IAAS Accreditation Qualification : Eligibility & Benefits

IAAS Accreditation Qualification : Eligibility & Benefits

The Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme (IAAS) is a vital qualification for immigration advisors in the UK. Administered by the Law Society of England and Wales, this accreditation ensures that legal professionals possess the requisite expertise to offer sound advice on immigration and asylum matters.

IAAS accreditation comes in various levels, from Foundation to Advanced, and covers crucial areas such as asylum applications, human rights claims, and deportation cases. For solicitors and legal executives aiming to undertake legal aid work in immigration, this qualification is often essential, guaranteeing that vulnerable individuals receive guidance from properly trained advisors.

Who can sit for IAAS Exams?

Did you know that outside the scope of Solicitors, CILEX practitioners and Barristers in independent practice, you can still sit for IAAS (Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme) exams?

Non-solicitors can apply if they work for regulated organisations. The scheme has different levels suited to practitioners at various career stages, from trainee casework assistant to advanced caseworker.

To sum up, you can apply to sit for the IAAS exams if you are:

1.A non-solicitor employed in a practice, or an organization regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner or the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

2.An individual seeking accreditation at different levels, including:

   – Trainee casework assistant

   – Casework assistant

   – Senior caseworker

   – Supervising senior caseworker

   – Advanced caseworker

3.A Practitioner at different career stages, as the accreditation scheme have three levels suited to various experience levels.

4.An employee or prospective employees of organisations providing immigration advice and services, under certain conditions.

5.Individuals employed by or acting on behalf of specific educational institutions or health sector bodies, as described in the relevant Statutory Instruments.

Why Qualify with IAAS Accreditation? 

Obtaining IAAS accreditation is a smart move for legal professionals in the UK immigration sector. This qualification not only enhances your expertise but also opens doors to a wider range of clientele and cases. Some of the pivotal benefits include:

Career Advancement

IAAS accreditation is crucial for practitioners who want to provide immigration and asylum advice under legal aid contracts. Becoming accredited as a senior caseworker is necessary to be paid by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) for work conducted under an LAA contract. This opens up opportunities to work on publicly funded immigration and asylum cases.

Quality Recognition

The IAAS accreditation serves as a recognized quality standard for immigration practitioners. It demonstrates a high level of competence and expertise in immigration and asylum law. This can enhance your professional reputation and credibility with clients and employers.

Skill Development

Preparing for and passing the IAAS exams requires developing in-depth knowledge of immigration and asylum law. The accreditation process helps practitioners hone their skills in areas like:

– Understanding complex immigration rules and policies

– Case management

– Legal research and analysis

– Drafting applications and appeals

Career Progression

IAAS has different levels of accreditation that allow for career progression:

– Trainee casework assistant

– Casework assistant 

– Senior caseworker

– Supervising senior caseworker

– Advanced caseworker

This tiered structure provides a clear pathway for professional development in immigration law.

Legal Aid Work

For those interested in legal aid work, IAAS accreditation is essential. Senior caseworkers must be fully accredited to be paid by the LAA for work under the Standard Civil Contract.

Private Practice Opportunities

While primarily designed for legal aid work, the IAAS accreditation can also serve as a quality mark for privately funded immigration work. This can help attract private clients and employers.

By obtaining IAAS qualification, immigration practitioners can significantly enhance their career prospects, demonstrate their expertise, and access a wider range of professional opportunities in both public and private sectors of immigration law.

It’s important to note that while specific qualifications are not always required to apply for regulation, candidates are expected to have undergone adequate training, have relevant previous experience, or possess sufficient qualifications before applying for the exams. The Immigration Services Commissioner will assess the competence and fitness of applicants before granting authorization to provide immigration advice and services.

How HJT Training can help?

For those seeking to enhance their competence and boost their chances of success in IAAS accreditation, HJT’s specialised courses offer an excellent pathway.

Our IAAS Casework Assistant & Senior Caseworker course, scheduled for Wednesday 27th November 2024, and the IAAS Supervising Senior Caseworker course on Thursday 21st November 2024, are designed to thoroughly prepare candidates for the rigorous IAAS examinations.

These courses are conveniently held live online, making them easily accessible for exam preparation. Led by expert instructor Gabriella Bettiga, participants benefit from top-tier instruction and insights, significantly improving their ability to navigate the accreditation process with confidence and ease.

To book your spot, visit here

If you’re reading this post after November 2024, don’t worry – get in touch with us to enquire about our future IAAS courses.

Additionally, consider our annual subscription to Mastering Immigration Law, which includes a comprehensive modules on that are invaluable for independent revision for IAAS accreditation exams.

To book a demo or for enquiries, get in touch with us on: enquiries@hjt-training.co.uk or call us on 0754416 4692

 

Written by Shareen Khan

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