I applied  for a spouse visa  within the UK and  got rejected by the UKVI citing minimum income requirements are not met. I need an immigration adviser to handle my case. Where can i find a qualified immigration adviser?

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Immigration advisers can help you with most things to do with immigration, including helping you to fill in the right forms and representing you at a tribunal. They do not make immigration decisions.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

If you’re an EU citizen and you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021. If you want to move to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa.

Find a registered immigration adviser

All immigration advisers must be registered with OISC or be a member of an approved professional body, for example The Law Society.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

A level 1 adviser can give you advice on simple cases, for example getting a business visa extension when you have no problems with work and all necessary documents.

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

You may want to use a level 2 adviser if you’ve had problems in the past with immigration and want permission to remain in the UK.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Some advisers do not charge a fee. If they do not charge, you’ll still have to pay for any expenses like translation costs and application fees.

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

You usually cannot make a complaint about something that happened more than 12 months ago - OISC will decide whether or not to investigate depending on the situation.

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

You can email the OISC to report someone giving immigration advice who is not regulated by either the OSIC or another approved body.

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister


My friend is an asylum seeker . His case was mishandled by his hired solicitor.His asylum claim was rejected due to poor representation. The solicitor misplaced some of his documents and could charge exorbitant fees. Efforts to reach out to him went unanswered. He now wants to make a complaint. How can he complain about his advisor if his advisor is not regulated by OISC?

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Immigration advisers can help you with most things to do with immigration, including helping you to fill in the right forms and representing you at a tribunal. They do not make immigration decisions.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

If you’re an EU citizen and you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021. If you want to move to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

All immigration advisers must be registered with OISC or be a member of an approved professional body, for example The Law Society.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

A level 1 adviser can give you advice on simple cases, for example getting a business visa extension when you have no problems with work and all necessary documents.

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

You may want to use a level 2 adviser if you’ve had problems in the past with immigration and want permission to remain in the UK.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Some advisers do not charge a fee. If they do not charge, you’ll still have to pay for any expenses like translation costs and application fees.

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

You usually cannot make a complaint about something that happened more than 12 months ago - OISC will decide whether or not to investigate depending on the situation.

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

You can email the OISC to report someone giving immigration advice who is not regulated by either the OSIC or another approved body.

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

You can complain about:

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

poor advice or service

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

unreasonable fees

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister


I am appealing against a decision to deport me on the grounds that I do not have a skilled job here in the UK. I have been here for over ten years from my native Australia and am desperately looking for work but can't find any. The adviser I hired is not helping me at all. I want to make a complaint against my immigration advisor, can I?

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Immigration advisers can help you with most things to do with immigration, including helping you to fill in the right forms and representing you at a tribunal. They do not make immigration decisions.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

If you’re an EU citizen and you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021. If you want to move to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

All immigration advisers must be registered with OISC or be a member of an approved professional body, for example The Law Society.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

A level 1 adviser can give you advice on simple cases, for example getting a business visa extension when you have no problems with work and all necessary documents.

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

You may want to use a level 2 adviser if you’ve had problems in the past with immigration and want permission to remain in the UK.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Some advisers do not charge a fee. If they do not charge, you’ll still have to pay for any expenses like translation costs and application fees.

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

You usually cannot make a complaint about something that happened more than 12 months ago - OISC will decide whether or not to investigate depending on the situation.

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

You can email the OISC to report someone giving immigration advice who is not regulated by either the OSIC or another approved body.

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

You can complain about:

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

poor advice or service

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

an adviser

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister


I am a UK citizen but I live in Canada. I have been paying the National insurance to the UK and now I am in my state pension year. I would prefer my to be paid in my overseas bank. Which are the bank accounts where pension can be paid?

Your State Pension can be paid into:

State Pension if you retire abroad

Claim State Pension abroad

You can claim State Pension abroad if you’ve paid enough UK National Insurance  contributions to qualify.

Get a State Pension forecast if you need to find out how much State Pension you may get.

Make a claim

You must be within 4 months of your State Pension age to claim.

To claim your pension, you can either:

contact the International Pension Centre

send the international claim form to the International Pension Centre (the address is on the form)

If you live part of the year abroad

You must choose which country you want your pension to be paid in. You cannot be paid in one country for part of the year and another for the rest of the year.

