Immigration enforcement officers work for the Home Office. They deal with people entering the UK either temporarily or permanently and enforce immigration laws.
The Work
You could be:
processing applications for different visa types, such as work, residency, asylum, student or family
arresting and detaining immigration offenders
considering applications for citizenship for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently
interviewing people to check their reasons for visiting the UK and how long they intend to stay
searching properties and persons, and seizing evidence
making decisions on applications from employers and educational establishments who wish to sponsor immigrants
managing appeals from unsuccessful applicants
keeping up to date with legislation and policy
keeping records, writing reports and giving evidence in court.
Pay
As an immigration enforcement officer your starting salary would be around £30,000 a year. There is extra allowances for working shifts and unsocial hours.
A chief immigration officer earns £34,415 to £34,931 a year (plus allowances).
Conditions
You would usually be based at a port or airport around the UK, including Cardiff, Croyden, Glasgow, Hounslow, Leeds, Liverpool and Solihull.
You may need to be prepared to live in any location in the UK.
You would usually work a 37 hour week, but may sometimes do overtime depending on workload and deadlines.
Flexible hours and part time contracts are available.
The application process tests your behaviours, strengths, ability and experience. The first part of the selection process involves an online Civil Service Verbal Test.
You need to have security clearance for all posts.
You must be at least 18 at the time of taking up a position.
You may have to pass a medical test.
It is helpful if you can speak a foreign language.
A driving licence and valid passport are necessary.
confident in following standard procedures and in making difficult or unpopular decisions
able to handle a heavy and varied workload
able to work under pressure, for example when dealing with people who may be aggressive or frightened
able to work as part of a team or on your own
smartly presented
professional and customer-focused.
You should have:
excellent observation skills
excellent communication skills
excellent organisational skills
strong personal ethics
IT skills.
Training
Different roles have different training pathways, but usually include stages of classroom based learning, on the job training, mentoring and monitoring.
Training may be held at any of the offices around the UK.
Further practical training is on the job under the supervision of experienced officers.
You must acquire a good working knowledge of immigration legislation and rules.
After training there is one year’s probation.
Getting On
You will be offered the opportunity to develop skills through a range of internal and external development activities.
With experience and ability you may be able to become a chief immigration officer and then move into management positions.
You may also be able to move to other departments within the Civil Service, or to related work within the private sector or local government.
2026
