Where to get regulated immigration help — IAA, SRA, and why svoi.uk does not give advice
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svoi.uk publishes facts, but does not give immigration advice — this is a criminal offence under UK law without IAA registration (up to 2 years in prison). For any specific question — eligibility, application, appeal, switching, documents — contact an IAA-registered adviser or an SRA-regulated solicitor. This page explains why and how to find one.
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IAA
Immigration Advice Authority
main regulator in the UK
2 years
Maximum — prison
for unregulated advice (IAA 1999, s.84)
Free
Search for IAA adviser
through official portal (services are paid)
4
IAA registration levels
Level 1 (advice) → Level 3 (representation)
Why svoi.uk does not give immigration advice
Immigration advice means giving recommendations about visa applications, eligibility, switching, appeals for a specific case of a specific person.
Under UK law (Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Section 84) giving immigration advice "in the course of a business" without IAA registration = criminal offence. Maximum penalty: up to 2 years in prison + unlimited fine.
svoi.uk is a public consumer website from Mendee Digital Ltd. The company is not registered with IAA, so it only publishes factual information and signposts to authorised professionals. This applies equally to paid agents and to informal "helpers" — a friend-of-a-friend also falls under the law.
What counts as immigration advice, and what does not
This is advice — needs IAA
- "You are probably eligible for X visa"
- "In your case the best route is Y"
- "Submit an appeal within Z days"
- "Use the ISL discount route"
- Personalised document checklists
- Analysis of refusal grounds
This is NOT advice — can be published
- "Current threshold is £41,700" (factual)
- "Register of Licensed Sponsors on gov.uk" (signpost)
- "Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700" (reporting path)
- "5 signs of a fake sponsor" (pattern documentation)
- "What the law says about Skills Charge" (legal fact)
IAA vs SRA vs CILEX — who regulates whom
IAA
Immigration Advice Authority — main regulator for immigration advisers (not solicitors). Levels 1–3:
- Level 1 — basic advice services (general immigration advice)
- Level 2 — casework (preparing and submitting applications)
- Level 3 — representation in immigration tribunal and above
SRA
Solicitors Regulation Authority — regulates UK solicitors. A solicitor in private practice is automatically allowed to give immigration advice. Often more expensive, but with broader legal coverage.
CILEX
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives — alternative legal professionals. They may be authorised for immigration work.
Barristers
Direct access through clerks (Bar Standards Board regulated). Specialised in tribunal representation.
How to find an IAA-registered adviser
Official portal
portal.immigrationadviceauthority.gov.uk → Search by name, organisation, location, registration level. Free for the user.
Free legal help
JCWI
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrantsjcwi.org.ukFree immigration advice, advocacy, legal representation for migrants and refugees.
Migrant Help
Migrant Help UKmigranthelpuk.orgFree: asylum advice, legal support, practical help.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice Bureaucitizensadvice.org.ukGeneral advice; immigration — through regional offices, availability varies.
Law Centres
Law Centres Networklawcentres.org.ukFree legal help for those who cannot afford a private solicitor.
Red flags when choosing an immigration adviser
"Adviser" without IAA registration or SRA regulation — check registration number before any payment
Only WhatsApp/Telegram, no website or office
"Guaranteed visa" — no IAA-registered adviser can guarantee an outcome
Large upfront payment without a written contract listing services
Discourages using official channels (gov.uk, IAA portal)
Does not show professional indemnity insurance
If an adviser breaks the rules — where to complain
IAA-registered adviser
IAA complaints: [email protected] + portal form at portal.immigrationadviceauthority.gov.uk
SRA-regulated solicitor
Unregulated "adviser"
This is a criminal offence (IAA 1999, s.84). Report through IAA complaints or Police (Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040) — it is prosecuted criminally.