How to become An Immigrant Support Specialist

Immigration can be a life-changing circumstance for individuals who leave their native soil to build a better life in another country. Immigrant Support Specialists play a critical role in ensuring that immigrants achieve their goals in a timely and acceptable manner.

• Immigration Support Specialist
• Immigration Consultant
• Immigration Specialist
• Immigration Officer
• Immigration Caseworker/Adviser

What do Immigrant Support Specialists do?

An Immigrant Support Specialist would typically need to:

• Assist foreign nationals with different kinds of immigration and immigration procedures, based on their requirements
• Set up a meeting with the client to understand their immigration requirements 
• Draft visa application forms; help the client gather supporting documentation within a given timeframe
• Review the documentation and conduct background checks to ensure that the client is legally, medically and financially eligible for immigration
• Submit documents to respective authorities on behalf of the client promptly
• Keep the client updated on their immigration status, and any foreseeable delay or change in the immigration procedure
• File all related documents along with every application received, processed, and completed, so they can be retrieved when needed
• Maintain a record of invoices for services provided and reconcile government application fee expenditure, as required
• Support all billing processes; liaise with the finance department to make sure all expenses are properly accounted for
• Work towards resolution of any conflicts or issues faced by the client; organise place in a holding area if the client is seeking asylum
• Assist individuals who have been detained or arrested with their legal rights and options on how to deal with the situation
• Aid clients in deportation, exclusion, and removal proceedings; help them find lawyers to represent them in court for the same
• Keep track of migrant clients to ensure they continue to abide by the local laws and regulations
• Work with sister agencies to check immigration fraud and misconduct, including human trafficking and drug smuggling
• Assist eligible clients in obtaining citizenship; represent the client in court, if necessary
• De-escalate a potentially hostile situation by remaining calm and making sure the individuals facing imminent deportation understand the legalities
• Have complete access to a comprehensive and accurate record of all individuals arriving in or leaving the country
• Provide routine support to colleagues and senior management in all aspects of the immigration procedure
• Attend meetings as per organisational requirements; adhere to essential deadlines and legal regulations
• Implement and manage organisational processes to support migrant recruits; resolve related administrative issues and concerns
• Answer professional queries via telephone or email; fax and photocopy official correspondence; manage courier and shipping services
• Train junior staff on immigration-related legislation and procedures; provide expert advice on handling of exceptional cases

The workplace of an Immigrant Support Specialist can vary based on who they work for ranging from governmental agencies to non-profit organisations. The job entails collaborative teamwork and frequent interaction with the public. Travel may be required to attend conferences and meet clients.

Depending on the organisation you work with, a full-time Immigrant Support Specialist would work between 36 to 40 hours a week. This could include shifts at night, on weekends, and during bank holidays.

While freelancing is not common in this career, it does offer more flexible schedules to professionals who wish to do so. Expect to put in extra hours during important deadlines such as month ends, the quarter ends, and year ends, regardless of working as a full-time employee or freelancer.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Immigrant Support Specialists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Immigrant Support Specialists are generally employed by: 

• Government Agencies
• Border Security Agencies
• Corporate Organisations
• Travel Agencies
• Airports, Seaports, Railway Stations, & Other Transport Stations

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), are crucial for Immigrant Support Specialists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Constantly staying up-to-date with the news for changes and updates in immigration laws and policies can be taxing while doing a full-time job
• Having to deal with rude and uncooperative clients
• Breaking the bad news to clients whose documentation may not be approved can be a big part of the job and one that takes on an emotional toll too
• Slacking off on attention to detail can have severe consequences
• Working in coordination with various institutes and organisations would include multiple follow-ups and lines of communication which can get gruelling
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation can be time-consuming and monotonous

Students and freshers should seek paid/unpaid internships with organisations that are directly in line with the kind of career they wish to pursue in this field.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Prior work experience as an immigration consultant or travel consultant including interaction with the public, appreciation of civil liberties, and a comprehensive understanding of immigration and travel laws, procedures, and regulations will give you an edge over other applicants. 

Make the most of any opportunity to be hired as a trainee or intern and become increasingly familiar with the role and responsibilities of an Immigrant Support Specialist before being considered for a full-time position.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in immigration support services to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Most Immigrant Support Specialists have a bachelor's degree or diploma in communications, writing, law, political science, economics, travel and tourism, international relations, international business, global affairs, security studies, or immigrant studies. 

If you do not have a degree in one of these disciplines, a bachelor’s degree or diploma in a related discipline along with avid interest and in-depth knowledge of local immigration laws can help you venture into this career. Since entry requirements for your preferred course are liable to change, please check with the specific educational provider for exact details.

Professional fluency in English and other international languages helps Immigrant Support Specialists communicate with individuals from across the world. Command over multiple vernacular tongues can also be an asset but is not mandatory.

English language skills can be learned and honed through professional organisations and coaching centres both online and offline depending on your accessibility. Focus on English, maths, modern languages, geography, history, political science, and acquisition of IT skills in high school. 

Certifications demonstrate an Immigrant Support Specialist’s competence in a skill set, typically through education, work experience, training, and passing an examination.

While this differs from one country to the next, most require Immigrant Support Specialists to have government-approved certifications and licences in Immigration Law that can prove their knowledge and calibre in this field.

Professional certifications can validate your qualifications to current and future employers while testing your professional skills which can further advance your career.

An employment background check and security clearance can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal records, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening. Having resident citizenship proof is also important in some countries to pursue this career.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Immigrant Support Specialists who may be promoted to managerial positions such as Senior Immigrant Support Specialist or Senior Immigrant Programme Manager.

Some Immigrant Support Specialists may move on and open their consulting firms after working full-time for a significant period.

Due to the high number of qualified applicants for such jobs, having a relevant degree along with internship or trainee experience and in-depth knowledge of immigration and travel laws can help you set yourself apart in the field.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Immigrant Support Specialist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

This career promotes and encourages constant learning and growth; Immigrant Support Specialists have to ensure that they stay abreast of the latest industry trends and any changes in travel and immigration laws and policies.

Due to the growing complexities of international demands, organisations are increasingly looking to hire Immigrant Support Specialists who can work with new technologies and software for digital documentation and record-keeping in this space.

In addition, all transferable skills you acquire in the efficient execution of your duties as an Immigrant Support Specialist will be highly sought after in diverse occupations.

Soft Skills Go A Long Way

In addition to technical knowledge Immigrant Support Specialists need analytical, organisational, and time management skills to perform their duties efficiently. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail and a knack for research come in equally handy.

The ability to handle stressful situations skillfully and offer exemplary customer service is just as essential. Supportive collaboration falls under a similar category of soft skills that go a long way in helping incumbents succeed in this career.

The Current Scenario

Immigrant Support Specialists internationally have a good financial standing with good salaries and monetary benefits when they work full-time. Between 2018 and 2028, this career is expected to grow and produce more job opportunities for people.

Bridge the Cultural Divide

To ensure that the immigrants they work with become part of a beautiful mosaic comprising diverse beliefs and expectations, Immigrant Support Specialists must take classes in cross-cultural sensitivity, read books, and take online courses to enhance their cross-cultural communication.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Immigrant Support Specialists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Immigrant Support Specialist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The United States of America has been the most popular destination for international migrants worldwide since 1970.

Whether it is an enthusiastic student seeking new horizons or a war-weary individual seeking refuge, they depend on efficient and fair Immigrant Support Specialists who strive to ease their way into the promised land.

“Remember, remember always, that all of us, you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.” 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt