Cost of Immigration Solicitor
across the UK

# Immigration Solicitor Trade Body Accreditation

Immigration solicitors in the UK are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which is the main statutory body governing all solicitors. Being on the SRA register is a legal requirement, not optional, and confirms the solicitor holds the appropriate qualification and insurance. Beyond this basic requirement, many immigration solicitors also hold accreditation from the Law Society's Immigration Law Accreditation Scheme, which demonstrates they have specialist knowledge and experience in immigration matters. The UK Border Agency also recognises immigration advisers who are not solicitors but work in this field; these advisers must be registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). For those seeking additional assurance, organisations like the Legal Services Board oversee the SRA's work, and some firms may hold ISO standards or membership in bodies like the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA), which further signals professional standing and commitment to best practice.

Verifying a provider's credentials is straightforward and essential before engaging their services. You can check any solicitor's SRA registration directly on the SRA Find a Solicitor tool on their website, which shows whether they are qualified, any disciplinary history, and their practising status. For the Law Society's Immigration Law Accreditation, you can ask the firm directly for evidence or check their website; genuine accredited firms display this proudly. If consulting an OISC-registered adviser, you can verify their registration on the OISC's register online. This verification matters because it confirms the person has met minimum competence standards, carries professional indemnity insurance to protect you if something goes wrong, and is subject to oversight and complaints procedures. Working with an unregulated or poorly qualified immigration adviser risks poor legal advice, lost fees, and potential damage to your immigration case, which can have serious long-term consequences