)(b) (suspension from provision of immigration advice or immigration services),

(d)P is or has previously been subject to an order made by a disciplinary body under section 90(1)(a) (restrictions on provision of immigration advice or immigration services),

(e)P has previously been subject to an order made by a disciplinary body under section 90(1)(b) (suspension from provision of immigration advice or immigration services),

(f)P has at any time been given a penalty notice under section 92C (power to impose monetary penalties),

(g)P’s registration has at any time been cancelled under paragraph 6(3)(a) of Schedule 5 (failure to assist with investigation),

(h)P’s registration has at any time been cancelled under paragraph 10A(7) or (8) of Schedule 5 (failure to allow access to premises etc),

(i)P’s registration has at any time been cancelled under paragraph 4A(d) or (e) of Schedule 6 (cancellation following direction by First-tier Tribunal or for lack of competence etc),

(j)P’s registration has previously been suspended under paragraph 4AA of Schedule 6, or

(k)P’s registration has previously been suspended under paragraph 4B of Schedule 6.

(9)Subsection (7) does not apply if, before the time mentioned in subsection (7)(a), the direction, order, penalty, cancellation or suspension referred to in subsection (8)—

(a)had been reversed, cancelled or quashed,

(b)had been overturned on appeal (and had not subsequently been reinstated as a result of a further appeal), or

(c)in the case of suspension under paragraph 4B of Schedule 6, had ceased to have effect by virtue of sub-paragraph (2) of that paragraph.]

Textual Amendments

[F2484BLimitations on acting under supervision: other sanctionsU.K.

(1)The Secretary of State may by regulations provide that a person is not entitled to provide immigration advice or immigration services by virtue of section 84(2)(e) where—

(a)the person is subject to a professional sanction of a kind specified in the regulations, or

(b)in the circumstances specified in the regulations, the person is disqualified or suspended from practice as a member of a relevant profession.

(2)The Secretary of State may by regulations provide that a person (“P”) is not entitled to provide immigration advice or immigration services by virtue of section 84(2)(e) where—

(a)when P entered into the arrangement for supervision—

(i)P was or had previously been subject to a professional sanction of a kind specified in the regulations, or

(ii)in the circumstances specified in the regulations, P was or had previously been disqualified or suspended from practice as a member of a relevant profession, and

(b)P did not inform the person by whom P was to be supervised of that fact before entering into the arrangement for supervision.

(3)In this section—

  • “professional sanction” means an order, direction or decision which is imposed, given or made by, or other action which is taken by—

    (a)

    a designated professional body,

    (b)

    a designated qualifying regulator,

    (c)

    a relevant disciplinary body,

    (d)

    an Inn of Court, or

    (e)

    a judge, court or tribunal in the exercise of a function in relation to the provision of legal services;

  • “relevant disciplinary body” means a body established wholly or partly for the purpose of exercising disciplinary functions in relation to—

    (a)

    members of a designated professional body, or

    (b)

    persons regulated by a designated qualifying regulator;

  • “relevant profession” means a profession which is regulated by a designated professional body or a designated qualifying regulator.]

Textual Amendments

85 Registration and exemption by the Commissioner.U.K.

(1)The Commissioner must prepare and maintain a register for the purposes of section 84(2)(a) F25....

F26(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)Schedule 6 makes further provision with respect to registration.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I3S. 85 wholly in force at 30.10.2000; s. 85 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 170(4); s. 85(3) in force for certain purposes at 1.8.2000 and s. 85 in force at 30.10.2000 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2000/1985, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in art. 3)

86 Designated professional bodies.U.K.

(1)“Designated professional body” means—

F27(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)The Law Society of Scotland;

(c)The Law Society of Northern Ireland;

F27(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F27(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f)The Faculty of Advocates; or

(g)The General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland.

