Immigration: Home Office alerted OISC
A man who provided immigration advice and services without being regulated has been handed a suspended jail sentence.
The investigation by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) comes ahead of its rebranding as the Immigration Advice Authority.
Immigration is a unique practice area in that it is not a reserved legal activity but is subject to statutory regulation for those who are not qualified lawyers.
Sebastian Valencia Jefferson, 47, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of providing unregulated immigration advice and services, contrary to section 91 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and was sentenced last week to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months.
He was ordered to undertake 25 rehabilitation activity days and 150 hours of unpaid work, and make a personal financial contribution. His company, Proxima Consulting Group, also received a fine.
The OISC said that, between February 2021 and March 2023, Mr Jefferson submitted numerous immigration and nationality applications to the Home Office, primarily serving members of the Iranian community in North-West England.
He openly advertised his services on the company’s website and social media, despite knowing he was not authorised to provide immigration services.
The OISC was notified by the Home Office and, together with Greater Manchester Police, they carried out an investigation, including a search of Proxima’s Manchester premises.
John Tuckett, the Immigration Services Commissioner, said: “This outcome sends a clear message that providing immigration advice and services without proper authorisation will not be tolerated.
“Unregulated advisers put vulnerable individuals at risk, and we remain committed to working with our partners to investigate and bring offenders to justice.”
The OISC will relaunch as the Immigration Advice Authority next month.
A spokeswoman said: “This transformation builds on the legacy and knowledge of the OISC. It is underpinned by valuable input and insights from advisers, stakeholders and advice seekers, ensuring the future organisation continues to keep the advice seeker at the heart of all it does.
“While the organisation’s remit remains the same, this strategic shift reflects its transition to becoming a high-performing, outward focused organisation with enhanced capabilities and expertise.
“The goal of the organisation remains the same: to protect vulnerable individuals from unregulated advisers while ensuring the provision of high-quality immigration advice across the UK.”
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