How To Become an Immigration Lawyer: Steps & Requirements

If you're interested in helping others navigate the legal immigration system, becoming an immigration lawyer may be a good fit. Immigration attorneys work with individuals, families, and businesses to manage visas, green cards, asylum cases, and more.

This career requires a law degree, state licensure, and a strong understanding of immigration policy. In this article, you'll learn how to become an immigration lawyer, including the immigration lawyer educational requirements, certification options, job outlook, and skills you'll need to succeed.

What Do Immigration Lawyers Do?

Immigration lawyers help individuals, families, and businesses navigate the complex rules that govern legal entry into the United States. Their work often involves assisting clients with visa applications, green cards, asylum claims, naturalization, deportation defense, and employment-based immigration. A citizenship attorney may also guide clients through the process of becoming U.S. citizens, including preparing for the naturalization interview and exam. Some immigration attorneys represent clients in court or handle appeals when cases are denied.

Many lawyers in this field work for private firms, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies. Others operate solo practices. Regardless of where they work, immigration lawyers need strong knowledge of both federal immigration law and the policies of agencies like U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Steps to Become an Immigration Lawyer

If you want to become an immigration attorney, you'll need to complete several years of education and pass a licensing exam. This career requires strong legal knowledge, attention to detail, and a commitment to helping others through complex legal processes. Here's what that process typically looks like.

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree

To become an immigration attorney, you must first earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there's no required major, degrees in political science, sociology, or international relations can offer helpful background knowledge.

Your undergraduate years are also a time to develop strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills�essential for legal work. Law schools consider GPA heavily, so maintaining strong academic performance across all courses can improve your chances of admission later.

2. Take the LSAT

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for most law school applications and plays a major role in admissions decisions. The test assesses your reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking, which are essential skills for legal practice.

Preparing for the LSAT may involve months of studying, practice exams, and sometimes enrollment in prep courses. A higher LSAT score can open the door to more law school options and increase your chances of receiving scholarships or aid.

3. Apply to and Graduate From Law School

Once you have your LSAT score, you can apply to ABA-accredited law schools. The American Bar Association (ABA) sets the national standards for legal education and accredits law schools that meet those requirements.

Law school typically takes three years and includes courses in contracts, constitutional law, civil procedure, and legal writing. If you're interested in immigration law, look for schools that offer related electives or legal clinics. These opportunities allow you to gain practical experience working on real immigration cases under supervision. Graduating with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required to take the bar exam.

4. Pass the Bar Exam

After earning your JD, you must pass the bar exam in the state where you plan to practice. The exam tests your understanding of legal principles and state-specific laws. Many states also require you to pass the MPRE (Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination), which evaluates your knowledge of legal ethics.

Preparing for the bar involves intensive study, often through structured prep courses. Once you pass, you become a licensed attorney, qualified to represent clients in legal matters.

5. Gain Experience in Immigration Law

Once licensed, you'll need to gain hands-on experience to build your career in immigration law. Entry-level roles in law firms, legal nonprofits, or government agencies can help you develop practical skills. You might assist with family reunification cases, asylum applications, or employment-based immigration petitions. Volunteering or working pro bono is another way to get experience and expand your network. Real-world practice helps you build knowledge of federal immigration policies and learn how to advocate for clients.

6. Consider Earning Immigration Law Certifications

Some states and organizations offer immigration law certifications for attorneys who want to demonstrate advanced knowledge in the field. For example, California and Texas have formal certification processes through their state bar associations. These usually require a combination of legal experience, continuing education, and a passing score on a specialized exam. Although not mandatory, certification can increase your credibility, especially with clients and employers, and may help you stand out in a competitive legal market.

7. Start Practicing or Join an Immigration Law Firm

With the right qualifications and experience, you can start practicing immigration law. Many attorneys begin by joining a law firm, nonprofit organization, or legal aid clinic that handles immigration cases. Others choose to open solo practices.

