How to Train as an Immigration Officer
Serving as a United States Immigration Officer can be a rewarding career choice. Whether choosing to adjudicate immigration petitions, or serve as a field officer with the Department of National Security, the role of an Immigration Officer is the same: protect the integrity of the United States and its borders. The responsibilities of an Immigration Officer include identifying and investigating immigration fraud, and liaising between the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies on immigration matters pertaining to measures of national security. Becoming an Immigration Officer first requires training, which is conducted by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services. Here is what you need to know:
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Attend United States Citizenship & Immigration Services Recruiting Event; or
- Apply for Immigration Officer position through online job listing
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Immigration Officer Training Program
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Attend United States Citizenship & Immigration Services "BASIC" training program. This program is a nine week introductory course, which is required by all Immigration Officers. Immigration Officers will be taught legal knowledge, department procedures, and enhanced writing skills.
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Upon completing BASIC training, Immigration Officers will report to duty at their local immigration field office or processing center. New Immigration Officers must complete a training orientation for all new United States Citizenship & Immigration Services employees, including non-officers.
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Promising Immigration Officers may be selected for advanced training in the "LEAD" program (Leadership, Education and Development). Officers will be trained in leadership abilities, decision making and critical thinking skills.
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Continuing education is available to all Immigration Officers through the USCIS Academy initiative. Officers will continually be trained throughout employment. The program focuses on five objectives: immigration expertise, public service, national security and public safety, human consequences of decision making, and professional conduct.
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Established Immigration Officers are also eligible for tuition reimbursement, for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Management courses are especially beneficial to advancing within the Immigration Officer field, and can be partially or fully paid for by United States Citizenship & Immigration Services.
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Tips & Warnings
Immigration Officers do not have to work just in the United States. Individuals interested in working overseas may train to work in United States Embassies and Consulates around the world.