[F28(2)The Secretary of State may by order remove a body from the list in subsection (1) if he considers that the body—

(a)has failed to provide effective regulation of its members in their provision of immigration advice or immigration services, or

(b)has failed to comply with a request of the Commissioner for the provision of information (whether general or in relation to a particular case or matter).]

(3)If a designated professional body asks the Secretary of State to amend subsection (1) so as to remove its name, the Secretary of State may by order do so.

(4)If the Secretary of State is proposing to act under subsection (2) he must, before doing so—

(a)consult the Commissioner;

F29(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c)consult the [F30Scottish Legal Complaints Commission], if the proposed order would affect a designated professional body in Scotland;

(d)consult the [F31Legal Services Oversight Commissioner for Northern Ireland], if the proposed order would affect a designated professional body in Northern Ireland;

(e)notify the body concerned of his proposal and give it a reasonable period within which to make representations; and

(f)consider any representations so made.

(5)An order under subsection (2) requires the approval of—

(a)the [F32Department of Justice in Northern Ireland], if it affects a designated professional body in F33... Northern Ireland;

(b)the Scottish Ministers, if it affects a designated professional body in Scotland.

[F34(6)Before deciding whether or not to give its approval under subsection (5)(a), the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland must consult the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland.]

(7)Before deciding whether or not to give their approval under subsection (5)(b), the Scottish Ministers must consult the Lord President of the Court of Session.

(8)If the Secretary of State considers that a body [F35(other than a body in England and Wales)] which—

(a)is concerned (whether wholly or in part) with regulating the legal profession, or a branch of it, in [F36Scotland or Northern Ireland],

(b)is not a designated professional body, and

(c)is capable of providing effective regulation of its members in their provision of immigration advice or immigration services,

ought to be designated, he may by order amend subsection (1) to include the name of that body.

(9)The Commissioner must—

(a)keep under review the list of designated professional bodies set out in subsection (1); and

[F37(b)report to the Secretary of State if the Commissioner considers that a designated professional body—

(i)is failing to provide effective regulation of its members in their provision of immigration advice or immigration services, or

(ii)has failed to comply with a request of the Commissioner for the provision of information (whether general or in relation to a particular case or matter).]

[F38(9A)A designated professional body shall comply with a request of the Commissioner for the provision of information (whether general or in relation to a specified case or matter).]

(10)For the purpose of meeting the costs incurred by the Commissioner in discharging his functions under this Part, each designated professional body must pay to the Commissioner, in each year and on such date as may be specified, such fee as may be specified.

(11)Any unpaid fee for which a designated professional body is liable under subsection (10) may be recovered from that body as a debt due to the Commissioner.

(12)“Specified” means specified by an order made by the Secretary of State.

Textual Amendments

F30Words in s. 86(4)(c) substituted (1.10.2008) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 196(2)(a), 211(2) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2008/1436, art. 3(a)

Commencement Information

I4S. 86 wholly in force at 30.4.2001; s. 86 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 170(4); s. 86(1)-(9) in force at 22.5.2000 by S.I. 2000/1282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 86(10)-(12) in force for certain purposes at 30.10.2000 by S.I. 2000/1985, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in art. 3); S. 86 in force so far as not already in force at 30.4.2001 by S.I. 2001/1394, art. 2, Sch.

[F3986ADesignated qualifying regulatorsU.K.

(1)“Designated qualifying regulator” means a body which is a qualifying regulator and is listed in subsection (2).

(2)The listed bodies are—

(a)the Law Society;

(b)the Institute of Legal Executives;

(c)the General Council of the Bar.

(3)The Secretary of State may by order remove a body from the list in subsection (2) if the Secretary of State considers that the body has failed to provide effective regulation of relevant authorised persons in their provision of immigration advice or immigration services.

(4)If a designated qualifying regulator asks the Secretary of State to amend subsection (2) so as to remove its name, the Secretary of State may by order do so.

(5)Where, at a time when a body is listed in subsection (2), the body ceases to be a qualifying regulator by virtue of paragraph 8(1)(a) of Schedule 18 to the Legal Services Act 2007 (loss of approved regulator status), the Secretary of State must, by order, remove it from the list.