Depending on your interests, you might specialize in areas like asylum law, deportation defense, or employment visas. You could also work as a naturalization immigration attorney for citizenship, helping clients navigate the path to becoming U.S. citizens. Staying informed about changes in immigration policy and law is essential, as the field is shaped by evolving federal regulations and political decisions.

Law Programs for Immigration Lawyers

If you want to practice immigration law, it helps to attend a law school that offers specialized coursework, clinics, or certifications in immigration or international law. Some schools offer practical experiences in human rights, asylum law, or deportation defense. You can also consider the cheapest ABA-approved online law schools if you need a more affordable or flexible path to a law degree.

DePaul University

DePaul University offers a JD with multiple opportunities to concentrate in immigration and human rights law. Through its Program of Excellence in Immigration Law and Human Rights, students can take targeted courses such as Asylum and Refugee Law, International Human Rights Law, and Immigration Law. DePaul also provides hands-on experience through legal clinics that allow students to represent real clients under faculty supervision.

In addition, students can earn a Certificate in International and Comparative Law alongside their JD. This credential supports students planning to work with cross-border legal issues or global migration policy. DePaul's location in Chicago provides access to a range of law firms, nonprofit organizations, and court systems focused on immigration issues.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,808 per credit hour
• Accreditation: ABA, Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

University of Arkansas

At the University of Arkansas School of Law, students can gain direct experience with immigration law through its in-house Immigration Clinic. Under the guidance of licensed faculty, law students assist clients with real cases involving green cards, deportation relief, and naturalization. This clinic allows students to serve vulnerable populations while developing the practical legal skills needed to advocate for noncitizens in both administrative and courtroom settings.

Beyond the Immigration Clinic, the law school integrates service learning through additional clinics, externships, and public interest placements. Students are encouraged to explore multiple areas of law while building a foundation in client advocacy, legal research, and courtroom procedure. This combination of classroom instruction and real-world experience prepares graduates for meaningful careers in immigration law and beyond.

• Estimated tuition cost: $541 per credit hour (in-state); $1,305 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ABA, HLC

City University of New York

The City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law stands out for its deep commitment to public service and immigrant justice. Through its Immigration and Non-Citizen Rights Clinic, JD students take on meaningful roles in representing clients at risk of deportation or denied legal protections. Under the mentorship of faculty attorneys, students manage complex cases involving asylum, family reunification, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, gaining real experience in legal strategy and courtroom advocacy.

This clinic is a cornerstone of CUNY Law's mission to train lawyers who serve underrepresented communities. The program also connects students to field placements across New York City, allowing them to work with legal nonprofits and advocacy groups. With a strong emphasis on social justice and hands-on training, CUNY Law prepares graduates to enter the legal field with the knowledge and compassion needed to defend immigrant rights.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per credit hour (in-state); $820 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ABA, Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Skills and Qualities Needed for Immigration Lawyers

To succeed as an immigration lawyer, you'll need a strong mix of legal knowledge, interpersonal skills, and cultural sensitivity. Immigration law often involves working closely with individuals and families during stressful or uncertain times. That means you must be able to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and handle emotionally charged situations with professionalism and empathy. Being bilingual or multilingual can also be an advantage when working with diverse clients from different linguistic backgrounds.

On top of people skills, you'll need to manage complex paperwork, stay up to date on evolving immigration policies, and represent clients before administrative bodies or courts. Immigration law is heavily shaped by national and international regulations, so attention to detail and a commitment to continued learning are both essential. Lawyers in this field also benefit from strong research skills and the ability to construct persuasive legal arguments.

Career Outlook and Salary Information

If you're planning to become an immigration attorney, it's helpful to know what the immigration lawyer salary and job market expectations look like. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not break out data for immigration lawyers specifically, it does provide helpful information about the broader legal profession.

Job Outlook for Immigration Lawyers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of all lawyers is expected to grow by 5% until 2033, which is as fast as average for all occupations. New immigration policy changes, visa requirements, and asylum laws may also contribute to increased demand for qualified immigration attorneys in both the private and public sectors.

