Consultation on the OISC's Code of Standards

The Code of Standards was last reviewed in July 2007 and several changes have taken place in the immigration advice sector since the last review. The Commissioner therefore believes it is an appropriate time to amend this document.

The version of the Code on which we are consulting is substantially different from the current document in terms of style, structure and content. New codes have been added while some codes have been deleted and others changed.

In particular, the Rules are no longer presented as a separate document. Instead their content has been replicated in the Code and immigration organisations and advisers will be required to follow them as they would any other Code provision.

Further, the new Code, while retaining some prescriptive codes, has generally taken a more principle-based approach which will be complemented by Guidance Notes. We have also rearranged the sections of the Code to make it more user-friendly.

All those regulated by the OISC to provide immigration advice or services in the UK in the course of a business must comply with the Code of Standards.