(6)If the Secretary of State considers that a body which—

(a)is a qualifying regulator,

(b)is not a designated qualifying regulator, and

(c)is capable of providing effective regulation of relevant authorised persons in their provision of immigration advice or immigration services,

ought to be designated, the Secretary of State may, by order, amend the list in subsection (2) to include the name of that body.

(7)If the Secretary of State is proposing to act under subsection (3) or (6), the Secretary of State must, before doing so, consult the Commissioner.

(8)If the Secretary of State is proposing to act under subsection (3), the Secretary of State must, before doing so, also —

(a)notify the body concerned of the proposal and give it a reasonable period within which to make representations, and

(b)consider any representations duly made.

(9)An order under subsection (3) or (6) requires the approval of the Lord Chancellor.

(10)If the Legal Services Board considers that a designated qualifying regulator is failing to provide effective regulation of relevant authorised persons in their provision of immigration advice or immigration services, the Legal Services Board must make a report to this effect to—

(a)the Secretary of State, and

(b)the Lord Chancellor.

(11)In this section—

  • “qualifying regulator” means a body which is a qualifying regulator for the purposes of this Part of this Act by virtue of Part 1 of Schedule 18 to the Legal Services Act 2007 (approved regulators approved by the Legal Services Board in relation to immigration matters);

  • “relevant authorised persons”, in relation to a designated qualifying regulator, means persons who are authorised by the designated qualifying regulator to provide immigration advice or immigration services.]

Textual Amendments

[F40Appeals to the First-tier Tribunal]U.K.

Textual Amendments

87 [F41Appeals to the First-tier Tribunal.]U.K.

F42(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2)Any person aggrieved by a relevant decision of the Commissioner may appeal to the [F43First-tier Tribunal] against the decision.

(3)“Relevant decision” means a decision—

(a)to refuse an application for registration made under paragraph 1 of Schedule 6;

F44(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c)under paragraph 2(2) of that Schedule to register with limited effect;

(d)to refuse an application for continued registration made under paragraph 3 of that Schedule;

(e)to vary a registration on an application under paragraph 3 of that Schedule;

[F45(ea)to vary a registration under paragraph 3A of that Schedule;] or

[F46(eb)to cancel a registration under paragraph 4A(e) of that Schedule.]

F47(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F48(3A)A relevant decision of the Commissioner is not to have effect while the period within which an appeal may be brought against the decision is running.

(3B)In the case of an appeal under this section, Tribunal Procedure Rules may include provision permitting the First-tier Tribunal to direct that while the appeal is being dealt with—

(a)no effect is to be given to the decision appealed against; or

(b)only such limited effect is to be given to it as may be specified in the direction.

(3C)If provision is made in Tribunal Procedure Rules by virtue of subsection (3B), the rules must also include provision requiring the First-tier Tribunal to consider applications by the Commissioner for the cancellation or variation of directions given by virtue of that subsection.]

[F49(4)For [F50further functions] of the First-tier Tribunal under this Part, see paragraph 9(1)(e) of Schedule 5 (disciplinary charges laid by the Commissioner) [F51and paragraph 4B of Schedule 6 (suspension of registration by First-tier Tribunal)] .]

F52(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I5S. 87 wholly in force at 30.10.2000; s. 87 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 170(4); s. 87(5) in force for certain purposes at 1.8.2000 and s. 87 in force at 30.10.2000 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2000/1985, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in art. 3)

88 Appeal upheld by the [F53First-tier Tribunal].U.K.

(1)This section applies if the [F54First-tier Tribunal] allows an appeal under section 87.

(2)If the [F55First-tier Tribunal] considers it appropriate, it may direct the Commissioner—

(a)to register the applicant or to continue the applicant’s registration;

(b)to make or vary the applicant’s registration so as to have limited effect in any of the ways mentioned in paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 6;

F56(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d)to quash a decision recorded under paragraph 9(1)(a) of Schedule 5 and the record of that decision.

