Our small group OISC Level 1 course is perfect for those wanting to learn immigration law for the first time. You do not need any prior experience and you do not need previous legal training. It is aimed at those who are new to immigration law.

Why should you take this course?

If you want to give yourself the best possible chance of passing the OISC level 1 exams, this is the way to do it. If you work or volunteer for a charity or NGO and want to get a better handle on the system as a whole, the course is perfect for you. If you are already a lawyer but want to transition into doing more immigration work… you get the picture.

The OISC considers Free Movement to be a well-established professional training provider. It 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.

The course costs £500 + VAT for Free Movement members, and £600 + VAT for non-members. Non-members can of course sign up as members, starting at just £22 per month plus VAT.

What will you get if you sign up?

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. We offer you the best opportunity to really understand how immigration law works and to pass the OISC level 1 exams.

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) spread over four weeks
• Access to our best-in-class online materials
• Additional materials reinforcing key learning points
• An opportunity to discuss scenarios based on real life immigration problems similar to the questions you will face in the OISC level 1 exam
• Marking of and feedback on your mock exam paper
• A certificate of completion

Course syllabus

Workshop 1: Introduction to immigration law and visitor visas

We start with an introduction to immigration law in the UK and the Immigration Rules, looking at the different immigration categories and how to make an immigration application. 

Workshop 2: Family visas, private life, long residence and returning residents

Next, we delve into the criteria for joining or remaining with family members in the UK, the long residence rules and how indefinite leave to remain can be lost and re-acquired.

Workshop 3: Asylum and protection

No UK immigration course is complete without an introduction to refugee law and the asylum process. We’ll explore various aspects of refugees’ journeys, alternative forms of protection and available support within the asylum system. 

Workshop 4: British nationality

We’ll discuss how British nationality is acquired by children and adults, focusing on key provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981, requirements and utilising Home Office caseworker guidance.

Workshop 5: EU Settlement Scheme

This workshop addresses the status of EU nationals and their family members post-Brexit. We’ll cover the specific statuses that can be acquired under the EU Settlement Scheme, and the limited grounds for making late applications.

Workshop 6: Working and studying in the UK

Next, we cover the work visa routes, including highly skilled migrants, skilled workers, other sponsored routes and temporary work routes. We’ll also discuss how foreign students can come to the UK for education purposes.  

Workshop 7: Refusals, remedies, detention and deportation

We’ll explore reasons for application refusals and available remedies, including the immigration tribunal system, appeals, administrative review and reconsideration requests. The latter part introduces immigration enforcement, covering detention, bail, removal and deportation.

Workshop 8: Ethics, competence and exam preparation

We round off the course by considering the ethical principles of immigration law practice and the OISC Code of Standards. We discuss case referral, signposting and Level 1 adviser skills. The latter half focuses on exam format, tips and techniques.

After the final workshop, trainees can put what they’ve learnt to practice and complete our mock exam. We will then mark it and provide comprehensive feedback.

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 20 hours of self-study. Plan for about two and a half 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.