• Paralegal Careers by Specialty
• Paralegal Programs by State

Becoming an Immigration Paralegal

Becoming a immigration paralegal does not require a degree or official license. However, obtaining an associates degree in paralegal studies or a paralegal certification would provide the training to make a candidate much more competitive in the job market. Certification programs are shorter and more intensive than an associates degree, and may require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, but not all programs require more than a high school degree. Additional training in immigration law is also available to gain a head start into this specialty.

Job Descriptions and Duties of an Immigration Paralegal

Paralegals must work under the supervision of an attorney, but they complete more and more work that was traditionally done by attorneys because it is more cost effective to delegate it to them. Furthermore, as a paralegal becomes more experienced in their field, they may take on more complex tasks.

Immigration paralegals usually work for government agencies, or for firms that focus on immigration law. An immigration paralegal works with immigration attorneys in the process of helping clients through the citizenship process or in deportation proceedings. Duties may include obtaining foreign documents, translation, obtaining visas, researching, summarizing cases, updating clients of progress, answering their questions, or preparing paperwork. Knowledge of other cultures or a second language is beneficial in this specialization, and some familiarity with immigration law will be needed.

Salary and Job Outlook for Immigration Paralegals

A paralegal’s salary can depend on their field of specialty, years of experience, region, and employer. According to indeed.com, immigration paralegals on average earn $49,000 per year. According to Legal Assistant Today, the average overall paralegal salary in 2007 was $52,979, which was a 3.7% increase for the year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the use of paralegals in the legal profession is continually increasing because it is cost-effective. Furthermore, demand for paralegals in certain specialties, such as immigration, is expected to increase as the population increases.

Online Paralegal Programs

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Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Kaplan University School of Legal Studies is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the NFPA and NALA. In addition to meeting the NFPA and NALA work experience requirements, graduates of the Kaplan University paralegal programs will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam. Request no obligation information from these paralegal programs today.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Legal Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies

Herzing University Online: Herzing University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. Graduates of the AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant and Certified Paralegal exams administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal
BS in Legal Studies

Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation. Colorado Technical University paralegal programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam, with the required work experience.

A.S. Paralegal Studies

George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today.

Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Everest University Online: The Everest College Online paralegal associate and bachelor degree programs are widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Everest College, formerly known as Florida Metropolitan University, ranked in the top 100 paralegal schools by www.paralegal100.com. Everest College Online is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which with the required work experience, makes graduates eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam.

Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

South University: South University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The University is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

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