News story: Opportunity for charities to become authorised advisors to EU citizens applying to settle in the UK

The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) has launched a new scheme for charities and other organisations to apply more quickly to become registered advisors to EU citizens when they apply to settle in the UK.

The scheme is aimed at smaller, community-based charities and other organisations, including faith-based and local advice groups.

Successful applicants will be able to provide basic ‘level 1’ advice (solely on EU settlement), without needing to complete the written exam, which is usually part of the application process.

The streamlined process will allow applications to be considered more quickly, with decisions expected 4 to 6 weeks after receipt.

It is a criminal offence for a person to provide immigration advice or services in the UK unless their organisation is regulated by the OISC or meets certain other specific criteria.

Details about what assistance can be given to migrants without the requirement to be regulated can be found in the OISC immigration assistance document.

Further guidance for the Community and Voluntary Sector about registering with the OISC, as well as information on the new EU settlement scheme registration is available on the OISC website.