Assistant immigration officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course in public services 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.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a Public Service Operational Delivery Officer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with the Civil Service.

This usually takes between a year and a year and a half to complete.

Entry requirements:

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

DirectApplication

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 need to:

• 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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• 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 flexible and open to change
• knowledge of psychology
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

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

As an assistant immigration officer you could:

• check passports, work permits and take fingerprints
• interview people entering the UK
• help immigration officers with surveillance work
• arrange to remove people who are not allowed to stay in the UK
• issue forms and carry out clerical work
• handle enquiries

Location : You could work at a border post, at an airport, in an office, at a port or at an outreach centre.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £29,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

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