Appellate Immigration Judge

Summary

Please see announcement questionnaire for specific court locations.

Conversion to permanent position is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a probationary period and appointment by the Attorney General.

Additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

Please see announcement questionnaire for specific court locations.

Conversion to permanent position is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a probationary period and appointment by the Attorney General.

Additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Location

many vacancies in the following locations:

Phoenix Immigration Court

Phoenix, AZ

Tucson Immigration Court

Tucson, AZ

Concord Immigration Court

Concord, CA

Imperial Immigration Court

Imperial, CA

Los Angeles Immigration Court

Los Angeles, CA

Sacramento Immigration Court

Sacramento, CA

San Diego Immigration Court

San Diego County, CA

San Francisco SPC Immigration Court

San Francisco, CA

Santa Ana Immigration Court

Santa Ana, CA

Van Nuys Immigration Court

Van Nuys, CA

Denver Immigration Court

Denver, CO

Hartford Immigration Court

Hartford, CT

Miami Immigration Court

Miami, FL

Orlando Immigration Court

Orlando, FL

Atlanta Immigration Court (W. Peachtree Street)

Atlanta, GA

Chicago Immigration Court

Chicago, IL

Indianapolis Immigration Court

Indianapolis, IN

Baton Rouge Immigration Court

Baton Rouge, LA

New Orleans Immigration Court

New Orleans, LA

Boston Immigration Court

Boston, MA

Chelmsford Immigration Court

Chelmsford, MA

Baltimore Immigration Court

Baltimore, MD

Hyattsville Immigration Court

Hyattsville, MD

Detroit Immigration Court

Detroit, MI

Fort Snelling Immigration Court

Fort Snelling, MN

Kansas City Immigration Court

Kansas City, MO

Charlotte Immigration Court

Charlotte, NC

Omaha Immigration Court

Omaha, NE

Newark Immigration Court

Newark, NJ

Las Vegas Immigration Court

Las Vegas, NV

Buffalo Immigration Court

Buffalo, NY

New York (Broadway) Immigration Court

New York, NY

New York (Fed Plaza) Immigration Court

New York County, NY

New York (Varick) Immigration Court

New York Mills, NY

Cleveland Immigration Court

Cleveland, OH

Portland Immigration Court

Portland, OR

Philadelphia Immigration Court

Philadelphia, PA

Memphis Immigration Court

Memphis, TN

Dallas Immigration Court

Dallas County, TX

El Paso Immigration Court

El Paso County, TX

Fort Worth IAC Immigration Court

Fort Worth, TX

Harlingen Immigration Court

Harlingen, TX

Houston Immigration Court (Jefferson Street)

Houston, TX

Houston Immigration Court (Greenspoint Park)

Houston, TX

Houston Immigration Court (South Gessner Road)

Houston, TX

Laredo Immigration Court

Laredo, TX

San Antonio Immigration Court

San Antonio, TX

Salt Lake City Immigration Court

West Valley City, UT

Annandale Immigration Court

Annandale, VA

Falls Church IAC Immigration Court

Falls Church, VA

Richmond IAC Immigration Court

Richmond, VA

Sterling Immigration Court

Sterling, VA

Seattle Immigration Court

Seattle, WA

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $161,590 - $209,600 per year Pay scale & grade

IJ 00

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 0905 Attorney

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No

Drug test Yes Security clearance Top Secret Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number AIJ-13106616-27-TNN Control number 891237400

This job is open to

Help

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

Help

This position is in the Board of Immigration Appeals, within the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The incumbent reports to a Deputy Chief Appellate Immigration Judge, who in turn reports to the Chief Appellate Immigration Judge.

Appellate Immigration Judges must apply immigration laws impartially, humanely, and equitably and ensure that all parties are treated with respect and dignity. They also must resolve cases expeditiously, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, and consistent with the Departments priorities and policies.

Appellate Immigration Judges are commissioned to serve in formal, quasi-judicial proceedings to review the determinations of immigration judges in removal and related proceedings, and of certain officers of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in visa petition proceedings and other matters. All Appellate Immigration Judges review the record on appeal, including briefs, exhibits, and transcripts, and hear oral argument when appropriate. An Appellate Immigration Judge may concur or dissent based on their view of any given case. The majority of the Appellate Immigration Judges duties fall into the general categories of removal proceedings, discretionary relief, claims of persecution, stays of removal, visa petitions, administrative fines, and bond and detention.