Textual Amendments

F53Words in s. 88 heading substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 36 (with Sch. 5)

89 Disciplinary charge upheld by the [F57First-tier Tribunal].U.K.

(1)This section applies if the [F58First-tier Tribunal] upholds a disciplinary charge laid by the Commissioner under paragraph 9(1)(e) of Schedule 5 against a person (“the person charged”).

[F59(2)[F60Subsections (2A) and (2B) apply if the person charged was, at the time to which the charge relates, a registered person or a person acting on behalf of a registered person.

(2A)If the registered person mentioned in subsection (2) is still registered, the First-tier Tribunal may direct the Commissioner—

(a)to record the charge and the First-tier Tribunal's decision on it for consideration in connection with that person's next application for continued registration;

(b)to cancel that person's registration.

(2B)If the registered person mentioned in subsection (2) is no longer registered, the First-tier Tribunal may direct the Commissioner to record the charge and the First-tier Tribunal's decision on it for consideration in connection with any application by that person for registration.]

F61(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)If the person charged is found to have charged unreasonable fees for immigration advice or immigration services, the [F58First-tier Tribunal] may direct him to repay to the clients concerned such portion of those fees as it may determine.

(6)The [F58First-tier Tribunal] may direct the person charged to pay a penalty to the Commissioner of such sum as it considers appropriate.

(7)A direction given by the [F58First-tier Tribunal] under subsection (5) (or under subsection (6)) may be enforced by the clients concerned (or by the Commissioner)—

(a)as if it were an order of a county court [F62in Northern Ireland or the county court in England and Wales] ; or

(b)in Scotland, as if it were an extract registered decree arbitral bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff court of any sheriffdom in Scotland.

(8)The [F58First-tier Tribunal] may direct that the person charged or any person [F63acting on his behalf or] under his supervision is to be—

(a)subject to such restrictions on the provision of immigration advice or immigration services as the [F58First-tier Tribunal] considers appropriate;

(b)suspended from providing immigration advice or immigration services for such period as the [F58First-tier Tribunal] may determine; or

(c)prohibited from providing immigration advice or immigration services indefinitely.

(9)The Commissioner must keep a record of the persons against whom there is in force a direction given by the [F58First-tier Tribunal] under subsection (8).]

Textual Amendments

F57Words in s. 89 heading substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 37 (with Sch. 5)

F60S. 89(2)-(2B) substituted for s. 89(2) (17.11.2014) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 7 para. 7(1); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 5(c)

F62Words in s. 89(7) inserted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 9 para. 90(c); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(c) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

90 Orders by disciplinary bodies.U.K.

(1)A disciplinary body may make an order directing that a person subject to its jurisdiction is to be—

(a)subject to such restrictions on the provision of immigration advice or immigration services as the body considers appropriate;

(b)suspended from providing immigration advice or immigration services for such period as the body may determine; or

(c)prohibited from providing immigration advice or immigration services indefinitely.

(2)“Disciplinary body” means any body—

[F64(a)appearing to the Secretary of State to be established for the purpose of hearing disciplinary charges against—

(i)members of a designated professional body, or

(ii)persons regulated by designated qualifying regulators; and]

(b)specified in an order made by the Secretary of State.

(3)The Secretary of State must consult the designated professional body [F65or designated qualifying regulator] concerned before making an order under subsection (2)(b).

(4)For the purposes of this section, a person is subject to the jurisdiction of a disciplinary body if he is an authorised person or [F66is acting on behalf of] an authorised person.

(5)“Authorised person” means [F67—

(a)] a person who is authorised by the designated professional body concerned to practise as a member of the profession whose members are regulated by that body[F68, or

( b)a person who is authorised by the designated qualifying regulator concerned to provide immigration advice or immigration services.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I6S. 90 wholly in force at 30.4.2001; s. 90 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 170(4); s. 90 in force for certain purposes at 1.8.2000 by S.I. 2000/1985, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in art. 3); S. 90 in force so far as not already in force at 30.4.2001 by S.I. 2001/1394, art. 2, Sch.

