IAA Level 1 Accreditation Training Course

Our IAA level 1 accreditation training course is designed as an entry level course on immigration advice (i.e. within the Immigration Rules).

With new key changes including revised syllabus, additional component on Code of Standards, and now the competence assessment is at the start of the adviser application journey, it has never been more important than attending IAA training.

In this course we aim to cover the new revised syllabus at IAA level 1. It’s the accreditation you need before you can advise or assist clients on immigration matters within the Immigration Rules, whether that’s visitor visas, family applications, work routes or nationality queries.

The aim of this course is to provide delegates with sufficient knowledge, in preparation for the level 1 IAA exams while focusing on the IAA’s core requirements. Delegates will be provided with the latest edition of the IAA level 1 HJT Immigration materials, as well as practical guidance with accompanying self-study material to be used after the course during revision for individuals’ IAA exams.

Key Topics Covered in HJT’s IAA Level 1 Course

Our IAA Level 1 course runs over 4 days, with 3 hours of live online training each day. Across the 4 days, the course covers:

• Enforcement and criminal offences
• Appeals and Administrative Review
• The Rules, common requirements (para 6 and Part 1), Operational Guidance
• General grounds of refusal and suitability
• Visitors
• Ancestors, and switching categories
• Long residence
• Nationality by birth, registration and naturalisation
• EEA law and Appendix EU/ Appendix EU (Family Permit)
• Family applications
• Work, study and business
• New component – Code of Standards

Practical exercises run throughout the course, so you’re applying what you’ve learned to realistic scenarios rather than only listening to theory.

Who Should Take This Course

This course suits:

• Anyone applying for IAA Level 1 registration for the first time
• Caseworkers and support staff who need Level 1 knowledge but aren’t yet registered
• Charity, NGO and community organisation staff who advise on immigration matters
• Firms training up new advisers or refreshing existing staff ahead of an exam
• Anyone deciding whether a career in immigration advice is the right move before committing further

No prior legal training is required. The course is built to take you from a standing start to exam-ready.

Where IAA Level 1 Can Take You

IAA Level 1 accreditation is the qualification most UK immigration advice roles ask for at entry level, whether you’re joining a law firm’s immigration team, a charity’s advice service, a local authority, or setting up on your own. It’s also the foundation you’ll need before progressing to Level 2 or Level 3, if that’s the direction you want your career to go.

What Can You Do With IAA Level 1 Accreditation?

There are three categories of work in each level: Immigration, Asylum and Protection and Judicial Review Case Management.

Immigration

Level 1 covers straightforward immigration matters, that includes:

• Entry clearance (visa) applications
• Permission to enter or stay, and variations to conditions of leave
• Basic registration and naturalisation applications for British citizenship
• Residence and family permits
• Applications under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Work visa (business immigration) applications
• Sponsor licence applications

Asylum and Protection

In the Asylum and Protection category, it covers a small number of straightforward tasks, such as notifying UKVI of a change of address or applying for leave in line for the UK-born children of refugees, but substantive asylum applications and appeals sit outside Level 1 entirely.

Where a case turns more complex, or a client’s immigration history could work against them, it falls outside Level 1 and needs an adviser registered at a higher level.

For the full, current breakdown of what each level and category permits, see the IAA’s adviser registration guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IAA Level 1 the same as OISC Level 1?

Yes. The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) was rebranded to the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) in 2026. The levels, exams and competence requirements are unchanged, only the name and the regulator’s branding have updated.

Do I need any experience to take this course?

No. The course is designed as an entry point, so no previous immigration or legal experience is required.

Will this course register me as an IAA adviser?

No. Training and registration are separate. Once you’ve completed the course, you apply for registration directly with the IAA, who will arrange your Level 1 assessment.

How much does the IAA Level 1 exam cost?

The exam fee is set by the IAA and paid as part of your registration application, not to HJT Training. You’ll find the current fee confirmed on the IAA’s official portal when you apply.

When are the IAA Level 1 exam dates?

Assessments are generally held monthly. Exact dates and venues are published by the IAA directly, so we’d recommend checking their portal once you’re ready to apply.

What happens if I don’t pass the IAA Level 1 exam?

There’s no resit within the same application. If you fail, your registration application is refused, and you’d need to submit a brand new application, including a new application fee, to try again. The IAA won’t begin processing a new application until at least four weeks after the refusal, and you’ll need to show evidence of further training or study alongside it.

Can I progress to Level 2 or Level 3 after this course?

Yes. Level 1 is the standard starting point before moving on to Level 2 (casework outside the Immigration Rules) or Level 3 (immigration and asylum appeals work).

Getting your IAA Level 1 registration right the first time saves you months, not just an exam fee. Book your place on a course built by the people who write the assessment, and go in prepared rather than guessing.