Assistant Immigration Officer
Job Description:Assistant immigration officers check that people have the right to visit or stay in a particular country.
Job Category:What you will do:
In this role you could:
- check passports and work permits
- interview people entering the country
- take fingerprints
- help immigration officers with surveillance work
- arrange to remove people who are not allowed to stay in the country
- issue forms and carry out clerical work
- deal with airlines and shipping companies
- handle enquiries
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of English language
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- excellent verbal & written communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations (leadership skills)
- customer service skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
Entry Requirements:
The specific GCSE subjects required to become an Assistant Immigration Officer in the UK may vary depending on the employer and their specific job requirements. However, in general, candidates for this role typically need a good educational background and a range of skills and qualifications.
While there may not be strict GCSE subject requirements, it is advisable to have a well-rounded education in subjects that can help develop skills relevant to the role of an Assistant Immigration Officer. These may include:
- English Language: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for this role as you will be dealing with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Mathematics: Basic numeracy skills are important, especially when handling paperwork and data related to immigration matters.
- Geography or Social Sciences: Subjects like Geography or other social sciences can provide a foundation for understanding geopolitical and social issues that may be relevant to immigration matters.
- Modern Languages: While not always required, proficiency in a foreign language can be a valuable asset when dealing with non-English-speaking individuals.
- Citizenship or Government & Politics: These subjects can help you understand the legal and governmental aspects of immigration policies and procedures.
- IT/Computer Science: Familiarity with computer systems and software is often necessary for administrative tasks related to immigration.
- Sociology or Psychology: These subjects can provide insights into human behavior and social dynamics, which can be useful when working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course which would teach you some of the skills needed in this role. After you finish your course, you could apply for a trainee assistant immigration officer post.
In the UK, for example, relevant courses include a Diploma in Public Services.
Apprenticeship
You could do a public service operational delivery officer advanced apprenticeship with the Civil Service.
This typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.
Direct Application
You could apply to join the Civil Service as an assistant immigration officer.
When you apply, you’ll:
- describe your skills and life experience on an application form
- complete tests of your literacy and numeracy skills
- take further selection tests and have an interview
Career tips
Experience of working with the public will be helpful. You may also find it useful to speak a second language, although this is not essential.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 41-43 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends/bank holidays on shifts.
You could work at a border post, at an airport, in an office, at a port or at an outreach centre. You may need to wear a uniform.
Career Path & Progression:
You could become an immigration officer or move to other posts in the Civil Service.