New Arrivals Support CIC is proud to share that we have officially received an Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Level 1 licence (Registration No. N202536801). This authorisation enables our organisation to provide regulated immigration advice and immigration services, strengthening the support available to refugees, migrants and newly arrived communities across London and beyond.

For many individuals navigating the UK immigration system, access to accurate and trustworthy information can shape the course of their journey. Immigration processes are often complex, time-sensitive and emotionally demanding. Receiving our licence reflects a significant step in ensuring that the guidance offered by our team is not only compassionate and community-led, but also professionally regulated and aligned with national standards.

This milestone builds on years of frontline work supporting displaced communities through advocacy, casework and integration programmes. As an organisation rooted in lived experience, New Arrivals Support CIC understands the challenges faced by those rebuilding their lives in a new country — from uncertainty about immigration status to difficulties accessing housing, education, employment, and healthcare. The IAA licence strengthens our ability to respond to these challenges with safe and reliable immigration advice.

What Level 1 immigration advice means

At Level 1, authorised organisations provide immigration advice that relies on the straightforward presentation of facts under UK Immigration Rules and nationality law. In practice, this allows our team to help individuals understand available immigration options, clarify eligibility criteria and support them in preparing documentation for basic applications where cases are not complex or discretionary.

This form of early-stage immigration advice is often crucial. Many new arrivals need reassurance, clear explanations, and guidance on next steps before engaging with more specialised legal services. Through our licensed support, individuals can receive accurate information, avoid common mistakes in applications, and gain confidence in navigating administrative processes. Where cases require higher-level legal intervention, we ensure responsible signposting and referrals to regulated specialists.

Strengthening community immigration support in London

The new licence enhances the impact of our existing programmes, including Ukrainian Support Greenwich (USG), Lewisham Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE) support and the Greenwich Afghan Resettlement Project. Across these initiatives, immigration questions are often deeply connected to wider integration needs. Families seeking clarity on visas may also require guidance on employment, language learning, education pathways, or wellbeing support.

New Arrivals Support CIC takes a holistic approach to immigration advice. Rather than treating immigration status as an isolated issue, we recognise its connection to stability, dignity, and long-term integration. Our bilingual and culturally responsive team provides guidance in trusted community spaces, ensuring that individuals feel safe asking questions and seeking support. This approach helps reduce isolation, prevent misinformation, and empower people to make informed decisions about their future in the UK.

A commitment to safe, ethical and accessible immigration advice

Receiving IAA authorisation reflects our commitment to safeguarding, accountability and professional development. Providing regulated immigration advice requires strong governance, clear processes, and ongoing learning. As our organisation continues to grow, we remain dedicated to strengthening staff capacity, building partnerships with legal and voluntary sector organisations, and improving access to reliable immigration information for underserved communities.

This licence is not an endpoint but part of our wider journey of development. We aim to expand the depth of our services, enhance collaboration with specialist advisers, and continue advocating for fair and accessible immigration pathways. Above all, our focus remains on ensuring that new arrivals receive guidance that is accurate, respectful, and rooted in trust.

Immigration advice delivered in community settings can play a vital role in preventing crisis situations, reducing barriers to services, and supporting individuals to rebuild their lives with confidence. Through regulated Level 1 support, New Arrivals Support CIC strengthens its role as a trusted point of contact for those seeking clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance during moments of uncertainty.