Signing a written agreement

A written agreement is a contract. It is legally binding. Your adviser is required under the code of conduct to give you a written agreement.

Check you understand everything in your written agreement before you sign it, or get help if you do not. A lawyer can help you understand the written agreement.

A lawyer at a Community Law Centre may advise you for free.

Your adviser must also sign the written agreement.

The written agreement must:

• fully describe the work the adviser will do for you
• include the total amount of fees and costs you need to pay
• tell you when and how you must pay
• explain their refund policy, if they have one
• explain how to complain if you have a problem with their work.

If any changes are made to the written agreement after you have signed it, you must agree to these in writing.

Your adviser must also:

• have an internal complaints procedure
• give you a copy of their internal complaints procedure and explain this to you
• give you information about how you can complain to the Immigration Advisers Authority and explain this to you.