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Immigration Judge Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Sacramento, CA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Adelanto, CA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Concord, CA · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Imperial, CA · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

CA · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Snapchat

Lead, Immigration

Los Angeles, CA

We're looking for an experienced, high-judgment, Lead, Immigration to help scale Snap's U.S. immigration program. This is a new position, being added to manage the increasing volume and complexity of ...

Snapchat

Lead, Immigration

San Francisco, CA

We're looking for an experienced, high-judgment, Lead, Immigration to help scale Snap's U.S. immigration program. This is a new position, being added to manage the increasing volume and complexity of ...

Snap, Inc.

Lead, Immigration

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We're looking for an experienced, high-judgment, Lead, Immigration to help scale Snap's U.S. immigration program. This is a new position, being added to manage the increasing volume and complexity of ...

Snapchat

Lead, Immigration

Palo Alto, CA

We're looking for an experienced, high-judgment, Lead, Immigration to help scale Snap's U.S. immigration program. This is a new position, being added to manage the increasing volume and complexity of ...

Snap, Inc.

Lead, Immigration

San Francisco, CA

We're looking for an experienced, high-judgment, Lead, Immigration to help scale Snap's U.S. immigration program. This is a new position, being added to manage the increasing volume and complexity of ...

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All JobsImmigration Judge JobsImmigration Judge Jobs in California

Immigration Judge information

See California salary details

$157.6K

$161.8K

$163.2K

How much do immigration judge jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration judge in California is $161,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $160,700.00 and $160,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an immigration judge?

Immigration Judges are officials who preside over immigration court proceedings in the United States. They make decisions on cases involving individuals who are seeking to remain in or be removed from the country, such as asylum seekers, non-citizens facing deportation, and those seeking other forms of immigration relief. Immigration Judges are part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) within the Department of Justice, and their decisions can have significant impacts on the lives of individuals and families. They conduct hearings, review evidence, and issue rulings in accordance with U.S. immigration laws.

What does an immigration judge do?

An immigration judge presides over legal proceedings that involve foreign nationals who wish to enter or stay in the United States. As an immigration judge, you hear cases through the courts, sometimes in remote locations, and make decisions about bond, deportation, exclusion, removal, and rescission. The qualifications for a career as an immigration judge include a law degree, active membership in the bar, a license to practice as a lawyer, and at least seven years of experience as a practicing attorney.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an immigration judge?

To thrive as an Immigration Judge, you need a law degree, substantial legal experience (often in immigration law), and a strong understanding of federal regulations and procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and courtroom technology is essential. Exceptional impartiality, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies are vital to ensure fair, accurate, and efficient adjudication of complex immigration cases and uphold the integrity of the judicial process.

What are some common challenges immigration judges face when managing their caseloads?

Immigration Judges often handle a high volume of complex cases, which can present challenges in terms of time management and maintaining impartiality. They must review extensive documentation, listen to detailed testimonies, and make decisions that adhere strictly to immigration laws and precedents. Additionally, the emotionally charged nature of many cases requires judges to maintain professionalism and empathy while ensuring fairness. Collaboration with court staff, interpreters, and attorneys is frequent, and adaptability is essential to handle evolving policies and backlogs.

What is the difference between Immigration Judge vs Asylum Officer?

AspectImmigration JudgeAsylum Officer
CredentialsLegal degree, bar admission, legal experienceLegal or immigration background, often with legal or social services experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, government offices, hearing roomsField offices, asylum interview locations, government facilities
EmployerDepartment of JusticeDepartment of Homeland Security
Primary ResponsibilitiesAdjudicate removal cases, conduct hearings, interpret immigration lawInterview asylum seekers, determine eligibility for asylum

Immigration Judges and Asylum Officers both work within the immigration system but have different roles. Immigration Judges handle removal proceedings and legal hearings, requiring legal credentials and courtroom experience. Asylum Officers focus on interviewing asylum applicants and assessing eligibility, often with a background in law or social services. Both positions are essential in immigration enforcement but serve distinct functions within the Department of Justice and Homeland Security respectively.

Are immigration judges being hired?

Yes, immigration judges are periodically hired to fill vacancies as part of the federal judiciary. The hiring process involves competitive applications, background checks, and often requires legal experience or prior judicial work. The U.S. Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review manages these hiring efforts to ensure adequate staffing for immigration courts.

How long is immigration judge training?

Immigration judges typically undergo several months of training at the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) training program, which includes legal instruction, courtroom procedures, and ethics. After training, they begin handling cases independently, with ongoing professional development throughout their tenure.
More about Immigration Judge jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Immigration Judge jobs in California?

The most popular types of Immigration Judge jobs in California are:

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For Immigration Judge jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Immigration Judge jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Immigration Judge jobs?

Cities in California with the most Immigration Judge job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Immigration Judge jobs in CA?

For Immigration Judge jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Immigration Judge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Immigration Judge job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,842 per year, or $77.8 per hour.

Immigration Judge

Department of Justice

Sacramento, CA

$159K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

This position is in the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), Office of the Chief Immigration Judge. EOIR seeks highly qualified individuals to join our team of expert professionals who serve as immigration adjudicators. Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff.
Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information" for details.Qualifications:In order to qualify for the Immigration Judge position, applicants must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:
  • Education: Applicants must possess a LL.B., J.D., or LL.M. degree. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your degree and the name of the College or University from which it was conferred/awarded.)
AND
  • Licensure: Applicants must be an active member of the bar, duly licensed and authorized to practice law as an attorney under the laws of any state, territory of the U.S., or the District of Columbia. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your first license and the State from which it was issued.)
AND
  • Experience: Applicants must possess qualifying post-licensure litigation or adjudication experience. Qualifying trial experience includes experience litigating cases in which a complaint was filed with a court or administrative agency, or a charging document (e.g., indictment, notice of violation, or information) was issued by a court, administrative entity, grand jury, or appropriate military authority. Qualifying experience conducting administrative hearings or adjudicating administrative cases includes relevant experience handling cases in which a formal procedure was initiated by a governmental administrative body.
NOTE: Qualifying experience is calculated only after bar admission.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your assessment questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, email address, and employment information. Each position listed on your resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name; position title; Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In addition, any experience on less than a full time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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