Bank accounts your pension can be paid into

Your State Pension can be paid into:

a bank in the country you’re living in

a bank or building society in the UK

You can use:

an account in your name

a joint account

someone else’s account - if you have their permission and keep to the terms and conditions of the account

You’ll need the international bank account number (IBAN) and bank identification code (BIC) numbers if you have an overseas account.

You’ll be paid in local currency - the amount you get may change due to exchange rates.

When you’ll get paid

You can choose to be paid every 4 or 13 weeks.

If your State Pension is under £5 per week, you’ll be paid once a year in December.

Delays to payments around US bank holidays

If you live abroad and your payment is due in the same week as a US bank holiday, it could arrive one day late. This is because a US company processes these payments.

How your pension is affected

Your State Pension will only increase each year if you live in:

the European Economic Area (EEA)

Gibraltar

Switzerland

countries that have a social security agreement with the UK (but you cannot get increases in Canada or New Zealand)

You will not get yearly increases if you live outside these countries.

Your pension will go up to the current rate if you return to live in the UK.

Get advice

Contact the International Pension Centre if you want advice on how your pension might be affected if you’ve already retired and are thinking of moving abroad.

Paying tax

How much tax you’ll pay and where you pay it depends on where you’re considered to be a resident.

UK residents

You may have to pay UK tax on your State Pension if you live abroad but are classed as a UK resident for tax purposes. The amount you pay depends on your income.

Overseas residents

You may be taxed on your State Pension by the UK and the country where you live.
If you pay tax twice, you can usually claim tax relief to get all or some of it back.

If the country you live in has a ‘double taxation agreement’ with the UK, you’ll only pay tax on your pension once. This may be to the UK or the country where you live, depending on that country’s tax agreement.

Report a change in your circumstances

Report changes (such as a change of address or bank details) to the International Pension Centre by phone or in writing - do not send changes by email.

If you’re asked to fill in a ‘life certificate’

You may get a ‘life certificate’ form from the Department for Work and Pensions to check you’re still eligible for the State Pension.

You need to get the form signed by a witness. The instructions are on the form.

Your witness does not have to live in the UK or have a passport from any specific country.

The people who can sign the form are the same as those who can ‘countersign’ a passport photo.

Your payments may be suspended if you do not send the form back.

Returning to the UK

Contact the Pension Service - you need your return date and contact details, both abroad and in the UK.

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to say you’re returning to the UK.

a bank in the country you’re living in

State Pension if you retire abroad

Claim State Pension abroad

Get a State Pension forecast if you need to find out how much State Pension you may get.

Make a claim

You must be within 4 months of your State Pension age to claim.

To claim your pension, you can either:

contact the International Pension Centre

send the international claim form to the International Pension Centre (the address is on the form)

If you live part of the year abroad

Bank accounts your pension can be paid into

Your State Pension can be paid into:

a bank in the country you’re living in

a bank or building society in the UK

You can use:

an account in your name

a joint account

You’ll be paid in local currency - the amount you get may change due to exchange rates.

When you’ll get paid

You can choose to be paid every 4 or 13 weeks.

If your State Pension is under £5 per week, you’ll be paid once a year in December.

Delays to payments around US bank holidays

How your pension is affected

Your State Pension will only increase each year if you live in:

the European Economic Area (EEA)

Gibraltar

Switzerland

You will not get yearly increases if you live outside these countries.

Your pension will go up to the current rate if you return to live in the UK.

Get advice

Paying tax

How much tax you’ll pay and where you pay it depends on where you’re considered to be a resident.

UK residents

Overseas residents

Report a change in your circumstances

If you’re asked to fill in a ‘life certificate’

You need to get the form signed by a witness. The instructions are on the form.

Your witness does not have to live in the UK or have a passport from any specific country.

The people who can sign the form are the same as those who can ‘countersign’ a passport photo.

Your payments may be suspended if you do not send the form back.

Returning to the UK

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to say you’re returning to the UK.

You can use:

State Pension if you retire abroad

Claim State Pension abroad

Get a State Pension forecast if you need to find out how much State Pension you may get.

Make a claim

You must be within 4 months of your State Pension age to claim.