The majority of an Appellate Immigration Judges duties will be dedicated to the appellate work, but an Appellate Immigration Judge must also be qualified, and may be called upon, to conduct trial level proceedings in the role of an immigration judge.

Appellate Immigration Judges make decisions that are final, subject to appeal to the Federal courts. In connection with these proceedings, Appellate Immigration Judges exercise certain discretionary powers as provided by law and are required to exercise independent judgment in reaching final decisions.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Employment is contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• Moving and Relocation Expense are not authorized.
• Relevant experience (see qualifications below.)
• Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
• If selected, you must file a financial disclosure statement in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
• You must receive your Federal salary by Direct Deposit (to a financial institution of their choosing).
• Conversion to permanent position is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a probationary period and appointment by the Attorney General.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the AIJ position, applicants must meet all of the minimum qualifications listed below.

• Education: Applicants must possess a LL.B., J.D., or LL.M. degree. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your degree and the name of the College or University from which it was conferred/awarded.)

AND

• Licensure: Applicants must be an active member of the bar, duly licensed and authorized to practice law as an attorney under the laws of any state, territory of the U.S., or the District of Columbia. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your first license and the State from which it was issued.)

AND

• Experience: Applicants must have seven (7) years of post-bar admission experience as a licensed attorney preparing for, participating in, and/or appealing formal hearings or trials involving litigation and/or administrative law at the Federal, State or local level. Qualifying litigation experience involves cases in which a complaint was filed with a court, or a charging document (e.g., indictment or information) was issued by a court, a grand jury, or appropriate military authority. Qualifying administrative law experience involves cases in which a formal procedure was initiated by a governmental administrative body.

NOTE: Qualifying experience is calculated from the date of your first admission to the bar.In addition, successful applicants will have a strong combination of experience demonstrating that they will perform at the level of competence, impartiality, and professionalism expected of an Appellate Immigration Judge. For more information about relevant experience and knowledge, please see the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section.

Additional information

This is an Excepted Service position, subject to a probationary period. The initial appointment is for a period not to exceed 24 months. Conversion to a permanent position is contingent upon appointment by the Attorney General.

Additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

Alternative work schedule options are available.

There is no formal rating system for applying veterans preference to Appellate Immigration Judge appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans preference eligibility as a positive factor in Appellate Immigration Judge hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans preference must claim their status when completing their application in the online application process and attach supporting documentation. (See "Required Documents" section.)

Conditions of Employment: Only U.S. Citizens or Nationals are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Dual citizens of the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ applicants, both U.S. Citizens and non-citizens, whose job location is with the United States, must meet the residency requirement. For a total of three (not necessarily consecutive years) of the five years immediately prior to applying for a position, the applicant must have: 1) resided in the United States; 2) worked for the United States overseas in a Federal or military capacity; or 3) been a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving oversees.

As the Federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Expand Hide additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications stated above will be further evaluated to determine those who are best qualified. This determination will be based, in part, on the following Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs), which need to be addressed as part of the application package.

• Ability to demonstrate the appropriate temperament to serve as a judge. Appellate Immigration Judges need to possess traits such as compassion, decisiveness, open-mindedness, courtesy, patience, freedom from bias, and commitment to equal justice under the law. Additionally, individuals in this role are expected to exercise discretion, and articulate how that discretion is being exercised, in complex, sensitive, high-pressure and/or emotional situations. A strong candidate demonstrates excellent analytical, decision-making, and writing abilities.
• Litigation or adjudication experience, preferably in a high volume judicial or administrative context. Appellate Immigration Judges often must balance a variety of skills that can include managing a high volume of cases, drafting decisions, and reviewing an administrative record at the appellate level. It is vital that a candidate is able to manage a high-volume docket under tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Experience conducting administrative hearings or adjudicating administrative cases. Appellate Immigration Judges are expected to decide difficult or complex issues, particularly those that impact peoples lives. Prior adjudication experience in other tribunals - Federal, state, local, military or other court systems - is ideal, however, adjudications experience may be drawn from non-courtroom settings. For candidates who have limited adjudications experience, significant litigation experience before EOIR or extensive litigation experience in settings comparable to an immigration court setting may be considered.
• Experience handling complex legal issues. Immigration law often involves handling complex legal issues. This role requires being able to work through complicated fact patterns and issues, novel areas of the law, as well as learning, adapting to, and incorporating changes in the law.
• Knowledge of immigration laws and procedures. In this role, depth and/or volume of immigration law experience is important. Candidates should have meaningful experience applying complex immigration law, which can include representing non-citizens or the Federal government in matters involving complex or diverse immigration laws, adjudicating immigration matters, legislative or administrative advocacy on immigration policy issues, academic or clinical experience, and other similar work that involves routine analysis and application of immigration law.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/02/2026, the closing date of this announcement, which includes:

