• Immigration Officer Job Description

    An immigration officer is a law enforcement agent whose job is to control the entry of people into a country. Immigration officers interpret and apply the immigration laws, policies, and procedures of a country to ensure that the country’s immigration laws are adhered to.

    An immigration officer should be patient, observant, responsible, polite and helpful, and have the ability to correctly interpret and apply immigration laws, policies, and procedures. They should have foreign language skills and the ability to communicate effectively.

    Pursue a career in law enforcement if you are courageous and disciplined, and interested in maintaining law and order in your society.
  • What does an Immigration Officer do?

    Immigration officers may do some or all of the following:

    • interpret and apply immigration laws, policies and procedures
    • interview passengers at airports, seaports and other border crossings
    • record personal details and take fingerprints of passengers
    • check passports and visas of people entering the country
    • assess passengers eligibility to enter the country and refuse entry to those who are not eligible
    • write reports and correspondence
    • work closely with officers of other law enforcement agencies, both locally and abroad
    • stay up-to-date with immigration laws, policies, and procedures
  • Where does an Immigration Officer work?
  • Working Conditions

    Immigration officers usually work shifts including night, weekends and public holidays. They work at seaports and airports border control points and other border crossing points.

  • What is Required to Become an Immigration Officer ?

    To be eligible to become an immigration officer in most countries, you will need to be at least 18yrs of age, be a citizen or a permanent resident of the country, and pass drug, fitness and medical tests. You will be required to undergo an immigration training program once you are employed.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Immigration officers need to have:

    • patience
    • agility
    • courteousness and tactfulness
    • discipline and sobriety
    • integrity and impartiality
    • confidence and courage
    • good eyesight
    • physical strength and stamina
    • good attention to detail
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • good teamwork skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • organizational skills
    • interviewing skills
    • record keeping skills
    • observational skills
    • Foreign language skills
    • the ability to keep information private
    • the ability to stay calm under pressure
    • the ability to relate to persons of all races, creeds, cultures and varying personalities
    • the ability to use a variety of equipment such as, 2-way radios, computers, and x-ray equipment
    • knowledge of contemporary issues
    • knowledge of immigration laws, policies and procedures

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Police Officer
  • Customs Officer
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