Advanced immigration and asylum training: OISC Level 2

Why should you take this course?

Whether you are an OISC Level 1 adviser aspiring to become accredited at Level 2 or a paralegal, solicitor or barrister who wants to get a better grasp of more complex immigration and asylum practice, our tutored small-group course is the best way to improve your skills and knowledge.

Our approach blends guided learning, self-study, a structured course and small group workshops across four weeks. This offers a much better and more relaxed learning environment than a compacted crammer course. It gives you the chance to think about what you are learning and digest the material you cover. 

The course costs £600 + VAT for Free Movement members, and £700 + VAT for non-members. Non-members can of course sign up as members, starting at just £24 per month plus VAT.

What will you get if you sign up?

Our courses are led by qualified solicitors with extensive experience in immigration and asylum law practice. As well as genuinely expert tuition, you’ll get: 

• Eight small group workshops (maximum of 10 trainees) based around case studies on genuine immigration law problems which will help build your confidence and refine your advisory skills
• Access to our best-in-class online materials and course eBook
• Additional materials reinforcing key learning points
• A certificate of completion

Free Movement is a well-established professional training provider. The OISC accepts courses provided by Free Movement as evidence of training completed which applicants can use in support of their application for registration with the OISC.

Course syllabus

Workshop 1: Entry and stay (Part 1) 

Our first workshop focuses on family visa applications and the requirements for partners and other family members. We’ll go through some of the more challenging concepts, such as sole responsibility, and applications that can only be submitted by Level 2 caseworkers (or above), such as settlement on the grounds of domestic abuse.

Workshop 2: Entry and stay (Part 2)

Next we’ll revise some of the other applications that can be made under the Immigration Rules. We’ll focus on how to handle more complex immigration situations, for instance, where someone is making a late application to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Workshop 3: Article 8 in family and private life applications

Next we turn to look at how Article 8 ECHR is applied in immigration cases and how the proportionality assessment is carried out in family and private life cases.

Workshop 4: Asylum, protection and refugee family reunion 

In this workshop we’ll explore the asylum process in the UK, including inadmissibility. We’ll also think about handling refusals and the circumstances in which a failed asylum seeker can make a fresh claim, along with refugee family reunion.

Workshop 5: Discretionary leave and leave outside the Rules 

Some people who wish to enter or stay in the UK simply do not fit into any immigration category no matter what they do, and may need to apply for “leave outside the Rules”. In this workshop we will consider Article 3 medical cases and where an applicant must make arguments to enter or remain on “compelling and compassionate” grounds.

Workshop 6: British nationality law 

We’ll look at how British nationality is obtained by children and adults, applying the key provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981 to our case studies. We also discuss how British nationality can be lost, including via renunciation, deprivation and nullification.

Workshop 7: Refusals and challenging immigration decisions 

It’s always important to consider why an application could be refused, pre-empting any issues before it’s submitted. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the remedies available where an application is refusal. This will include determining if someone has a right to an appeal and how to lodge an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.

Workshop 8: Immigration offences and enforcement 

Finally we turn to immigration offences and enforcement action, for example where the Home Office takes the decision to remove a person from the UK. We’ll cover how apply for bail for someone in immigration detention, and making representations to the Home Office to challenge removal.

What do we expect from you?

• Come prepared: the course is spread over four weeks, but there is a lot to cover. You’ll need to study our online materials between workshops, totalling around 40 hours of self-study. Plan for on average five hours of preparation before each workshop to maximise your learning.
• Join punctually: our schedule is tight, and we want to make the most of every moment. Please join each workshop promptly to ensure we start on time.
• Mute your microphone: to create a distraction-free environment, please mute your microphone when you’re not speaking. This helps minimise background noise, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone.
• Cameras on: let’s keep the engagement high! Keeping your camera on during our workshops fosters lively discussions and strengthens our sense of connection. Remember, we’re in this together for four weeks!
• Participate: your engagement and active participation is key to extracting the maximum benefit from this course. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, questions and insights during discussions and group work.