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Immigration Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

... Officer, which adjudicates immigration-related employment cases. Immigration Judges preside over formal, quasi-judicial hearings. Proceedings before Immigration Judges include but are not limited to ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

... Officer, which adjudicates immigration-related employment cases. Immigration Judges preside over formal, quasi-judicial hearings. Proceedings before Immigration Judges include but are not limited to ...

Spectrum Security Services

Detention Officer

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$45.04/hr

The work involves guarding and caring for detainees that are under the jurisdiction of Immigration ... Six months of experience as a security officer engaged in functions related to detaining civil or ...

SPECTRUM SECURITY SERVICES INC

CA · On-site

$41/hr

... the Detention Officer (DO) position. The DO provides security and support services for the ... The work involves supervising alien detainees that are under the jurisdiction of Immigration and ...

Amigos de Guadalupe

Chief Development Officer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Position Title Chief Development Officer Reports To CEO Direct Reports Communications Specialist ... We do this by providing housing and rental assistance, mental health services, immigration legal ...

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Immigration Officer information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$61.3K

$102.1K

How much do immigration officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration officer in California is $61,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an immigration officer?

Immigration Officers are government officials responsible for enforcing immigration laws and regulations. They review and assess visa applications, interview individuals seeking entry into a country, and check travel documents at borders and airports. Their duties also include identifying and preventing illegal entry, detaining individuals who violate immigration laws, and assisting with deportation processes. Immigration Officers play a crucial role in maintaining national security while facilitating legal travel and migration.

What does an immigration officer do?

Immigration jobs focus on government and legal positions that deal with immigration cases. The jobs in this area include titles like immigration customs agent, immigration case manager, immigration officer, and immigration attorney. Your primary goal in this field is to coordinate immigration efforts, assist people on the path to citizenship or naturalization, and uphold the rights of applicants. A small number of immigration jobs exist within large corporations whose global work often requires moving employees between countries. With a career in immigration, you may visit courtrooms to argue cases, fill out visa or citizenship paperwork, conduct background checks, help immigrants find housing, or connect immigrants with social services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an immigration officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Immigration Officer, you need a solid understanding of immigration laws, investigative techniques, and typically a relevant degree or law enforcement background. Familiarity with case management systems, biometric identification tools, and document verification technologies is essential. Strong analytical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication skills help you stand out in this role. These capabilities ensure fair and accurate processing of applications, enhance border security, and support efficient public service.

What are some common challenges immigration officers face when processing complex visa applications?

Immigration Officers often encounter complex visa applications that require thorough investigation and careful attention to detail. Challenges can include verifying the authenticity of supporting documents, interpreting evolving immigration laws and policies, and balancing efficiency with fairness in decision-making. Officers also regularly manage high caseloads and must coordinate with other government agencies to resolve discrepancies or conduct background checks. Strong organizational skills and ongoing training help officers navigate these complexities while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

What is the difference between Immigration Officer vs Customs Officer?

AspectImmigration OfficerCustoms Officer
Required credentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; sometimes additional certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often similar certifications
Work environmentBorder crossings, airports, immigration officesPorts, border crossings, airports, customs facilities
Employer and industry usageGovernment immigration agenciesCustoms agencies, border security
Common search intentImmigration procedures, visa processing, border controlImport/export regulations, duty enforcement, border security

While both roles work at borders and involve security, Immigration Officers primarily handle visa processing and immigration status, whereas Customs Officers focus on regulating goods and enforcing import/export laws. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ.

What is needed to become an immigration officer?

To become an immigration officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, though some positions require a bachelor's degree in fields like criminal justice or public administration. Applicants must pass background checks, security clearances, and often complete specialized training or certification related to immigration laws and procedures. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive situations are essential skills for the role.

What qualifications do you need for an immigration officer?

To become an immigration officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in fields like criminal justice, law enforcement, or public administration. Relevant skills include strong communication, attention to detail, and knowledge of immigration laws and procedures; some roles may also require passing background checks and training programs. Certifications are not always mandatory but can enhance prospects in this field.
More about Immigration Officer jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Immigration Officer jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Immigration Officer jobs in California look for?

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

What cities in California are hiring for Immigration Officer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Immigration Officer job openings:

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

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

Immigration Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Immigration Officer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,334 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Associate Attorney

Wilner & O'Reilly Immigration Law

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

THE FIRM

California's premier immigration firm led by a certified specialist and a founding partner who is a former U.S. Immigration Officer. We know how it works on both sides. Fearless representation. A team that picks up the phone. This is where careers are built not just jobs.


COSTA MESA OFFICE: 

Join a team embedded in one of SoCal's most vibrant legal markets. Close to EOIR, close to the action.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

  • J.D. and active California bar membership in good standing
  • Minimum 1 year of experience concentrated in removal defense you know the inside of an immigration courtroom
  • Spanish fluency is required you must be able to advocate for and communicate directly with your clients
  • You are not scared of court. Oral advocacy isn't a burden to you it's the whole point
  • You bring genuine energy and charisma. Our clients need a champion. Be that person
  • Strong written and oral communication motions, briefs, and in-person arguments all count
  • Organized, responsive, and accountable. When a client calls, their life is on the line


THE ROLE

  • You will step into immigration court and fight. Your job is to advocate loudly and clearly for clients whose lives depend on it. This is not a paper-pushing position. 


YOU'LL STAND OUT IF YOU ARE....

  • We love competitors, team players, and people who understand sacrifice and service. If you ran a solo shop and want to offload the back-end admin grind while focusing on what you actually love being in court this seat was made for you.


NO HEADHUNTERS. NO RECRUITERS. DIRECT APPLICATIONS ONLY. · Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC is an equal opportunity employer.