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Immigration Judge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

El Paso, TX · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Van Nuys, CA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Jena, LA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Richmond, VA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Detroit, MI

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Orlando, FL

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Hartford, CT

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Portland, OR · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Annandale, VA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Harlingen, TX · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Aurora, CO · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

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All JobsImmigration Judge Jobs

Immigration Judge information

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$157K

$161.2K

$162.5K

How much do immigration judge jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration judge in the United States is $161,179.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $160,000.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Immigration Judge, and why are they important?

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.

How much does a US immigration judge make?

A U.S. immigration judge typically earns between $130,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience and location. They are federal employees who preside over immigration cases and require specialized legal knowledge and certification.

What qualifications do you need to be an immigration judge?

To become an immigration judge, candidates typically need a law degree, several years of legal experience, and must pass a rigorous selection process including a background check. They often have experience in immigration law, administrative law, or related fields, and must be appointed by the Attorney General. Strong analytical, decision-making, and communication skills are essential for the role.

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.

How much do immigration judges make in 2026?

Immigration judges in 2026 are expected to earn a salary comparable to federal judges, typically ranging from $180,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on experience and location. They require strong legal skills, experience in immigration law, and often work in a courtroom environment with a structured schedule.

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 number of new hires depends on agency needs and budget allocations.

What are Immigration Judges?

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.
More about Immigration Judge jobs
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Immigration Judge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Immigration Judge job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,179 per year, or $77.5 per hour.
Immigration Judge

Immigration Judge

Department of Justice

El Paso, TX • On-site

$159K/yr

Other

Posted 18 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.
Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. 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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