The Smooth Group (www.mysmoothgroup.com) has been awarded the highest Level 3 Advocacy and Representation registration possible by the Office of Immigration Service Commissioners (OISC) meaning it will expand its service and can now represent applicants at visa appeal hearings.
There are huge benefits for our clients, said Hanneke Oosthuizen, manager at The Smooth Group. This means that if any issues arise with applications we can deal with it all the way through. We can stay with our client and do not have to involve an outside solicitor.
Gaining this new Level 3 registration means the immigration advisers can complete what Smooth Group prides itself on - excellent customer service and staying with the client throughout the immigration process.
The OISC was established in 2001 to promote good practice in the immigration advice industry. Rigorous assessment is made of organisations offering immigration advice.
The level 3 registration enables The Smooth Group to:
* Represent clients in Home Office interviews
* Take cases that are outside of the immigration rules (for example, where immigration could be considered on compassionate grounds).
* Prepare the cases in the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT).
* Represent the client at appeal hearings before the AIT.
* Instruct a barrister/advocate to appear at the AIT to take on a client's case.
The registration does not permit The Smooth Group to handle applications relating to asylum, humanitarian protections and detention.
Ms Oosterhuizen added: Another advantage is we can help clients who are overseas and need legal representation for immigration in the UK. For example, if a South African student submits an application that is turned down and they take it to appeal, solicitors in South Africa can not deal with UK immigration, however now we can deal with the appeals case.
Highest level 3 registration for immigration adviser The Smooth Group
Advice At Appeal Hearings for Immigrants Now Possible
