Guilty plea by adviser providing unregulated immigration advice leads to suspended prison sentence

An unregulated adviser, Sebastian Valencia Jefferson, has pleaded guilty to 11 counts of providing unregulated immigration advice and services in breach of section 91 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Jefferson was the sole director and shareholder of Proxima Consulting Group Ltd and he also pleaded guilty on the company’s behalf.

Between February 2021 and March 2023, Jefferson, operating through Proxima Consulting Group Ltd, submitted numerous immigration and nationality applications to the Home Office, primarily serving members of the Iranian community in North West England. During this period, he advertised his services openly on the company’s website and social media, despite knowing he was not authorised to provide immigration advice or services under UK law.

The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) was alerted by the Home Office to multiple applications linked to Jefferson, who lacked the required qualifications and authorisation. A thorough investigation, including a search of Proxima Consulting Group Ltd’s Manchester premises, was carried out in collaboration with the Home Office and Greater Manchester Police. 

Jefferson was sentenced to six months in prison (suspended for 12 months), 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 150 hours of unpaid work and a financial contribution. His company received a fine.