The Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) released its quarterly newsletter on 23 October, confirming that a revamped competence assessment for regulated advisers will launch in January 2027. The assessment, replacing the current written exam, will use scenario-based questions and require annual CPD evidence. The IAA also trailed a consultation, expected in December, on financial penalties for unregulated advice—mirroring the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s model. Draft proposals suggest fines of up to £7,500 for individuals and £25,000 for organisations offering immigration advice without authorisation. Why this matters: multinational employers often rely on external consultants for visa work; the new regime increases due-diligence obligations when outsourcing. In-house mobility teams should verify adviser accreditation and anticipate modest fee rises as firms adapt to the competence test. The newsletter further notes that SMS user changes, Right to Work reforms and the re-opening of Haslar Removal Centre are “priority knowledge areas” for advisers’ 2027 accreditation renewal.
