Our IAA Level 1 authorisation — and what it means for your case
ENS Immigration Advice is regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) at Level 1 — Advice and Assistance. We help with straightforward immigration applications within that authorisation. Where a matter is more complex, we say so after an initial assessment and, if it falls outside our authorised level, help you find an appropriately authorised adviser.
Advice & Assistance
ENS Consulting Ltd
Not the visa name
Assessed first
Last updated: 8 August 2026. This page explains how our regulatory authorisation works. It is general information about our scope, not legal advice on an individual case.
What “Level 1 — Advice and Assistance” means
ENS Immigration Advice is regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) at Level 1, under registration number F202331709. Level 1 covers straightforward immigration advice and assistance — helping you present the facts and documents that show you meet a defined requirement in the Immigration Rules.
That is broader than it sounds. Level 1 is not limited to simple visitor visas. A wide range of applications can be handled at Level 1 where the individual case is straightforward.
The visa name does not decide the level. The same immigration route can contain both straightforward and complex cases. What matters is the complexity of your individual circumstances, not the label on the route. We look at your case, not just the type of application.
Applications we can usually help with
Subject to your circumstances being straightforward and falling within our Level 1 authorisation, we can assist with matters such as:
Entry clearance & permission to stay
Entry clearance, permission to stay, extensions and switching applications where the Immigration Rules allow.
Straightforward family applications
Straightforward Appendix FM partner, parent, child and dependant applications, and settlement (ILR).
Work & business routes
Straightforward work-route, dependant and business immigration applications.
Sponsor licence assistance
Sponsor licence applications and ordinary Level 1 sponsor-related assistance.
Citizenship
Straightforward naturalisation and citizenship registration applications.
EUSS & family permits
Straightforward EU Settlement Scheme, residence and family-permit matters.
This list is not a guarantee that we can accept every case on these routes. Whether we can help depends on your circumstances — see how we check, below.
How we assess whether your case is straightforward
Before we take on a matter, we look at five things:
- A defined application. Is there a clearly defined application under the Immigration Rules?
- Ability to qualify. Do you appear able to meet the ordinary requirements of that application?
- Evidence. Can the case be shown mainly through ordinary facts and documents?
- Immigration history. Is there no materially adverse immigration history that makes the application complex?
- No heavy reliance on discretion. Can it succeed without substantial reliance on discretion, concession, complex human-rights arguments or higher-level proceedings?
If all five are broadly met, your matter is likely suitable for our Level 1 help. If one or more are not, we assess what is needed — and where it is beyond our authorised level, we explain that and point you to an appropriately authorised adviser or legal representative.
When a matter may need a higher-level adviser
Some matters go beyond straightforward Level 1 work. We will tell you honestly when that is the case. Common indicators include:
Adverse immigration history
Overstaying, illegal entry, deception or false-representation allegations, breaches, curtailment or removal history that makes the analysis complex.
Complex or discretionary cases
Cases turning materially on discretion, concessions or exceptions rather than the ordinary route requirements.
Complex human-rights claims
Substantial Article 8 proportionality or “unjustifiably harsh consequences” arguments, and complex private/family-life representations.
Asylum & protection
Asylum, protection, trafficking or modern-slavery matters — specialist areas we do not handle as a Level 1 service.
Removal & deportation
Removal, deportation, exclusion and immigration-bail matters.
Appeals & tribunal work
Administrative review, appeal casework and representation before the immigration tribunals.
Family and private life are not automatically “complex”. A straightforward application under Appendix FM or another route with a family or private-life context can still be Level 1 where the case is simply about showing you meet the defined requirements. Referral becomes relevant only where the matter materially depends on exceptional circumstances, complex proportionality arguments, or an enforcement or appeal context. A previous refusal, on its own, does not automatically put a case beyond Level 1 — the question is whether the history makes the new matter complex.
We do not, at Level 1, conduct immigration tribunal advocacy or substantive asylum casework. Where an appeal, tribunal or protection issue arises, we explain the position and refer you to an appropriately authorised adviser or representative rather than acting beyond our authorisation.
A complex case does not mean you have no options. It means the right help may sit at a higher level of authorisation. We assess your matter first, and help you find the appropriate adviser or legal representative.
Our regulatory scope
ENS provides immigration advice and assistance on straightforward matters within our IAA Level 1 authorisation. If your circumstances involve complexities outside our authorised level, we will identify this and advise you when referral to an appropriately authorised adviser or legal representative is required.
Not sure whether your matter falls within our Level 1 scope? We will assess it first and explain the right next step.
Book an initial immigration assessmentFor refusals, appeals, enforcement or other complex matters, see immigration problems & complex cases, where we explain how referral works.
Regulatory information
ENS Immigration Advice operates as a regulated immigration advice provider. Our formal details are set out below.
| Regulator | Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) — Level 1 immigration advice |
|---|---|
| IAA registration number | F202331709 |
| Trading name | ENS Immigration Advice, a trading name of ENS Consulting Ltd |
| Company number | 14924491 |
| ICO registration | ZB741581 |
| Registered address | 17A Sweeting Street, Liverpool |
| Phone | 07508 156554 |
| info@ensconsulting.co.uk |
Disclaimer. The information on this page provides general information about UK immigration law and does not constitute legal advice on any individual immigration application. Immigration requirements depend on your individual circumstances and may change. You should seek professional advice before making an application or relying on the information provided.