The Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) has paused all application types with immediate effect while it implements a revised registration process for advisers and organisations.

Under the current system, an organisation's application cannot proceed until any adviser required to sit a competence assessment has passed it, causing delays when assessments need to be retaken. The revised process will require individuals to pass the competence assessment before being added to an organisation's application.

The updated journey will also require all information, including employment history and right to work details, to be submitted at the point of application rather than requested afterwards.

The revised process takes effect from 17 November 2026. From that date, individuals who must sit a competence assessment will need to pass it before they can join an organisation's application or apply to establish their own organisation. Those exempt from the assessment can still join a regulated orga