We are aware of a high number of scam texts and emails about fines being sent (from 18 August 2026). We do not send direct payment links via text message or email. If you receive a message about a fine and are unsure whether it is genuine, please contact our call centre on 0800 4 FINES (0800 434 637) before making any payment. Read more about identifying scams.
Anyone appealing to the tribunal may appoint a representative to represent them during the appeal process, or they may represent themselves. A representative may include a family member or friend.
There are strict rules about who can be appointed to act as your representative. They must be a licensed immigration advisor, a lawyer or someone who is exempt from having a licence.
If you wish to have a representative, you and the representative need to fill in this form:
The information about your appeal is confidential. We can’t talk to any family members or friends about your appeal unless you have given us permission to.
Special advocate when using classified information
If the appeal is against a decision made using classified information, the person appealing will be given a list of special advocates so they can select an advocate to represent them during the classified parts of the appeal. The actual and reasonable costs of a special advocate are paid by the government.
The person appealing can also keep their personal legal representative for the other parts of the appeal process.