In the UK, the term “immigration lawyer” is often used broadly to describe professionals who provide legal advice in immigration, asylum, and nationality matters. In reality, there are several regulated pathways into this work, each overseen by a different professional body.
Whether you are considering a career change or already working in a related field, there are three main routes into immigration law: qualifying as a Solicitor, a Barrister, or a Regulated Immigration Adviser. Each route offers a distinct way to practise, with different training structures and areas of focus.
The Immigration Solicitor
Immigration Solicitors are expert law practitioners and client managers. Solicitors are typically the primary point of contact for clients. They manage cases from start to finish, including initial consultations, evidence gathering, application submissions, and — where necessary — appeals.
Pathway:
Most aspiring solicitors now qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route. This involves holding a degree (in any subject), passing both SQE1 and SQE2, and completing two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
Regulator:
Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
The Immigration Barrister
Barristers are legal experts in the courtroom and they specialise in advocacy and legal argument. While some accept instructions directly from clients, they are more commonly instructed by solicitors to handle hearings, appeals, or particularly complex legal issues.
Pathway:
This route requires a law degree (or a conversion course), followed by the Bar Practice Course (BPC) and a one-year pupillage in a chambers.
Regulator:
Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The Regulated Immigration Adviser
The Immigration Adviser is a specialist legal practitioner and expert in the immigration rules. For those who want to focus exclusively on immigration law, the IAA-regulated immigration adviser route is often the most direct and accessible option.
Immigration advisers are legally recognised professionals who qualify by passing competence assessments at Level 1, 2, or 3, depending on the complexity of the work they intend to undertake. While the Level 1 exam is a challenge to pass, delegates who undertake study can be successful and go on to become credible legal professionals.
Pathway:
Candidates must establish and register their law firm with the IAA and then progress through the IAA’s tiered assessment system, starting at Level 1 and moving upwards as their practice develops.
Regulator:
Immigration advisers are regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), which replaced the OISC in 2025.
Why the Immigration Adviser Route Is Growing
Many professionals are drawn to the IAA pathway because it allows for early specialisation in immigration law, without the extended generalist training required under the SRA or BSB routes.
At Level 3, IAA-regulated advisers can represent clients in tribunals, carrying out advocacy work comparable to that of solicitor-advocates or barristers within that setting.
The entry point — the IAA Level 1 assessment — can feel daunting. It has a notable fail rate, not because candidates lack ability, but because the exam focuses heavily on applied legal reasoning rather than memorisation. In addition, applicants must register both themselves and their firm with the IAA at the same time, which naturally raises the stakes. You can read more about that process in our guide on how to establish and register your IAA-regulated immigration firm.
Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Practice
Once both applications are submitted, the process generally unfolds as follows:
Caseworker allocation, during which your firm’s documents and personal fitness are reviewed
Invitation to sit the assessment, usually issued around three to five weeks after submission if the application is satisfactory
Outcome, where a pass leads to finalised firm registration, and a non-pass typically requires a fresh application
Understanding this timeline in advance can help reduce uncertainty and support better planning.
Supporting a Strong Foundation for Your Firm
One of the biggest challenges for aspiring immigration advisers is learning how to use the Immigration Rules in realistic client scenarios, under timed conditions. This practical application is at the heart of the Level 1 assessment.
The IAA Level 1 Exam Preparation and Immigration Adviser Training Programme is designed to support that transition. It combines a structured syllabus with scenario-based practice, while also providing guidance on navigating the IAA registration process.
Whether your goal is to work within an established firm or to build your own practice, securing your Level 1 qualification is the essential first step toward becoming a UK immigration lawyer in practice.
Contact us to learn how you can train as a legal expert.