How To Become an Immigration Judge in 2025

Thinking about how to become an immigration judge means you're considering one of the most impactful roles in the U.S. legal system. Immigration judges don't just interpret the law�they make decisions that shape lives, often involving asylum, deportation, or residency status.

To reach this position, you'll need a law degree, a license to practice, and years of legal experience, especially in immigration or administrative law. This career path involves a structured federal hiring process and requires strong judgment, impartiality, and a deep understanding of legal procedures.

What Is an Immigration Judge?

A federal immigration judge is an official who presides over immigration court proceedings within the U.S. Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). These judges make legally binding decisions on cases involving removal (deportation), asylum, adjustment of status, and other immigration-related matters.

Unlike criminal or civil court judges, immigration judges handle only immigration law and do not serve in Article III courts. They are appointed by the U.S. Attorney General and must have strong legal backgrounds, often with years of experience in immigration law or as attorneys in government agencies.

What Does an Immigration Judge Do?

A federal immigration judge conducts hearings to determine whether noncitizens can remain in the United States or must be removed under immigration law. They review evidence, hear testimony, and assess legal arguments from both government attorneys and the individuals or their representatives appearing before the court.

Immigration judges rule on applications for relief, such as asylum or cancellation of removal, and issue final decisions that may be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Their work requires strict adherence to immigration law, impartial decision-making, and careful evaluation of each case's facts and legal claims.

How To Become an Immigration Judge

If you're interested in making high-stakes legal decisions that affect people's lives and immigration status, becoming a federal immigration judge may be the right path. Below are the key steps to qualify for this important position.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step to becoming an immigration judge is earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While no specific major is required, degrees in political science, criminal justice, international relations, or pre-law can build a strong foundation.

You'll need to develop strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills that will serve you well in law school and legal practice. Most law schools accept students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.

Step 2: Attend Law School and Earn a JD

After completing your undergraduate degree, you'll need to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. A JD is required to practice law and is the minimum legal education needed to become an immigration judge.

Some affordable online law schools offer flexible options for working professionals. During law school, consider taking courses in immigration law, administrative law, and trial advocacy to prepare for this career path.

Step 3: Pass the Bar and Gain Legal Licensure

To practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction, you must pass the state bar exam and meet all character and fitness requirements. Immigration judges must be licensed attorneys in good standing, usually with at least seven years of post-bar legal experience.

You'll also need to stay in compliance with all continuing legal education (CLE) requirements for your state. Maintaining an active license is necessary throughout your legal career.

Step 4: Gain Experience in Immigration or Administrative Law

The OPM generally looks for applicants with extensive experience in immigration proceedings, litigation, or administrative law. Many future immigration judges work as trial attorneys for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), immigration lawyers, or administrative law judges. You'll need to demonstrate courtroom experience, legal writing ability, and a deep understanding of immigration statutes and procedures.

Step 5: Apply Through the Office of Personnel Management

Openings for immigration judge positions are posted through the USAJobs website and managed by the OPM. Candidates must submit a federal resume, professional references, and detailed information about their legal experience.

The selection process is competitive and often includes written assessments or case simulations. Be prepared to clearly show how your background aligns with the duties of a federal immigration judge.

Step 6: Complete Background Checks and Interviews

Finalists for immigration judge roles undergo extensive background checks, including a review of employment history, bar standing, and any potential conflicts of interest. Candidates must also pass structured interviews and possibly a security clearance process.

The EOIR will make the final hiring decision after evaluating qualifications and professional conduct. Once selected, new judges receive orientation and training before taking the bench.

Who Hires Immigration Judges?

Immigration judges are hired by the U.S. Department of Justice, specifically through the EOIR. EOIR oversees the nation's immigration courts and is responsible for appointing qualified attorneys to serve as administrative law judges in removal and asylum proceedings. These positions are part of the federal civil service system and follow strict hiring guidelines set by the OPM.

Unlike federal judges appointed under Article III of the Constitution, immigration judges are administrative law judges who go through a structured application process. Applicants must meet civil service qualifications, including being a licensed attorney in good standing with at least seven years of post-bar legal experience.

The hiring process includes submitting a federal resume through USAJobs, completing interviews, and passing background checks. Final appointments are made by EOIR based on legal experience, courtroom skill, and subject matter knowledge in immigration law.

Required Experience for Immigration Judges

To qualify as a federal immigration judge, you must have at least seven years of post-bar legal experience practicing law. This experience must demonstrate your ability to analyze complex legal issues, manage high caseloads, and work independently in a courtroom or administrative setting. EOIR strongly prefers candidates with direct experience in immigration law, including removal proceedings, asylum cases, or appeals.