EnforcementU.K.

91 Offences.U.K.

(1)A person who provides immigration advice or immigration services in contravention of section 84 or of a restraining order is guilty of an offence and liable—

(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both; or

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or to both.

(2)“Restraining order” means—

(a)a direction given by the [F69First-tier Tribunal] under section 89(8) or paragraph 9(3) of Schedule 5; or

(b)an order made by a disciplinary body under section 90(1).

(3)If an offence under this section committed by a body corporate is proved—

(a)to have been committed with the consent or connivance of an officer, or

(b)to be attributable to neglect on his part,

the officer as well as the body corporate is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(4)“Officer”, in relation to a body corporate, means a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body, or a person purporting to act in such a capacity.

(5)If the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (3) applies in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he were a director of the body corporate.

(6)If an offence under this section committed by a partnership in Scotland is proved—

(a)to have been committed with the consent or connivance of a partner, or

(b)to be attributable to neglect on his part,

the partner as well as the partnership is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(7)“Partner” includes a person purporting to act as a partner.

Textual Amendments

92 Enforcement.U.K.

(1)If it appears to the Commissioner that a person—

(a)is providing immigration advice or immigration services in contravention of section 84 or of a restraining order, and

(b)is likely to continue to do so unless restrained,

the Commissioner may apply to a county court [F70in Northern Ireland or the county court in England and Wales] for an injunction, or to the sheriff for an interdict, restraining him from doing so.

(2)If the court is satisfied that the application is well-founded, it may grant the injunction or interdict in the terms applied for or in more limited terms.

(3)“Restraining order” has the meaning given by section 91.

Textual Amendments

F70Words in s. 92(1) inserted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 9 para. 90(c); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(c) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

[F7192AInvestigation of offence: power of entryU.K.

(1)On an application made by the Commissioner a justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorising the Commissioner to enter and search premises.

(2)A justice of the peace may issue a warrant in respect of premises only if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that—

(a)an offence under section 91 has been committed,

(b)there is material on the premises which is likely to be of substantial value (whether by itself or together with other material) to the investigation of the offence, and

(c)any of the conditions specified in subsection (3) is satisfied.

(3)Those conditions are—

(a)that it is not practicable to communicate with a person entitled to grant entry to the premises,

(b)that it is not practicable to communicate with a person entitled to grant access to the evidence,

(c)that entry to the premises will be prevented unless a warrant is produced, and

(d)that the purpose of a search may be frustrated or seriously prejudiced unless the Commissioner can secure immediate entry on arrival at the premises.

(4)The Commissioner may seize and retain anything for which a search is authorised under this section.

(5)A person commits an offence if without reasonable excuse he obstructs the Commissioner in the exercise of a power by virtue of this section.

(6)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) shall be liable on summary conviction to—

(a)imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months,

(b)a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or

(c)both.

(7)In this section—

(a)a reference to the Commissioner includes a reference to a member of his staff authorised in writing by him,

(b)a reference to premises includes a reference to premises used wholly or partly as a dwelling, and

(c)a reference to material—

(i)includes material subject to legal privilege within the meaning of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (c. 60),

(ii)does not include excluded material or special procedure material within the meaning of that Act, and

(iii)includes material whether or not it would be admissible in evidence at a trial.

(8)In the application of this section to Scotland—

(a)a reference to a justice of the peace shall be taken as a reference to the sheriff,

(b)for sub-paragraph (i) of subsection (7)(c) there is substituted—

“(i)includes material comprising items subject to legal privilege (as defined by section 412 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29)),” and

(c)sub-paragraph (ii) of subsection (7)(c) shall be ignored.