• Your Resume documenting seven (7) years experience since being admitted to the bar.
• A complete online Assessment Questionnaire.
• Document(s)addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed above.
• A Writing Sample demonstrating your ability to author legal documents (10 pages, maximum; an excerpt of a longer document is acceptable).
• Current or former Federal employees must provide copies of their most recent and their latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
• Other Supporting Documents, if applicable:
• Veterans Preference Documentation: Although the veterans preference point system does not apply to this position, we accept preference claims and adjudicate such claims per the documentation provided. Note: If claiming 5-point veterans preference, include a DD-214 or statement of service. If claiming 10-point veterans preference, include an SF-15 and documentation required by that form, VA or military letter dated 1991 or later, and DD-214.
• Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.

Tips for your resume:

• Ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, email address, and employment information.
• Each position listed on your resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name; position title; Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed.
• In addition, any experience on less than a full time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties.

Tips for addressing QRFs:

• Applicants should use narrative form to address each of the five (5) QRFs. They must be written in a separate document indicating the by-number of the specific QRF being addressed.
• Successful applicants will address all of the QRFs. If you do not have the specific experience addressed in a QRF, we encourage you to write about a similar skill, ability, knowledge, or experience.
• Applicants should be thorough in addressing each QRF. This includes:
• Approximate number of cases or matters handled in a given period of time.
• Applicants specific role (e.g., adjudicator, first chair, co-counsel, responsible for the written brief only, etc.).
• Length of time involved in a given role (e.g., lead counsel in 20 immigration proceedings in 10 years).
• Specific examples of the types of cases (asylum application, pleas, settlement, bench trial, jury trial, etc.).
• The number of court and/or administrative appearances made in those cases.
• The case dispositions (ruling on the merits, plea or similar resolution, settlement, trial, jury trial, etc.).

Failure to submit the documents listed above with your application package will result in your application package being removed from consideration.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

You must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/02/2026, the closing date of the announcement.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
• It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
• To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Immigration Judge Hiring Team

Phone 0000000000 Email HR.IJ.Hiring.Team@usdoj.gov Address Board of Immigration Appeals

5107 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA 22041

US

Next steps

We will evaluate the qualifications and eligibility of all applicants, and then assess those who meet the minimum qualifications. All candidates who meet all the minimum requirements will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration. We will notify you of the final outcome after all of these steps have been completed.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/02/2026, the closing date of this announcement, which includes:

• Your Resume documenting seven (7) years experience since being admitted to the bar.
• A complete online Assessment Questionnaire.
• Document(s)addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed above.
• A Writing Sample demonstrating your ability to author legal documents (10 pages, maximum; an excerpt of a longer document is acceptable).
• Current or former Federal employees must provide copies of their most recent and their latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
• Other Supporting Documents, if applicable:
• Veterans Preference Documentation: Although the veterans preference point system does not apply to this position, we accept preference claims and adjudicate such claims per the documentation provided. Note: If claiming 5-point veterans preference, include a DD-214 or statement of service. If claiming 10-point veterans preference, include an SF-15 and documentation required by that form, VA or military letter dated 1991 or later, and DD-214.
• Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.

Tips for your resume:

• Ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, email address, and employment information.
• Each position listed on your resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name; position title; Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed.
• In addition, any experience on less than a full time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties.

