You could apply to an immigration advice provider or law firm to do a Legal Executive Level 6 Apprenticeship, or Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship.

You could then specialise in immigration work after completing your apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

Getting experience in an organisation that works with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers will be useful when you apply for jobs or training. You may wish to volunteer with organisations like:

• Citizens Advice
• Refugee Action
• Refugee Council

You may be able to apply directly for jobs if you're a qualified legal executive or solicitor.

To specialise in immigration as a legal executive, it'll help if you can find a job with a firm that deals with immigration and asylum issues, whilst training. You can find more information about qualifying from the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

To work in immigration as a solicitor or barrister, it will be useful if you can do some of your training in this area of work. You can find more information about how to become a solicitor or barrister from The Law Society and The Bar Council.

You do not necessarily need a law degree, or any degree, to give immigration advice regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).

This may be a quicker way into the profession and you can decide which areas of immigration, asylum and nationality law you want to work in.

There are 3 levels of regulation and each requires a minimum amount of experience, for example:

• level 1 - basic immigration advice within the Immigration Rules - a minimum of 3 months' experience
• level 2 - more complex work, including applications outside the Immigration Rules - a minimum of 12 months' experience
• level 3 - includes appeals work and a minimum of 18 months' experience

To register with the IAA, you'll need to attend training, pass an exam and meet their standards.

You'll need:

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of public safety and security
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need to:

• pass background checks

As a non-government immigration adviser, you could:

• speak to clients to get the facts of their case, sometimes through an interpreter
• make enquiries on behalf of clients
• help clients with application forms
• contact relevant agencies and authorities
• explain options and next steps to clients based on their situation
• draft grounds for appeal and witness statements
• represent clients at tribunals
• maintain accurate case records and documentation
• keep up to date with immigration law and regulations

The type of tasks you're allowed to deal with depends on the advice level you work at.

You could work in an office, at a client's home, at a client's business or in a prison.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.