(9)In the application of this section to Northern Ireland the reference to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 shall be taken as a reference to the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (S.I. 1989/1341 (N.I. 12)).]

Textual Amendments

[F7292BAdvertisingU.K.

(1)A person commits an offence if—

(a)he offers to provide immigration advice or immigration services, and

(b)provision by him of the advice or services would constitute an offence under section 91.

(2)For the purpose of subsection (1) a person offers to provide advice or services if he—

(a)makes an offer to a particular person or class of person,

(b)makes arrangements for an advertisement in which he offers to provide advice or services, or

(c)makes arrangements for an advertisement in which he is described or presented as competent to provide advice or services.

(3)A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(4)Subsections (3) to (7) of section 91 shall have effect for the purposes of this section as they have effect for the purposes of that section.

(5)An information relating to an offence under this section may in England and Wales be tried by a magistrates' court if—

(a)it is laid within the period of six months beginning with the date (or first date) on which the offence is alleged to have been committed, or

(b)it is laid—

(i)within the period of two years beginning with that date, and

(ii)within the period of six months beginning with a date certified by the Immigration Services Commissioner as the date on which the commission of the offence came to his notice.

(6)In Scotland, proceedings for an offence under this section may be commenced—

(a)at any time within the period of six months beginning with the date (or first date) on which the offence is alleged to have been committed, or

(b)at any time within both—

(i)the period of two years beginning with that date, and

(ii)the period of six months beginning with a date specified, in a certificate signed by or on behalf of the procurator fiscal, as the date on which evidence sufficient in his opinion to warrant such proceedings came to his knowledge,

and any such certificate purporting to be so signed shall be deemed so signed unless the contrary is proved and be conclusive as to the facts stated in it.

(7)Subsection (3) of section 136 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46) (date on which proceedings are deemed commenced) has effect to the purposes of subsection (6) as it has effect for the purposes of that section.

(8)A complaint charging the commission of an offence under this section may in Northern Ireland be heard and determined by a magistrates' court if—

(a)it is made within the period of six months beginning with the date (or first date) on which the offence is alleged to have been committed, or

(b)it is made—

(i)within the period of two years beginning with that date, and

(ii)within the period of six months beginning with a date certified by the Immigration Services Commissioner as the date on which the commission of the offence came to his notice.]

Textual Amendments

[F7392CPower to impose monetary penaltiesU.K.

(1)The Commissioner may give a relevant person a penalty notice if the Commissioner is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the relevant person—

(a)has failed to comply with—

(i)the duty imposed on the person by paragraph 3(4) of Schedule 5 (duty to comply with Code of Standards) or paragraph 6(2) of that Schedule (duty to assist with investigation of complaint), or

(ii)any other requirement imposed on the person by or under this Part, or

(b)has, without reasonable excuse, obstructed the Commissioner in the exercise of the Commissioner’s functions under paragraph 4A of Schedule 5 (power to carry out inspections).

(2)In this section “relevant person”, in relation to the giving of a penalty notice, means a person who was a registered person at the time of the act or omission in relation to which the notice is given.

(3)A penalty notice is a notice requiring the person to whom it is given to pay to the Commissioner—

(a)an amount specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State (a “fixed penalty notice”), or

(b)an amount specified by the Commissioner in the notice (a “variable penalty notice”).

(4)The Commissioner may give a person who is not a relevant person a penalty notice if the Commissioner is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the person has failed to comply with the duty imposed on the person by paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 5.

(5)The Commissioner may give an unqualified person a penalty notice if the Commissioner is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the person has committed an offence under section 91 or 92B.

(6)In subsection (5) “unqualified person”, in relation to the giving of a penalty notice, means a person who was not a qualified person at the time of the act or omission in relation to which the notice is given.

(7)An amount specified in regulations under subsection (3)(a), and the amount specified in a variable penalty notice, must not exceed—

(a)in the case of a penalty imposed on a person under subsection (5) in relation to the commission of an offence under section 92B, the maximum amount of the fine that could be imposed on the person on summary conviction for the offence;

(b)in any other case, £15,000.

(8)The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the amount for the time being specified in subsection (7)(b).

(9)In this section and sections 92D to 92H—

  • “penalty notice” means a notice under this section;

  • “fixed penalty notice” and “variable penalty notice” have the meanings given by subsection (3).]

Textual Amendments

[F7392DProcedure for imposing penaltiesU.K.

(1)Before giving a penalty notice to a person the Commissioner must notify the person of the Commissioner’s intention to do so.

(2)The notice under subsection (1) must—

(a)specify the proposed amount of the penalty,

(b)specify the Commissioner’s reasons for proposing to impose the penalty,

(c)specify the period during which the person may make representations about the proposal (“the specified period”), and

(d)specify the way in which those representations may be made.

(3)The specified period must not be less than 28 days beginning with the date on which the notice under subsection (1) is given.

(4)The Commissioner must have regard to any representations made by a person during the specified period in deciding—

(a)whether to give a penalty notice to the person, and

(b)if the Commissioner decides to give a variable penalty notice to the person, the amount of the penalty specified in the notice.

(5)Where the Commissioner gives a penalty notice to a person, the notice must specify—

(a)the amount of the penalty, and

(b)the period within which the penalty must be paid (“the payment period”).

(6)The penalty notice must also contain information as to—

(a)the grounds for the penalty,

(b)how payment may be made,

(c)the details of any early payment discount or late payment penalty included by virtue of subsection (7),

(d)the consequences of non-payment,

(e)rights of appeal, and

(f)the period within which an appeal may be made.

(7)The penalty notice may include provision for the amount payable under the notice—

(a)to reduce in the event of early payment;

(b)to increase in the event of payment after the end of the payment period.]

Textual Amendments

[F7392EAppeals against penaltiesU.K.

(1)A person to whom a penalty notice has been given may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal against—

(a)the decision to give the person a penalty notice;

(b)where the notice given is a variable penalty notice, the amount of the penalty specified in the notice.

(2)On an appeal under this section, the Tribunal may—

(a)cancel the penalty,

(b)confirm the requirement to pay the penalty, or

(c)in the case of an appeal under subsection (1)(b), amend the amount of the penalty.

(3)The requirement to pay the penalty under the notice is suspended at any time when—

(a)an appeal under this section could be brought by the person in respect of the penalty, or

(b)such an appeal is pending.

(4)But subsection (3)(a) does not prevent the requirement to pay taking effect if the person notifies the Commissioner that the person does not intend to appeal.

(5)No further amount is payable as a result of provision included in the penalty notice by virtue of section 92D(7)(b) in respect of the period during which the requirement to pay is suspended.

(6)For the purposes of subsection (3)(b) an appeal is pending during the period—

(a)starting when the appeal is brought, and

(b)ending when the appeal is finally determined, abandoned or withdrawn.]

Textual Amendments

[F7392FEnforcement of penalty noticesU.K.

(1)This section applies if a person who is liable to pay an amount to the Commissioner under a penalty notice has not paid the whole or any part of that amount when it is required to be paid.

(2)In England and Wales the Commissioner may recover the unpaid amount on the order of the county court as if it were payable under an order of that court.

(3)In Scotland payment of the unpaid amount may be enforced in the same manner as an extract registered decree arbitral bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff court of any sheriffdom in Scotland.

(4)In Northern Ireland the Commissioner may recover the unpaid amount on the order of a county court as if it were payable under an order of that court.]

Textual Amendments

[F7392GGuidance about penaltiesU.K.

(1)The Commissioner must prepare and publish guidance about the Commissioner’s use of the power to give a penalty notice.

(2)The guidance must, in particular, include information as to—

(a)the circumstances in which the Commissioner is likely to give—

(i)a fixed penalty notice, or

(ii)a variable penalty notice, and

(b)in the case of a variable penalty notice, the matters to which the Commissioner has regard in determining the amount of the penalty.

