Immigration adviser (non-government) apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
an apprenticeshipapplying directlyspecialist courses run by professional bodies
Apprenticeship
You could train to be a legal executive through a chartered legal executive degree apprenticeship, or train to be a solicitor through a solicitor degree apprenticeship.
You could specialise in immigration cases after completing your apprenticeship. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent.
Volunteering
Getting experience in an organisation that works with immigrants and asylum seekers will help you when you apply for jobs or training. You may wish to volunteer with organisations like Citizens Advice
Refugee Action.
Direct Application
To specialise in immigration as a legal executive, it'll help if you can find a job with a firm that deals with immigration and asylum issues, whilst training. You can find more information about qualifying from the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.
To specialise in immigration as a barrister or solicitor, it would be useful if you could do some of your training in this area of work.
Other Routes
You do not have to have a law degree, or any degree, to give immigration advice regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
This may be a quicker route and you can decide which areas of immigration, asylum and nationality law you want to do. The 3 levels of regulation are:
- level 1 - basic immigration advice within the Immigration Rules - a minimum of 3 months' or 40 hours' experience gained in the last 2 years
- level 2 - more complex work, including applications outside the Immigration Rules - a minimum of 12 months' or 120 hours' experience
- level 3 - includes appeals work and a minimum of 24 months' or 240 hours' experience
To register with the OISC, you'll need to attend training, pass an exam and meet their standards.
You'll need to register with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner. It may be an advantage if you can speak another language.
Immigration advisers are employed by a range of organisations like legal companies, charities and community organisations.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Immigration adviser (non-government) apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- knowledge of public safety and security
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks
Immigration adviser (non-government) apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you could:
- find out the facts of a case
- decide the urgency of a case
- make enquiries on behalf of clients
- help with application forms
- contact relevant authorities
- explain options and next steps to clients
- draft grounds for appeal and witness statements
- represent clients in tribunals
Working environment
You could work in an office, in a prison, at a client's home or at a client's business.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Career path and progression - Immigration adviser (non-government) apprenticeships
With experience, you could work on more complex and high-profile cases.
You could specialise in a particular area, like working with children, providing consular services or advising international students at a university.