To claim your pension, you can either:

contact the International Pension Centre

send the international claim form to the International Pension Centre (the address is on the form)

If you live part of the year abroad

Bank accounts your pension can be paid into

Your State Pension can be paid into:

a bank in the country you’re living in

a bank or building society in the UK

You can use:

an account in your name

a joint account

You’ll be paid in local currency - the amount you get may change due to exchange rates.

When you’ll get paid

You can choose to be paid every 4 or 13 weeks.

If your State Pension is under £5 per week, you’ll be paid once a year in December.

Delays to payments around US bank holidays

How your pension is affected

Your State Pension will only increase each year if you live in:

the European Economic Area (EEA)

Gibraltar

Switzerland

You will not get yearly increases if you live outside these countries.

Your pension will go up to the current rate if you return to live in the UK.

Get advice

Paying tax

How much tax you’ll pay and where you pay it depends on where you’re considered to be a resident.

UK residents

Overseas residents

Report a change in your circumstances

If you’re asked to fill in a ‘life certificate’

You need to get the form signed by a witness. The instructions are on the form.

Your witness does not have to live in the UK or have a passport from any specific country.

The people who can sign the form are the same as those who can ‘countersign’ a passport photo.

Your payments may be suspended if you do not send the form back.

Returning to the UK

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to say you’re returning to the UK.

an account in your name

State Pension if you retire abroad

Claim State Pension abroad

Get a State Pension forecast if you need to find out how much State Pension you may get.

Make a claim

You must be within 4 months of your State Pension age to claim.

To claim your pension, you can either:

contact the International Pension Centre

send the international claim form to the International Pension Centre (the address is on the form)

If you live part of the year abroad

Bank accounts your pension can be paid into

Your State Pension can be paid into:

a bank in the country you’re living in

a bank or building society in the UK

You can use:

an account in your name

a joint account

You’ll be paid in local currency - the amount you get may change due to exchange rates.

When you’ll get paid

You can choose to be paid every 4 or 13 weeks.

If your State Pension is under £5 per week, you’ll be paid once a year in December.

Delays to payments around US bank holidays

How your pension is affected

Your State Pension will only increase each year if you live in:

the European Economic Area (EEA)

Gibraltar

Switzerland

You will not get yearly increases if you live outside these countries.

Your pension will go up to the current rate if you return to live in the UK.

Get advice

Paying tax

How much tax you’ll pay and where you pay it depends on where you’re considered to be a resident.

UK residents

Overseas residents

Report a change in your circumstances

If you’re asked to fill in a ‘life certificate’

You need to get the form signed by a witness. The instructions are on the form.

Your witness does not have to live in the UK or have a passport from any specific country.

The people who can sign the form are the same as those who can ‘countersign’ a passport photo.

Your payments may be suspended if you do not send the form back.

Returning to the UK

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to say you’re returning to the UK.

a joint account

State Pension if you retire abroad

Claim State Pension abroad

Get a State Pension forecast if you need to find out how much State Pension you may get.

Make a claim

You must be within 4 months of your State Pension age to claim.

To claim your pension, you can either:

contact the International Pension Centre

send the international claim form to the International Pension Centre (the address is on the form)

If you live part of the year abroad

Bank accounts your pension can be paid into

Your State Pension can be paid into:

a bank in the country you’re living in

a bank or building society in the UK

You can use:

an account in your name

a joint account

You’ll be paid in local currency - the amount you get may change due to exchange rates.

When you’ll get paid

You can choose to be paid every 4 or 13 weeks.

If your State Pension is under £5 per week, you’ll be paid once a year in December.

Delays to payments around US bank holidays

How your pension is affected

Your State Pension will only increase each year if you live in:

the European Economic Area (EEA)

Gibraltar

Switzerland

You will not get yearly increases if you live outside these countries.

Your pension will go up to the current rate if you return to live in the UK.

Get advice

Paying tax

How much tax you’ll pay and where you pay it depends on where you’re considered to be a resident.

UK residents

Overseas residents

Report a change in your circumstances

If you’re asked to fill in a ‘life certificate’

You need to get the form signed by a witness. The instructions are on the form.

Your witness does not have to live in the UK or have a passport from any specific country.

The people who can sign the form are the same as those who can ‘countersign’ a passport photo.

Your payments may be suspended if you do not send the form back.

Returning to the UK

Contact the Pension Service - you need your return date and contact details, both abroad and in the UK.

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to say you’re returning to the UK.