How to Become an Immigration Officer

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the United States welcomed almost 820,000 naturalized citizens in 2024. These new Americans went through an arduous but necessary process that involved filling out mountains of forms, interviews and passing the final naturalization test. However, unfortunately, the naturalization process can be undermined at any step.

Scammers posing as immigration officials, potential employers and immigrant support charities often prey on future citizens. Some are after money or personal information. Others lure immigrants into international human trafficking schemes.

Sometimes, the immigration agency itself is the target. Document fraud, marriage fraud and other crimes can allow criminals and other bad actors into the country. This not only puts national security at risk but also can lead to theft of valuable resources from those going through the process legally.

On the front line of these issues are highly trained investigators called immigration officers. For students and professionals who are interested in joining their ranks, here is how to become an immigration officer and how earning a Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS) can help.

What Does an Immigration Officer Do?

Immigration officers have two primary duties. The first is to help other immigration officials determine if visa, asylum and citizenship applications should be approved or denied. The second is to help law enforcement agencies investigate cases of fraud and other public safety threats that originate from or target the immigration system.

To carry out their essential duties, immigration officers:

Perform and review background checks
Research and verify information provided on immigration applications
Help other government, law enforcement and intelligence agencies with criminal investigations
Appear in court to provide expert testimony during immigration and immigration fraud cases

Though they may seem similar, immigration officers and immigration enforcement agents have different responsibilities. Immigration officers focus on research and investigation while immigration enforcement agents perform field operations, such as patrols and arrests.

Immigration Officer Work Environment

Immigration officers typically work for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. As investigators, these professionals primarily work in an office environment. Some immigration officers travel when tasked with aiding other agencies.

While many immigration officers work near entry points to the United States, such as cities along the American-Mexican border, the immigration agency has offices all over the country. These include field offices that handle visa, green card and citizenship matters and asylum offices that aid refugees. Some also serve in the agency’s international offices.

Steps to Become an Immigration Officer

To perform their investigative duties, immigration officers must typically possess a well-rounded set of skills that include communication, critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Many officers must also be at least somewhat familiar with a foreign language.

To be eligible for this federal government position, applicants must typically meet certain experience and education requirements. While there are many ways to meet these requirements, many future immigration officers follow a path that includes earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree or Gain Experience in a Related Position

To become an immigration officer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, applicants must typically either possess a bachelor’s degree or have one year of experience in a position that requires a similar skill set. The immigration agency does not maintain a list of qualifying positions, but positions with the federal government or organizations in the immigration sector may qualify.

Similarly, applicants who choose to qualify by earning a bachelor’s degree are not required to hold a specific type of degree. However, many earn degrees in:

Criminal justice
Forensics
International affairs
Homeland security
Domestic policy
Political science

Many students also major or minor in a foreign language. Due to the research this position requires, degrees in data science or data analysis can also be helpful.

Step 2: Pursue a Master’s Degree

Though not required, future immigration officers often pursue master’s degrees. This is so they can qualify for higher starting salaries on the federal General Schedule pay scale and pursue high-level administrative positions earlier in their careers. Holding a master’s degree can also help applicants be more competitive for immigration officer roles at a wider range of the immigration agency’s offices.

Many types of master’s degrees can prepare students to become immigration officers. However, earning an MAISS can be an especially helpful choice.

MAISS programs are designed to help students prepare for a wide range of careers in intelligence analysis and homeland security. In addition to becoming immigration officers, MAISS program graduates can become cryptographers, intelligence analysts and more with any number of government agencies.

MAISS programs offer classes on:

Different types of intelligence analysis including human source intelligence and open-source intelligence
Homeland security and immigration policy
Current physical and cybersecurity threats
Modern conflicts and international affairs
Terrorism and international crime

MAISS programs also often include classes on organizational leadership, so students can prepare for policymaking positions. Many also offer degree specializations that allow students to focus on an area of intelligence studies.

Step 3: Apply and Prepare For the Screening and Evaluation Process

Because immigration officers play a crucial role in national security and hold secret government clearances, the screening and evaluation process is typically in-depth. Once a candidate’s application is accepted, they must typically pass drug screenings and thorough background checks. Candidates must also submit up to 10 years or more of personal information, including financial records and information regarding any criminal offenses.

During the evaluation stage, federal hiring managers assess candidates by reviewing and verifying their resumes and conducting interviews. Candidates are evaluated based on their influencing and negotiating skills; knowledge of government policies and laws; and ability to work within a complex organization, a skill often referred to as organizational awareness.

Step 4: Complete the Training Process

Once candidates pass the screening and evaluation stages, they must complete a multiweek training program through the immigration agency’s Academy Training Center. During this time, they are given an overview of the agency’s history and mission as well as training about the particulars of their new jobs. The Academy Training Center is also home to courses, mentorship programs and other resources designed to help employees prepare for more advanced positions and new assignments.

Immigration Officer Salary

According to Payscale, the median annual salary for immigration officers was around $63,700 as of April 2024. The highest-paid immigration officers reportedly make closer to $111,000. Importantly, an immigration officer’s salary is based on the federal General Schedule pay scale, which often allows for raises and increased starting pay based on factors such as experience, education and performance.

Location and assignment can also determine an immigration officer’s pay. As employees of the federal government, immigration officers also often receive retirement plans, paid holidays and other benefits as part of their compensation packages.

Prepare For a Career as an Immigration Officer and Beyond

Immigration officers require a diverse set of skills. Through the MAISS program at Augusta University Online, you can learn the skills to both become an immigration officer and prepare yourself for any number of career advancement opportunities in the U.S. Intelligence Community.

With classes on intelligence analysis, homeland security policy and more, AU Online’s MAISS program teaches students the investigative skills needed to succeed in the immigration agency and other homeland security organizations. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in either Technical Intelligence Analysis or Social Influence. However, students can also choose the general degree track and work with their advisors to fill their schedules with electives tailored to their goals.

No matter which path students choose, they will learn from a faculty made up of experts from all corners of the U.S. Intelligence Community. To find out more about this 100% online program and how you can earn your degree in as little as 10 1/2 months, contact the AU Online admissions team today.

Sources:
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, Academies
Indeed, How to Become an Immigration Officer
Payscale, Average Immigration Officer Salary
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Career Opportunities
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Find a USCIS Office
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Naturalization Statistics
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Scams, Fraud, and Misconduct
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Training
USAJOBS, Immigration Officer
USAJOBS, What Are Background Checks and Security Clearances?