Job Description
Immigration Officers will check and monitor people arriving and leaving the country. Activities include scrutinising passenger documentation, interviewing passengers, and gathering intelligence information for case records. They will also organise places in holding centres for people claiming asylum and will visit and interview people who are suspected of not having the right to remain in the UK.
Entry Requirements
College
You could take a college course which will teach you some of the skills required for this role, relevant courses include:
- Public Services Diploma 2 or 3
You will usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent for a level 3 course
The following colleges may be able to offer a course in public services
- City College Norwich
- College of West Anglia
- East Coast College
- West Suffolk College
- Suffolk New College
Work based route
You could apply directly for an immigration officer job with the Civil Service, entry requirements will depend on the exact job you're applying for but you will usually need:
- 2 A levels or equivalent at grade C or above
- you may need a degree for some jobs
- you will often need the ability to speak another language
You could join the Civil Service as an assistant immigration officer and work you way towards becoming an immigration officer.
Career Tips
- You will need to be over 18 and be a UK citizen.
- You will need to pass security and enhanced background checks
- Pass a medical and have a full driving licence
Having a second language would be an advantage
Civil Service Careers and UK Visas and Immigration have further information about working as an immigration officer
Career Path and Progression
With experience, you could progress to chief immigration officer or higher executive officer.
Related careers you may be interested in:
Assistant immigration officer
Civil service executive officer
Customs officer
Diplomatic service officer
Required Skills
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- The ability to work well under pressure
- Able to keep calm when dealing with difficult situations
- A methodical approach
- Good powers of observations
- The ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
Salary Range
£21,500 to £36,000
