How to Be Immigration Paralegal - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 29, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Immigration Paralegals are essential to the success of any immigration legal team. They work under the direction of an attorney and can often provide valuable support and assistance in a variety of areas. The primary tasks of an Immigration Paralegal involve researching, preparing, and filing the necessary documents to ensure clients' immigration processes are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Immigration Paralegals play an integral role in the success of an immigration case, as they can help determine which forms need to be completed, review documents for accuracy, and monitor progress throughout the entire process. Immigration Paralegals are knowledgeable about relevant laws, regulations, and policies, which allows them to provide case-specific advice and guidance to their supervising attorneys. Without the support of an experienced Immigration Paralegal, lawyers would not be able to process the large volume of cases they see on a daily basis and could risk losing clients due to delays in processing.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers require paralegals to have a minimum of a bachelors degree in order to become an immigration paralegal. Courses in law, legal research, and writing are especially beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career as an immigration paralegal.
Research Immigration Law. A paralegal must have a thorough understanding of immigration law. Take the time to read, review, and research up-to-date information regarding immigration regulations and laws.
Obtain a Paralegal Certificate. Consider completing a paralegal certificate program or an ABA approved paralegal program. These programs provide students with a comprehensive overview of paralegal studies, including courses in legal research, writing, and immigration law.
Internship. Consider completing an internship with an immigration law firm or organization. This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about the field of immigration law and to gain practical experience.
Join Professional Organizations. Consider becoming a member of a professional organization such as the National Association of Immigration Paralegals or the American Immigration Lawyers Association. These organizations often provide professional development opportunities as well as job postings.
Obtain Licensure. Requirements for licensure as an immigration paralegal vary by state. Check with the state board of paralegals in your state to determine the licensing requirements in your area.

Staying ahead and competent as an immigration paralegal requires a great deal of dedication, research, and education. Dedication to staying up to date on changing laws and regulations is key, as well as researching current trends in the field. Education is also important, whether through formal courses or by participating in online forums and seminars.

Keeping an organized case file and learning to streamline processes in order to save time can also be beneficial. Lastly, staying in touch with other professionals in the field can help you stay abreast of the newest developments and techniques. By combining these practices, an immigration paralegal can stay ahead and maintain a high level of competency in their field.

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Job Description

Prepare and file immigrant visa applications, including USCIS forms and supporting documents.
Assist in the preparation of petitions for permanent residency, family-based immigration, naturalization, and other immigration-related matters.
Monitor immigration case status updates and make changes to immigration petitions as needed.
Provide research and analysis on immigration laws, regulations, policies, procedures and changes.
Maintain case management system to ensure all immigration information is up to date and in compliance with current laws.
Develop and maintain client relationships by providing timely updates on their cases.
Prepare exhibits, affidavits and other documents to support immigration cases.
Attend court hearings, clients meetings and other legal proceedings as needed.
Draft correspondence to clients and relevant government agencies.
Generate reports of case information for clients, attorneys and other staff members.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of immigration law and regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.
Proficiency in legal research, document drafting and review.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks efficiently.
Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant technology programs.
Knowledge of filing procedures in immigration courts and federal agencies.
Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
Ability to maintain accurate and organized case files.

Immigration paralegals play an essential role in helping clients navigate the complex and ever-changing immigration system. Having a strong set of organizational, interpersonal and communication skills is essential for success in this field. The ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks is key to managing multiple cases and ensuring that deadlines are met.

Interpersonal skills help develop relationships with clients and other professionals, while communication skills are needed to effectively convey legal advice and advocate on behalf of clients. a good grasp of immigration law, including relevant regulations and policies, is necessary to properly advise clients. Immigration paralegals must be able to work independently and adhere to strict ethical guidelines.

