What you will study
This unique course is based on the IAA Level 2 and 3 syllabi and structured around 15 units that have been written by leading specialists in their field and developed in partnership with HJT training, a leading specialist in this sector. The units explore a range of topics including immigration control, making an application to the Home Office, human rights, private life, family life, leave outside the Rules, complex human rights cases, immigration detention (bail, removal, and deportation), client care, appeals against Home Office decisions, the process and skills used in managing an appeal, and the IAA’s Code of Standards.
The online course materials include activities, video and audio materials, an immigration law manual, opportunities for reflection and self-assess your progress, and for practical skills development designed to enhance employability skills.&
In addition to the knowledge you gain, you have the opportunity to consider and practise important skills essential for anyone working with immigration law. These include the application of suitability and eligibility criteria, gathering evidence, choosing the appropriate Rules and immigration route, working with the Immigration Rules, client interviewing, time management, letter drafting, identifying resources (including legal updating), managing applications appropriately and efficiently and the features of ethical and professional practice.
For individual’s seeking to qualify as an IAA Level 2 and 3 advisor, the course also provides a unique opportunity to explore and practise the knowledge and skills required in the IAA Level 2 and 3 examinations. You are guided through the examination process with references made to the IAA Level 2 and 3 online examination resources provided by the IAA.
As immigration law is a complex and fast-changing area, throughout the course, emphasis is placed upon developing skills which enable you to keep up to date and equip you to work with the Immigration Law Rules as they change and develop. The course is updated annually, and regular updates are provided in the news section of the course website.
You will learn
On successful completion of this CPD course, you will have gained knowledge of:
- specific areas of UK immigration law set out in the IAA Levels 2 and 3 syllabi
- the skills and competencies required at IAA Level 2 or 3
- the permitted work of an IAA Level 2 or 3 immigration advisor
- the role of the IAA syllabus and IAA examination resources.
You will also have developed several legal, practical, and professional skills including those relevant to:
- practice as a Level 2 and 3 IAA Immigration Advisor
- working with the Immigration Rules
- working with clients
- the IAA Level 2 and 3 examinations
Vocational relevance
This course has vocational relevance for those seeking to work as an IAA Level 2 and 3 Immigration Advisor. It explores the knowledge and skills required by the IAA Level 2 and 3 syllabi.
Requirements for registration for an IAA examination and IAA registration are set by IAA and individuals must register for these directly through IAA.
Learner support
This course is designed for independent study. Contact OU-immigration-courses@open.ac.uk for course specific enquiries. Other support is available for general study enquiries via StudentHome or the computing helpdesk for IT support for your studies.
Work-based activity
This is a self-study course in which you self-assess your progress through activities, reflection and feedback. These enable you to check your understanding and apply the knowledge as you work through each unit. There is no formal assessment. A certificate of participation is provided on completion of the course.
For those studying as part of their preparation to become an IAA Level 2 and 3 Advisor, the syllabus, competencies, and examination for IAA Level 2 and 3 practice are set by the IAA . The IAA sets the examination dates, examination entry requirements and registration requirements. The IAA also provides an examination resources booklet. You need to be familiar with all of these before applying to sit the examination and then sitting the examination.
The IAA also sets the application criteria which applicants for IAA Level 2 and 3 must meet (in addition to passing the IAA Level 2 and 3 examination). To ensure you can work as an immigration advisor please contact the Home Office directly to ensure your understanding of their requirements is correct before making your application to become an IAA Level 2 and 3 adviser and sitting the Level 2 and 3 examination.