Job Details
Appellate Immigration Judge
2025-10-25 Department Of Justice Baton Rouge,LASummary
* UPDATE* Beginning October 28,2025, please select up to three (3) locations you would like to be considered for. Applicants are expected to select only three (3) locations for which they wish to be considered
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.
Summary
* UPDATE* Beginning October 28,2025, please select up to three (3) locations you would like to be considered for. Applicants are expected to select only three (3) locations for which they wish to be considered
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.
Overview
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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
10/03/2025 to 01/28/2026
Salary $159,951 to - $207,500 per year Pay scale & grade IJ 00
Locations
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
Show morefewer locations (49)
Los Angeles Immigration Court
Los Angeles, CA
Sacramento Immigration Court
Sacramento, CA
San Diego Immigration Court
San Diego, CA
San Francisco Immigration Court
San Francisco, CA
Santa Ana Immigration Court
Santa Ana, CA
Van Nuys Immigration Court
Van Nuys, CA
Denver Immigration Court
Denver County, CO
Hartford Immigration Court
Hartford County, CT
Miami Immigration Court
Miami, FL
Orlando Immigration Court
Orlando, FL
Atlanta Peachtree Immigration Court
Atlanta, GA
Chicago Immigration Court
Chicago, IL
Indianapolis Immigration Court
Indianapolis, IN
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 Federal 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, TX
El Paso Immigration Court
El Paso County, TX
Fort Worth Immigration Court
Fort Worth, TX
Harlingen Immigration Court
Harlingen, TX
Houston S. Gessner Immigration Court
Houston, TX
Houston Greenspoint Park Immigration Court
Houston, TX
Jefferson Immigration Court
Houston County, TX
Laredo Immigration Court
Laredo, TX
San Antonio Immigration Court
San Antonio, TX
Salt Lake City Immigration Court
Salt Lake City, UT
Annandale Immigration Court
Annandale, VA
Falls Church Adjudication Immigration Court
Falls Church, VA
Richmond Immigration Court
Richmond, VA
Sterling Immigration Court
Sterling, VA
Seattle Immigration Court
Seattle, WA
Remote job No Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Travel Required Not required Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time Service Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
* 0905 Attorney
Supervisory status No Security clearance Top Secret Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
* Credentialing
* Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure Yes Bargaining unit status No
Announcement number IJ-12811753-25-RP Control number 847482200
This job is open to
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
Applications will be reviewed after the following cut-off dates: October 08, 2025; October 22, 2025; November 05, 2025; November 19, 2025; December 03,2025; December 17, 2025; December 31, 2025; January 14, 2026, and January 28, 2026.
Duties
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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 Department's 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 Judge's 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
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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.
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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
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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 people's 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
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It is your responsibility to carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility. Your complete Application Package must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern on the closing date of the announcement.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history:
2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire.
3. Writing Sample (only the first 10 pages will be reviewed. Not to exceed ten (10) pages)
4. Other supporting documents (submit if applicable to you):
* Veterans' documentation (DD-214 (Member 4 copy), dated VA Letter, SF-15)
* Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.
Note: 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, 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.
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.
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.
* Applicant's 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.