However, the need for immigration legal services often outpaces the number of available attorneys, especially in underserved and rural areas. According to the American Immigration Council, the shortage of immigration lawyers creates barriers for individuals facing deportation or navigating the asylum system, many of whom must represent themselves without legal support. As a result, there is a growing opportunity and urgency for new lawyers to enter the field and improve access to representation for immigrant communities.

Salary for Immigration Lawyers

The BLS reports that the median annual wage for all lawyers was $151,160. However, salaries can vary widely depending on location, experience, and type of employer. Immigration lawyers working in private firms or large cities may earn above the national median, while those employed by nonprofits or advocacy organizations may earn less. An entry-level immigration lawyer's salary will typically be lower, but they can increase their income as they gain experience and take on more complex cases.

FAQs About Becoming an Immigration Lawyer

If you're considering a legal career in immigration, you likely have questions about the time, cost, and qualifications involved. From degree requirements to job preparation, these frequently asked questions cover key details that can help you decide if this path is right for you.

How Long Does It Take To Become an Immigration Lawyer?

If you're wondering how long it takes to become a lawyer, it typically takes seven years to become an immigration lawyer: four years for a bachelor's degree and three years for law school. After graduating, you must pass the bar exam and gain experience in immigration law. Some attorneys continue training through certifications or fellowships.

How Much Does It Cost To Become an Immigration Lawyer?

The total cost to become an immigration lawyer can range from $80,000 to over $200,000. Undergraduate tuition alone may cost $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the school. Law school often adds another $50,000 to $120,000 in tuition, plus fees, books, and living expenses.

Financial aid, scholarships, and attending public schools can help reduce overall costs. Bar exam prep courses and licensing fees add to expenses after graduation and should also be considered when budgeting.

Do I Need a Law Degree To Give Immigration Advice?

Yes, you need a law degree and a state bar license to provide legal immigration advice or represent clients in legal matters. While non-lawyers can help with paperwork as immigration consultants or notaries in some states, they cannot offer legal opinions or appear in court.

Practicing immigration law without a license can result in legal penalties. To legally advise clients, you must earn a JD, pass the bar, and meet any additional local licensing requirements.

What Is the Easiest Online Law Degree for Immigration Lawyers?

While no law degree is easy, some programs are more flexible than others. If you're looking for easiest law degree programs, consider online Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programs that offer part-time or accelerated formats. An MLS does not qualify you to practice law but can help you understand immigration law basics. Fully online JD programs are limited and may require occasional in-person attendance depending on the state.

Can I Specialize in Immigration Law Right After Law School?

Yes, you can start specializing in immigration law immediately after graduating and passing the bar exam. Some law schools offer immigration clinics, internships, or electives that let you build experience during your JD program.

Once licensed, you can work at firms or nonprofits that focus on immigration cases. While specialization certifications aren't required, they can add credibility. Many attorneys develop their focus through practical experience, mentorship, and continuing education in immigration topics.

Is Fluency in a Second Language Required?

Fluency in a second language is not required to become an immigration lawyer, but it can be a significant advantage. Many clients are more comfortable working with someone who speaks their native language. Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and French are particularly useful in immigration practice.

If you're not fluent, hiring bilingual support staff or using certified interpreters is essential. Clear communication is critical, so language skills, whether personal or through support, help serve clients more effectively.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become an Immigration Lawyer?

The fastest way to become an immigration lawyer is to follow a direct academic path with no breaks: earn a bachelor's degree in four years, complete law school in three, and pass the bar exam as soon as possible. Some of the fastest law degrees online allow part-time students to move at an accelerated pace. Early exposure to immigration law through clinics or internships can help you specialize quickly and enter the field soon after graduation.

Enroll in a Law Degree Program

If you're ready to pursue a career in immigration law, the next step is to find an accredited law degree program that fits your goals. Whether you're looking for full-time, part-time, or online options, choose a school that offers relevant coursework or clinics in immigration law. Explore accredited programs and begin your path to becoming an immigration attorney through Learn.org.