Immigration and Customs Inspectors
Immigration and Customs Inspectors investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.
Table of Contents
Job description
Immigration and Customs Inspectors investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.
- Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
- Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
- Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
- Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
Salary
Immigration and Customs Inspectors with little to no experience tend to make between $43800 and $57560 while the more experienced ones can earn over $107000 per year.
Top 5 paying states | Hourly | Annual |
---|---|---|
DC | $59 | $122,460 |
AK | $57 | $118,360 |
CA | $52 | $107,120 |
HI | $51 | $107,010 |
NJ | $49 | $102,600 |
One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as an Immigration and Customs Inspector is to move to a higher paying state like DC. Right now, the highest paying states for Immigration and Customs Inspectors are DC, AK, CA, HI and NJ.
However, a higher pay at DC doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at DC might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.
Three other factors that can increase your salary as an Immigration and Customs Inspector is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.
Requirements
We asked other Immigration and Customs Inspectors what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by a Bachelor’s Degree.
Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.
Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services |
Criminal Justice/Police Science |
Criminalistics and Criminal Science |
Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing |
Law Enforcement Record-Keeping and Evidence Management |
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of being an Immigration and Customs Inspector.
PROS |
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Suitable for people who likes to follow routines |
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment |
This career is perfect for people who love to work both indoors and outdoors. |
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career. |
CONS |
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Not suitable for people who likes to work with designs |
Demand for this career is growing very slowly |
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week) |
What is the job like
70% of Immigration and Customs Inspectors said they were satisfied with their job and 72% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.
Is this right for me
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tends to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas..
They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Learn more about Immigration and Customs Inspectors
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Related career information
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