Furthermore, the ability to interpret case law, research legal documents, and prepare immigration-related forms is essential for success in this field. Immigrant communities rely on immigration paralegals to help them navigate the complex and often confusing U.S. immigration system, so having the right skills is critical for providing quality service.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with immigration cases?
How familiar are you with the relevant visa categories and pathways to legal immigration status?
How have you handled difficult and complex immigration cases in the past?
Are you familiar with the relevant immigration laws and regulations?
Describe a successful outcome you achieved while working on an immigration case.
What strategies have you used to stay up-to-date on changes in immigration laws and regulations?
How do you keep client information secure and confidential in your work?
What challenges have you faced while working on immigration cases?
How do you ensure accuracy when filling out and submitting immigration forms?
What techniques do you use to stay organized and maintain records for immigration cases?

Common Tools in Industry

Case Management Software. a software that helps paralegals manage the legal cases they are working on. (eg: Clio, Lexicata)
Document Automation Software. a software that helps paralegals automate the process of creating documents. (eg: HotDocs, LawToolBox)
Practice Management Software. a software that helps paralegals manage their practice, from client intake to billing. (eg: MyCase, Rocket Matter)
Online Research Tools. tools that help paralegals quickly search for relevant laws and cases. (eg: LexisNexis, Westlaw)
Immigration Forms Software. software designed to help paralegals quickly and accurately fill out immigration forms. (eg: ImmigrationTracker, ImmigrationDirect)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild
National Immigration Forum
American Immigration Council
National Association of Immigration Judges
National Immigration Law Center
American Bar Association, Section of Immigration Law
Immigrant Justice Network
Immigration Law Professors Association
American Society of Immigration Lawyers

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Common Important Terms

Naturalization. The process by which a foreign-born national is granted citizenship in the country they are living in.
Permanent Residence. A legal status that allows an individual to reside in a foreign country for an indefinite period of time.
Deportation. The legal removal of an individual from a foreign country due to violation of immigration law.
Asylum. A form of protection given to individuals who are unable or unwilling to return to their home due to fear of persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Refugee Status. A legal status granted to an individual who has been unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to fear of persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Non-Immigrant Visa. A document issued by an embassy or consulate that permits an individual to travel to a foreign country for a temporary period of time.
Adjustment of Status. The process by which an individual can change their immigration status from temporary (non-immigrant) to permanent residency (immigrant).
Family-Based Immigration. A form of immigration which allows U. S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their family members for lawful permanent residence in the United States.
Employer-Sponsored Immigration. A form of immigration which allows employers to sponsor foreign-born individuals for permanent residence in the United States based on their skills or abilities.
Waiver. A form of relief from certain inadmissibility grounds that may be available to individuals who are otherwise ineligible for admission into the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Immigration Paralegal?

An Immigration Paralegal is a professional who assists attorneys in providing legal services related to immigration matters. They are responsible for researching relevant laws and regulations, preparing immigration forms and applications, and helping clients navigate the immigration system.

What qualifications do Immigration Paralegals need?

Immigration Paralegals should have a minimum of a two year Associates degree in paralegal studies, a four year Bachelor's degree in any field, or equivalent experience. In addition, they should have knowledge of the US immigration system and be familiar with relevant laws and regulations.

What responsibilities do Immigration Paralegals have?

Immigration Paralegals are responsible for researching immigration laws and regulations, preparing immigration forms and applications, and helping clients navigate the immigration system. They may also provide legal advice and assistance to attorneys, assist with visa petitions and applications, and conduct interviews with clients.

How much do Immigration Paralegals earn?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Immigration Paralegals was $48,370 in May 2018. Wages can vary depending on experience, geographic location, and the type of law firm or organization they work for.

What is the job outlook for Immigration Paralegals?

The job outlook for Immigration Paralegals is expected to grow by 12% from 2018-2028, faster than the average for all occupations. The increased demand for immigration-related legal services due to recent changes in US immigration policies is expected to drive this growth.

Web Resources

Immigration Paralegal, Immigration Paralegal Job Description www.paralegal-edu.org
Immigration Paralegal Job Description | Salary www.paralegaledu.org
Paralegal Education, Paralegal Education Requirements www.paralegal-edu.org