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Sole representatives of overseas firms

Image of one lady arriving at an airport terminal.

Can I use a representative to apply for leave to remain under the sole representative of an overseas firm category?

This page explains if you can use a representative when making an application for leave to remain as a sole representative of an overseas firm.

If you would like to use a representative when making an application for leave to remain, such as a solicitor or other agent, you should make sure that they are registered with the Office of Immigration Services Commission (OISC) unless they are exempt from the requirement to do so. You can find the contact details and information on what organisations are exempt from registration below.

Once we have made our decision on your application we will send it to your representative provided they are registered or permitted to give immigration advice.

Anyone giving advice or acting on your behalf that is not registered could be committing a criminal offence.

If you and your representative are outside the United Kingdom these regulations to do not apply and your representative does not need to register with the OISC. However, if you are in the United Kingdom but your representative is not, we will not be able to send your passport or other travel documents to them and you will need to provide us with an address in the United Kingdom.

To find a list of authorised immigration advisers you can contact:

OISC
5th Floor
Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2QN

Phone: 0845 000 0046 (calls charged at local rate)
Fax: 020 7211 1553
Email: info@oisc.gov.uk
Website: www.oisc.gov.uk

You could also contact the Law Society, which regulates solicitors in England and Wales to help you find a solicitor by calling them on 0870 606 6575.

Exemptions from OISC registration

Some immigration advisors are exempt from OISC registration. To be exempt from registration the advisor must be a member of a designated professional body, work under the supervision of a designated professional body or be exempt by ministerial order.

Designated professional bodies

Any immigration advisor who is a member of or works under the supervision of one of the professional bodies below is exempt from registration with the OISC.

  • the Law Society;
  • the Law Society in Scotland;
  • the Law Society in Northern Ireland;
  • the Institute of Legal Executives;
  • the Faculty of Advocates;
  • the General Council of the Bar;
  • the General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland.

Organisations exempt by ministerial order

Any immigration advisor who is a member of or works under the supervision of one of the organisations below is exempt from registration with the OISC by ministerial order.

  • state education institutions and their student unions;
  • health sector bodies;
  • employers giving immigration advice to their employees or prospective employees only.

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