Last Updated On 09 Sep, 2020

How to Become a Immigration Lawyer

About Immigration Lawyer

Immigration Lawyers are individuals that handle a variety of issues on the behalf of their clients, including obtaining citizenship, defending against deportation, acquiring immigrant or resident visas etc. Such lawyers deal with a set of laws which decide whether a visitor should be allowed to enter the country, the duration of the visit, purpose etc. Through such laws, it is easier to keep a track of immigrants so as to make sure that they conduct themselves as per the laws of the land, and stay away from illegal activities.

Immigration Lawyers work in law firms, either as an independent private practice, a partner in the office or as a government employee. Being an Immigration Lawyer is not an easy job. It requires excellent communication skills and a thorough understanding of the various immigration policies.

Responsibilities of an Immigration Lawyer

Some basic responsibilities that an immigration lawyer must fulfil are as follows.

  • To perform technical tasks such as filing immigration paperwork and motions.

  • To look after client-based tasks, for instance, providing legal counsel and appearing in court.

  • To collect, research and analyze data for each case.

  • To keep a close eye on the demographic sanctity of a country and to keep away unchecked migration from foreign lands.

  • To provide counsel, advice on matters such as visa applications, citizenship, naturalization, employment for non-citizens and deportation issues. 

Eligibility to become Immigration Lawyer

To become an immigration lawyer, a certain set of conditions need to be met by an aspiring lawyer. Displayed below is the eligibility criteria containing all the key requirements for an immigration lawyer.

Educational Qualification

  • Candidate must have completed at least a graduate-level degree in law.

  • Certificate in immigration law helps in gathering field-specific education.

  • Students who have completed Juris Doctor degree are also suitable for the profile.

Skill Set

  • Attention to Details

  • Strong Communication Skills

  • A Thirst For Knowledge

  • Perseverance

  • Creative Problem Solving

  • Patience

  • Rational Approach

  • Critical Thinking

Work Experience

  • Internships with law firms or with relevant government agencies that specialize in immigration issues can boost up the chances of getting a good job

Courses to Become an Immigration Lawyer

With more and more students opting to pursue their higher education abroad, the job scope of an Immigration Lawyer has gone up manyfold. Aspirants can pursue short term certificate courses in immigration law in specific fields or they can go for Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB).

To pursue a course in Immigration law, a candidate can consider top colleges such as ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad, Acharya Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Sanskriti University, Mathura, Amity University, Lucknow and Mansarovar Global University (MGU), Sehore. For any help related to admission, feel free to contact our admission experts by dialling the toll-free helpline number 1800-572-9877 or by filling the Common Application Form.

Types of Job Roles Immigration Lawyer

The types of roles that an immigration lawyer can consider are mentioned below

Employment Sector/Industry for Immigration Lawyer

With an increase in the demand of immigration lawyers, plenty of sectors are actively hiring for the job profile. An immigration lawyer works across the non-profit, private and government sectors. Many non-government immigration lawyers also engage in policy work at employer associations, non-profit organizations and similar entities. They work in the Embassy and provide services in the immigration bureau as well.

Planning to choose Immigration Lawyer as your career?

Pay Scale/Salary of Immigration Lawyer

The pay salary of an immigration lawyer, from starting till the end has been given below

Job Profile

Average Salary (per annum)

Entry-Level Salary (per annum)

Mid-Level Salary (per annum)

Senior-Level Salary (per annum)

Immigration Lawyer

₹5,32,860

₹1,80,000

₹5,50,000

₹10,32,000

Books & Study Material to Become Immigration Lawyer

The books or study materials that are beneficial to become a successful immigration lawyer are listed below.

  • Immigration Law and Procedure in a Nutshell by David S. Weissbrodt

  • Essentials of Immigration Law by Richard A Boswell

  • Immigration Law Handbook by LexisNexis

  • Immigration and Citizenship: Process and Policy by David Martin, Hiroshi Motomura and T. Alexander Aleinikoff

  • Immigration Law by Kevin Browne

Pros of becoming a Immigration Lawyer

  • An Immigration Lawyer gets to explore multiple employment areas and firms. 

  • The process of learning never stops for an Immigration Lawyer. They keep inculcating new skills and knowledge along the way.

  • Immigration lawyers enjoy multiple perks and benefits. They get financial and emotional rewards as per their performance.

Cons of becoming a Immigration Lawyer

  • There is no fixed time and an Immigration Lawyer might have to work for long hours.

  • The job is full of stress as it requires constant concentration. Even a small mistake on the part of an Immigration Lawyer can have consequences.

  • Immigration Lawyers might have to face a lot of competition as numerous aspirants are willing to take up the job.

Do you think this is the right career choice for you?

Take our test and find out if it suits your strengths.

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FAQs about Immigration Lawyer

What is the scope of an Immigration Lawyer in India?

With globalisation, the world has become a small place. Due to the increase in immigration of individuals from foreign lands to India, it becomes important to impose certain laws that help maintain the conduct and behaviour of people. Immigration Law has a great scope in India as it helps in organising and recording the movement of people from other countries to the nation.

How much does an Immigration Lawyer earn on an average?

On average, an immigration officer earns ?5,32,860 per annum.

Are Immigration Lawyer and Legal Advisor the same?

No, an immigration lawyer represents the client in the court and also offers immigration-related counsel. However, a legal advisor only offers official advice regarding legal issues, documents, and decisions.

Can I pursue an LLB to be an Immigration Lawyer?

Yes, LLB can be a great course choice for those who want to be an immigration lawyer.

What other career profiles can I consider as an Immigration Lawyer?

Other job profiles that are close to an immigration lawyer are Legal Advisor, Law Clerk, Law Professor, Administrative Law Judge, Corporate Lawyer, Conveyancing Lawyer, Real Estate Lawyer etc.

Is gathering work experience necessary to be an Immigration Lawyer?

No, it is not necessary to have a work experience to be an immigration lawyer. However, students who have gathered some experience through internships or full-time jobs have an advantage.

What are the key skills that are required to be an Immigration Lawyer?

To be an immigration lawyer, a candidate must have great observational skills, communication skills, problem-solving ability, critical thinking and perseverance.

Is there any certificate course available in Immigration Lawyer?

Yes, a six-month-long certificate course in Immigration Law is available.

Which colleges are best to pursue a course in order to be an Immigration Lawyer?

To be an immigration lawyer, it is vital to pick out one of the best law colleges in India. Some of them are ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad, Mansarovar Global University (MGU), Sehore, Amity University, Lucknow, Sanskriti University, Mathura, Acharya Institute of Technology, Bangalore etc.

What does an Immigration Lawyer do?

An immigration lawyer is an individual that represents clients in order to deal with issues such as defending against deportation, obtaining citizenship, acquiring immigrant or resident visas etc. They also provide legal counsel and appear in the court to resolve immigration-related issues.

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