Appellate Immigration Judge

Executive Office for Immigration Review; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 162,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Executive Office for Immigration Review is seeking Appellate Immigration Judges to review and decide immigration cases with fairness and efficiency. The role includes presiding over formal proceedings, hearing oral arguments when appropriate, and applying laws and regulations in a neutral, humane manner.

Judges may also handle trial-level work and exercise discretionary powers as provided by law. The position offers telework eligibility and requires a Top Secret clearance, with appointment

Responsibilities

• Review and decide cases in removal and related immigration matters with impartiality and dignity.
• Preside over formal, quasi-judicial proceedings and, when appropriate, hear oral arguments.
• Apply applicable laws and regulations while exercising independent judgment and ensuring timely outcomes.
• Contribute to appellate work, and may assist at trial level proceedings as needed.

Job description

• Hiring Agency: Executive Office for Immigration Review

****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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of Justice.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $161590 – $209600/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-16.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.