Applicants with backgrounds in trial advocacy, administrative law, or public interest law are also considered, especially if they've represented noncitizens or worked in government enforcement roles. Legal service with the federal government or military, such as serving in the DHS, Department of Justice (DOJ), or as a Judge Advocate General (JAG), can meet experience requirements as well. Strong writing, litigation, and decision-making skills are essential for this role.

Best Degrees for Future Immigration Judges

To become a federal immigration judge, you'll need a strong academic background that includes both undergraduate and law school education. While there's no required undergraduate major, certain degrees can help you build the skills needed for legal analysis, policy interpretation, and courtroom decision-making. All immigration judges must also earn a JD from an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school, one of the easiest law degrees to pursue for aspiring legal professionals.

Bachelor's Degree in Political Science or Government

A degree in political science or government gives you a foundational understanding of how laws are created, interpreted, and applied. You'll study topics like public policy, constitutional law, and international relations, all of which are directly relevant to immigration cases. These programs also strengthen your critical thinking and research abilities, which are vital for law school and judicial roles.

Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice or Legal Studies

Criminal justice and legal studies programs focus on the structure of the U.S. legal system, including courts, law enforcement, and administrative processes. You'll learn how laws are enforced, how due process works, and how legal decisions affect individuals, especially relevant to removal or asylum proceedings.

These majors often include electives in immigration or administrative law, providing a direct connection to your future role. They also help you build the communication and documentation skills needed in legal practice.

Juris Doctor (JD) From an ABA-accredited law school

Earning a JD is a non-negotiable step toward becoming an immigration judge. ABA-accredited law schools provide the legal foundation you'll need to practice law, including courses in constitutional law, administrative law, and immigration law.

Many programs offer clinics or internships where you can work directly on immigration cases. A JD prepares you to meet federal qualifications and apply your legal training in high-stakes judicial decisions.

What Skills Do You Need To Be an Immigration Judge?

To serve effectively as a federal immigration judge, you'll need strong legal writing and analytical skills. Judges must evaluate complex evidence, interpret statutes, and draft detailed legal decisions that may be reviewed by higher courts. Precision in legal reasoning and clarity in writing are essential for ensuring fair and lawful outcomes.

Equally important are impartiality and sound decision-making. Immigration judges must remain neutral, avoid bias, and apply the law consistently, even in emotionally charged or politically sensitive cases. They must base every decision on facts and legal standards, not personal opinion or outside pressure.

Cultural awareness and sensitivity are also crucial, as judges regularly hear cases from individuals of diverse backgrounds facing fear, trauma, or language barriers. Being respectful and empathetic helps maintain fairness and dignity in the courtroom.

Finally, immigration judges must manage high-volume caseloads with efficiency and organization. The ability to balance competing deadlines and make timely decisions is vital in a system facing significant backlogs.

FAQs About How To Become an Immigration Judge

If you're considering a career as a federal immigration judge, you likely have questions about the qualifications, timeline, and job expectations. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about entering this highly specialized legal role.

Do Immigration Judges Need to Be Attorneys?

Yes, all immigration judges must be licensed attorneys in good standing. They are required to hold a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and be admitted to the bar in any U.S. state or territory. In addition to holding a license, judges must have at least seven years of legal experience after passing the bar. Legal practice must be active and ongoing to qualify for appointment.

How Long Does It Take To Become an Immigration Judge?

The timeline typically spans over a decade. You'll need four years to complete a bachelor's degree, followed by three years of law school to earn your JD. After that, you must complete at least seven years of post-bar legal experience, often in immigration or administrative law. In total, it usually takes around 14 to 15 years to become eligible for this position.

Can You Become an Immigration Judge Without Prior Immigration Law Experience?

It's possible but uncommon. Most immigration judges have a strong background in immigration law, administrative law, or public interest law. While courtroom or litigation experience in other areas is considered, EOIR generally favors candidates with direct immigration casework or policy experience. Specialized knowledge of removal proceedings and familiarity with USCIS and Department of Homeland Security procedures are strong advantages.

Are Immigration Judges Federal Employees?

Yes, immigration judges are federal employees appointed by the EOIR within the DOJ. They are classified as administrative law judges, which makes them part of the civil service system. Their appointments go through a structured hiring process managed by the Office of Personnel Management. Immigration judges receive federal benefits and job protections under civil service rules.

What Is the Salary of an Immigration Judge?

According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, immigration judges typically fall under the Administrative Law Judge pay scale, with salaries ranging from approximately $122,400 to $183,500 per year, depending on experience and location.

Judges in high-cost areas such as California or New York may receive locality pay adjustments. Salary also increases with seniority and years of government service. In addition to base pay, judges receive federal health, retirement, and leave benefits.

Explore Law Degrees

If you're planning to pursue a career as an immigration judge, your first step is law school. Visit Learn.org to find JD programs, and compare your options. You'll also find helpful resources on legal careers, certification, and ways to specialize in immigration law.