Change in costs

Clause 1.1d of the code of conduct requires that an adviser must, with due care, diligence, respect and professionalism work in a manner that does not unnecessarily increase costs. This is further supported by clause 1.5b of the code of conduct, which requires advisers to ensure that agreements contain a full description of services to be provided by the adviser.

The combined effect of these clauses reinforces the fact that in terms of knowing how much obtaining immigration advice from an adviser in relation to a particular immigration matter will cost, a client should not expect to be surprised by additional charges as a regular practice.

In some situations, however, a client’s case may involve additional costs and complexities that neither the adviser nor the client was aware of during the signing of the original written agreement. If this is the case, under clause 3c of the code of conduct, the adviser must obtain the client’s agreement in writing to any material increase in costs as soon as the adviser knows the increase.

This should then be followed up under clause 1.5e of the code of conduct by the adviser reviewing the written agreement, making any changes required, and obtaining the client’s written approval to any changes.