(3)The Commissioner—

(a)must from time to time review the guidance, and

(b)may revise and republish the guidance following a review.

(4)Before preparing or revising guidance under this section, the Commissioner must consult such persons as the Commissioner considers appropriate.]

Textual Amendments

[F7392HPenalties imposed in relation to commission of offence: convictionsU.K.

A person who is required to pay a penalty under a penalty notice given under section 92C(5) (penalty in respect of offence under section 91 or 92B) may not at any time be convicted of an offence under section 91 or, as the case may be, 92B in respect of the act or omission in relation to which the notice was given.]

Textual Amendments

MiscellaneousU.K.

93 Information.U.K.

(1)No enactment or rule of law prohibiting or restricting the disclosure of information prevents a person from—

(a)giving the Commissioner information which is necessary for the discharge of his functions; or

(b)giving the [F74First-tier Tribunal] information which is necessary for the discharge of its functions.

(2)No relevant person may at any time disclose information which—

(a)has been obtained by, or given to, the Commissioner under or for purposes of this Act,

(b)relates to an identified or identifiable individual or business, and

(c)is not at that time, and has not previously been, available to the public from other sources,

unless the disclosure is made with lawful authority.

(3)For the purposes of subsection (2), a disclosure is made with lawful authority only if, and to the extent that—

(a)it is made with the consent of the individual or of the person for the time being carrying on the business;

(b)it is made for the purposes of, and is necessary for, the discharge of any of the Commissioner’s functions under this Act F75...;

(c)it is made for the purposes of any civil or criminal proceedings arising under or by virtue of this Part, or otherwise; or

(d)having regard to the rights and freedoms or legitimate interests of any person, the disclosure is necessary in the public interest.

(4)A person who knowingly or recklessly discloses information in contravention of subsection (2) is guilty of an offence and liable—

(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; or

(b)on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(5)“Relevant person” means a person who is or has been—

(a)the Commissioner;

(b)a member of the Commissioner’s staff; or

(c)an agent of the Commissioner.

Textual Amendments

[F7693AFeesU.K.

(1)The Secretary of State may by order provide for fees to be charged by the Commissioner in respect of the exercise of the Commissioner’s functions.

(2)The order may, in particular, make provision—

(a)for fees (including fees for the taking of examinations) to be charged in respect of the assessment of a person’s competence to provide immigration advice or immigration services;

(b)for fees to be charged in respect of a person’s registration or continued registration;

(c)for fees to be charged for making changes to a person’s registration;

(d)for fees to be charged in respect of the provision by the Commissioner of training for persons providing or seeking to provide immigration advice or immigration services;

(e)for fees to be charged in respect of the provision by the Commissioner of, or of access to, training or other material for such persons;

(f)for fees to be charged in respect of the provision by the Commissioner of events for such persons;

(g)for fees to be charged in respect of the accreditation by the Commissioner of training or events for such persons;

(h)for fees to be charged in respect of the provision of advice by the Commissioner;

(i)for, and in connection with, requiring or authorising the Commissioner to waive all or part of a fee in particular cases.

(3)The order may result in the charging of a fee in respect of the exercise of a function in a particular case which exceeds the costs of exercising the function in that case.

(4)But in specifying the amount of a fee by virtue of subsection (3) the Secretary of State may have regard only to either or both of the following—

(a)the costs of exercising the function in question;

(b)the costs of exercising any other function of the Commissioner.

(5)References in subsection (4) to the costs of exercising a function are to the costs of doing so in a particular class of case or in all cases.

(6)In this section “registration” means registration with the Commissioner under section 85.]

Textual Amendments

F76S. 93A inserted (2.12.2025 for specified purposes, 2.2.2026 in so far as not already in force) by Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 (c. 31), s. 65(3)(f), Sch. 1 para. 12; S.I. 2026/59, reg. 2(e)(ii)

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