Assistant immigration officer

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Assistant immigration officers check that people have the right to visit or stay in the UK.

Salary Range: £18,000 to £20,000 (full-time)

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You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
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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.

Relevant courses include:

  • Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Public Services

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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You could do a public service operational delivery officer advanced apprenticeship with the Civil Service.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Direct application

You could apply to join the Civil Service as an assistant immigration officer. You’ll usually need at least 5 GCSEs, including English and maths.

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

More information

Career tips

Experience of working with the public will be helpful. You may also find it useful to speak another language, although this is not essential.

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Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of English language
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You’ll need to:

  • be a UK citizen
  • pass enhanced background checks
  • pass security checks
  • pass a medical check
  • have a full driving licence
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Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • checking passports and work permits
  • interviewing people entering the UK
  • taking fingerprints
  • helping immigration officers with surveillance work
  • arranging to remove people who are not allowed to stay in the UK
  • issuing forms and carrying out clerical work
  • dealing with airlines and shipping companies
  • handling enquiries

Working environment

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.

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You could become an immigration officer or move to other posts in the Civil Service.

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