Job Spotlight - Immigration careers
Discover career pathways in Immigration
Immigration is about how people move between different countries to live, work, or study. It covers everything from helping people get visas and citizenship, to making sure countries have fair rules about who can enter and stay.
This pathway might be right for you if you’re interested in understanding how immigration policies impact individuals and communities, or if you enjoy advocating for the rights and wellbeing of others.
What do careers in this pathway involve?
People in this field need to understand different countries' laws and requirements, while also considering how immigration affects communities, jobs, and culture. They might work for government departments, law firms, or organisations that support people settling into new countries.
With more people than ever moving around the world for opportunities, immigration professionals play an important role in helping make this process fair and organised.
What are some important human skills for this pathway?
- Social awareness
- Communication
- Decision-making
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
What are some of the tasks involved?
- Prepare and file documents
- Provide advice to clients
- Review and evaluate paperwork
- Conduct interviews
- Coordinate with service providers
- Advocate for clients
- Monitor compliance with regulations
- Research and analyse policy data
- Prepare policy proposals
What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect?
Many careers in this pathway involve working indoors, usually in an office environment. This means there is plenty of opportunity for flexible or working from home arrangements. There are a few roles that may involve some work out in the field for those who prefer to get hands-on.
Most workers in this field work either full-time or part-time, with some casual roles available too. Self-employment is relatively uncommon outside of advisory roles.
The Clusters in immigration
Find out more about the kind of work people in each Career Cluster might do in this pathway.
Guardians
Guardians are vital in this pathway to ensure the ethical and legal processing of immigration applications.
Linkers
As a Linker in this pathway, you might be connecting immigrants with legal services, community resources, and support.
Coordinators
Coordinators are very common in this pathway, responsible for managing all kinds of immigration procedures, from application to settlement.
Informers
Another common Cluster, Informers in this pathway educate immigrants on legal requirements, cultural norms, and opportunities.
Makers
Makers in this pathway handle the administrative tasks that support immigration processes.
Innovators
Innovators are uncommon in this pathway, but can help to develop new immigration policies and support services for improved integration.
Where can an immigration pathway take me?
Interested in a career in immigration? There are many roles you might like to consider – here are just a few.
Entry level roles
These jobs can be started with little or no training or experience, and are great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.
Social Security Assessor
Evaluate applications for government benefits and support payments, determining eligibility by reviewing financial information, medical documentation, and personal circumstances.
Border Enforcement Officer
Monitor and control the movement of people and goods at international borders, airports and seaports to prevent illegal immigration, smuggling, and other border security threats.
Document Assessor
Examine and verify the authenticity of passports, visas, identity documents, and supporting paperwork submitted with immigration applications.
Mid-level roles
Once you have some further study or experience under your belt, you might like to consider moving into one of these roles.
Customs Broker
Help businesses navigate international trade by managing the paperwork, duties, and regulations involved in moving goods and employees across borders.
Visa and Citizenship Processing Officer
Review and assess applications for visas and citizenship, ensuring all documentation meets legal requirements and deciding on whether to grant or deny applications based on immigration laws and policies.
Migration Agent
Provide advice and assistance to people seeking to migrate or obtain visas, helping them understand their options, prepare applications, and navigate complex immigration laws and procedures.
Senior level roles
These jobs will require extensive further education or many years of experience, but are also highly rewarding.
Policy Analyst
Research, analyse, and develop government policies and programs by gathering data, consulting with stakeholders, evaluating outcomes, and making recommendations for improvements or new initiatives.
Regional Biosecurity Manager
Oversee biosecurity operations across a designated geographical area, managing teams of inspectors and officers and ensuring compliance with biosecurity regulations.
Chief Migration Officer
Lead strategic planning and policy development for government immigration departments or large organisations.
Similar pathways
If these careers aren’t quite right for you, you might like to explore some other similar pathways instead.
Government
Manage policies, enforce regulations, provide public services, and promote citizen welfare.
Social Work
Support individuals and communities to improve their well-being and overcome challenges.
Tourism and Travel
Explore new destinations, plan itineraries, provide exceptional customer service, and promote cultural exchange.
How can I build experience in this pathway?
If you’re still in high school and want to find out if a career in immigration is right for you, here are some activities you can do:
- Study immigration laws to understand visa processes
- Research case studies to understand immigration issues
- Take a virtual tour of an immigration office
We recommend studying these subjects in high school:
- English
- Legal Studies
- Geography
- Civics
Here are some suggestions of places you might like to try and find work experience:
- Non-profit organisations that provide legal aid to immigrants
- International human rights organisations
- Government agencies responsible for immigration and customs enforcement
- Language schools or community centres that offer classes for immigrants
- Research institutes or think tanks specialising in immigration policies and studies
Where can I find out more?
You can explore other career pathways and find in-depth information on specific jobs on our website.