Appellate Immigration Judge

United States Department of Justice; United States; On-site; USD 162,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Justice – Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) seeks Appellate Immigration Judges for the Board of Immigration Appeals. The incumbent reviews records on appeal, may hear oral arguments, and makes decisions in removal and related immigration matters.

This is an excepted service position with a probationary period and potential conversion. The ideal candidate has a law degree (LL.B./J.D./LL.M.), active bar licensure, and at least seven years post-bar experience in

Qualifications

• Education: LL.B., J.D., or LL.M. degree (month/year and issuing school).
• Licensure: active bar member, licensed to practice law in any state, territory, or DC.
• Experience: seven (7) years post-bar experience in hearings or trials involving litigation or administrative law at federal/state/local levels.

Responsibilities

• Review records on appeal including briefs, exhibits and transcripts.
• Hear oral argument when appropriate and issue decisions with impartiality and professionalism.
• Duties include removal proceedings, discretionary relief, and related immigration matters.

Education

LL.B., J.D., or LL.M. degree

Job description

Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)

Hiring Office

Board of Immigration Appeals

Attorney Appointment Type

Attorney Permanent

Job ID

AIJ-13106616-27-TNN

Location: Multiple locations

Location: Multiple locations
United States

Application Deadline:

Monday, November 16, 2026

About the Office

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.

Job Description

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.

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.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

$161,590 - $209,600 per year

Number of Positions

Multiple

Travel

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Relocation Expenses

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