On the 24th of May 2022, an OISC Fee Change was introduced when the OISC increased its accreditation fees (also known as the OISC exam fees) for the first time in 11 years, across OISC Level 1, OISC Level 2 and OISC Level 3 accreditations. The OISC provided around 2 months’ notice of its changes before they were implemented. Given the impact of COVID-19, this will be a set-back to smaller businesses and will make it more unaffordable for newer businesses to become OISC accredited. The OISC Fee Changes were laid in Parliament in March 2022.
What is the OISC?
The OISC stands for the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner. The Commissioner is currently John Tuckett, a role he has held since 2019. The OISC is a regulatory body and is a non-governmental department. It regulates immigration advisers across England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Why did the OISC increase Fees?
The OISC is funded by the Home Office and the fees which it receives from OISC businesses. The OISC is looking to become more self-reliant, by generating a higher proportion of its income from the businesses it regulates. As a result, the Commissioner decided to introduce an OISC Fee Change for existing businesses.
How much is the OISC Fee Change?
The Fee for OISC Level 1 businesses has increased from £575.00 to £733.00.
For new OISC Level 2 and OISC Level 3 businesses, the starting Fee has increased from £1,750.00 to £2,232.00. For existing OISC Level 2 and 3 businesses, the Fee has increased from £1,290.00 to £1,646.00. OISC Accreditation Fees can be confusing – to discuss them in greater detail, speak with one of the team at Pacific Legal Training.
Will there be future changes to OISC Fees?
The answer to this question remains to be seen. The OISC has shown restraint in raising accreditation fees historically and is keen to point out that, when averaged over a 11-year period, the fees represent a low year-on-year increase. Our calculations point to 2-3% increase per year.
With higher OISC Fees, it is even more essential to be better prepared to take and pass the OISC exam. Consider our OISC Level 1 course and OISC Mock Exams to help you fully prepare and pass the exam. To become an immigration adviser, start your journey today with Pacific Legal Training.
If you need support with your new OISC business registration, please get in touch to find out how we can support further.
