Introduction to the Career
Immigration specialists are legal professionals specializing in the field of immigration law. They advise and guide individuals and businesses in navigating the complex and constantly changing landscape of immigration policies and regulations. Immigration specialists can also work with government agencies and organizations to assist with visas, work permits, and citizenship applications.
Career Values, Traits, Skills
A successful immigration specialist must possess strong critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. They must also be familiar with immigration laws, policies, and procedures. They need to be detail-oriented and have strong organizational skills. Immigration specialists must be able to work under pressure and have a good understanding of cross-cultural sensitivity.
Career Path
To become an immigration specialist, one must have obtained a Juris Doctor (JD) and passed the state bar exam. Immigration law is a specialization that can be pursued during the JD program. This career also requires a license to practice law.
After obtaining proper education and licensure, an immigration specialist can work for law firms that focus on immigration law, for government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, or for non-profit organizations that provide immigration support services.
Immigration specialists can also choose to start their immigration law firm, a path that requires significant experience and connections in the industry.
Salary Range
According to Payscale, the salary range for immigration specialists is $46,000 – $146,000 per year, with an average salary of $76,000.
Tips for Success
-
Keep up with the constant changes in immigration law and policies by attending workshops, conferences, and seminars.
-
Build a network with relevant industry professionals and colleagues to keep informed on changing immigration regulations.
-
Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate the complexities of immigration law.
-
Ensure cross-cultural sensitivity when working with diverse clients and cultures.
-
Continuously update documents and procedures to comply with changing regulations and meet client needs.
-
Keep a high level of confidentiality and maintain the trust of clients.
References
-
Payscale: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Immigration_Specialist/Salary
-
The American Immigration Lawyers Association: https://www.aila.org/