Tips for addressing QRFs:

• Applicants should use narrative form to address each of the five (5) QRFs. They must be written in a separate document indicating the by-number of the specific QRF being addressed.
• Successful applicants will address all of the QRFs. If you do not have the specific experience addressed in a QRF, we encourage you to write about a similar skill, ability, knowledge, or experience.
• Applicants should be thorough in addressing each QRF. This includes:
• Approximate number of cases or matters handled in a given period of time.
• Applicants specific role (e.g., adjudicator, first chair, co-counsel, responsible for the written brief only, etc.).
• Length of time involved in a given role (e.g., lead counsel in 20 immigration proceedings in 10 years).
• Specific examples of the types of cases (asylum application, pleas, settlement, bench trial, jury trial, etc.).
• The number of court and/or administrative appearances made in those cases.
• The case dispositions (ruling on the merits, plea or similar resolution, settlement, trial, jury trial, etc.).

Failure to submit the documents listed above with your application package will result in your application package being removed from consideration.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

You must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/02/2026, the closing date of the announcement.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
• It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
• To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Immigration Judge Hiring Team

Phone 0000000000 Email HR.IJ.Hiring.Team@usdoj.gov Address Board of Immigration Appeals

5107 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA 22041

US

Next steps

We will evaluate the qualifications and eligibility of all applicants, and then assess those who meet the minimum qualifications. All candidates who meet all the minimum requirements will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration. We will notify you of the final outcome after all of these steps have been completed.

Expand Hide next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Additional locations

Los Angeles Immigration Court

Los Angeles, CA

Sacramento Immigration Court

Sacramento, CA

San Diego Immigration Court

San Diego County, CA

San Francisco SPC Immigration Court

San Francisco, CA

Santa Ana Immigration Court

Santa Ana, CA

Van Nuys Immigration Court

Van Nuys, CA

Denver Immigration Court

Denver, CO

Hartford Immigration Court

Hartford, CT

Miami Immigration Court

Miami, FL

Orlando Immigration Court

Orlando, FL

Atlanta Immigration Court (W. Peachtree Street)

Atlanta, GA

Chicago Immigration Court

Chicago, IL

Indianapolis Immigration Court

Indianapolis, IN

Baton Rouge Immigration Court

Baton Rouge, LA

New Orleans Immigration Court

New Orleans, LA

Boston Immigration Court

Boston, MA

Chelmsford Immigration Court

Chelmsford, MA

Baltimore Immigration Court

Baltimore, MD

Hyattsville Immigration Court

Hyattsville, MD

Detroit Immigration Court

Detroit, MI

Fort Snelling Immigration Court

Fort Snelling, MN

Kansas City Immigration Court

Kansas City, MO

Charlotte Immigration Court

Charlotte, NC

Omaha Immigration Court

Omaha, NE

Newark Immigration Court

Newark, NJ

Las Vegas Immigration Court

Las Vegas, NV

Buffalo Immigration Court

Buffalo, NY

New York (Broadway) Immigration Court

New York, NY

New York (Fed Plaza) Immigration Court

New York County, NY

New York (Varick) Immigration Court

New York Mills, NY

Cleveland Immigration Court

Cleveland, OH

Portland Immigration Court

Portland, OR

Philadelphia Immigration Court

Philadelphia, PA

Memphis Immigration Court

Memphis, TN

Dallas Immigration Court

Dallas County, TX

El Paso Immigration Court

El Paso County, TX

Fort Worth IAC Immigration Court

Fort Worth, TX

Harlingen Immigration Court

Harlingen, TX

Houston Immigration Court (Jefferson Street)

Houston, TX

Houston Immigration Court (Greenspoint Park)

Houston, TX

Houston Immigration Court (South Gessner Road)

Houston, TX

Laredo Immigration Court

Laredo, TX

San Antonio Immigration Court

San Antonio, TX

Salt Lake City Immigration Court

West Valley City, UT

Annandale Immigration Court

Annandale, VA

Falls Church IAC Immigration Court

Falls Church, VA

Richmond IAC Immigration Court

Richmond, VA

Sterling Immigration Court

Sterling, VA

Seattle Immigration Court

Seattle, WA