Introduction
The road to becoming an immigration lawyer is a long and arduous one with many challenges to face. But for those who are ready for the challenge, it is also highly rewarding. With changes to U.S. immigration laws and policies coming fast and frequent, many wonder what it takes to be a good immigration attorney and assist their clients through these trying times. The process to become an immigration attorney includes many steps, from choosing an undergraduate major to taking the bar exam in order to practice law.
Earn Your Bachelor's Degree
Choosing to become an immigration lawyer can be a confusing process with many options. The author feels that political science or sociology would be a good choice for an undergraduate major for future immigration lawyers, because of the connection to immigration law and the legal systems that affect people affected by immigration policies. The ability to write well and to analyze information is crucial to prepare for law school and to represent clients who are helpless and voiceless. A good GPA can give you many opportunities and demonstrate your commitment to become an immigration lawyer and to fight for justice in the field of immigration law. Debating and student government can help you to develop leadership skills, which are necessary as an advocate.
Take the LSAT
The time will come when you complete your undergraduate degree and you will be left wondering how in the world you can continue on to law school. In addition to applying to the various law schools that interest you, aspiring lawyers must also take the LSAT or Law School Admission Test in order to prove their reading, logical abilities and overall critical thinking skills.
Preparing for your LSAT test can be a very stressful experience for many students. However, by starting to get ready to take the test in 3-6 months, you can greatly help yourself to succeed on the test. The official test for the LSAT as well as taking many practice tests will help prepare you for the test. Also, look into purchasing a prep course to give yourself an edge.
Try to shoot for a score above the average admitted student at the law schools you’re considering. With hard work and preparation for the test, I’m confident I can reach my potential.
Select a Law School for Your JD
Selecting the right law school can be a very long and strenuous process. For people trying to locate the optimal law school for studying immigration law and later becoming an immigration lawyer, there are many schools with various programs. The student should search for schools with excellent immigration law programs, which will give him or her the best chance to get practical experience in the field. Studying under the guidance of the school’s faculty, who are also experts in the field of immigration law, would be ideal.
Attending law fairs and asking current students and alumni from different law schools for advice about their law school and how much support you will receive to help you achieve your goals are also really good ideas.
Apply to a load of different schools - some that you think would be a real stretch for you, some that you think would be really good for you and some that you think would be safe choices for you. Typically, you will find that one law school is better for you than the others and will help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Pass the Bar Exam
The Bar Exam is one of the biggest challenges to prepare for when trying to become an attorney. It can be very stressful and often the test requirements can vary from state to state. If you have enough time to prepare for the test with adequate study then you will find that you are ready to take the test in order to get your license to practice law. There are many different bar review courses as well as lots of study materials available for the test. In addition to the review courses there are also many study groups for people taking the same test as you.
Information pertaining to the character and conduct requirements of applicants for admission with prior crimes, drug abuse, or other types of illness or misconduct for applicants seeking to take the bar exam in North Carolina and Florida will be detailed in the lengthy questionnaire. In addition to other requirements to become a licensed attorney, most states require candidates to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) testing the candidate’s knowledge of several major ethics topics. Organizing the study materials for the bar exam and keeping track of progress to adjust study accordingly is also critical to a candidate’s success.
Keeping a healthy body and mind while studying for the bar is crucial for learning. It’s not enough to read all the required materials for the bar exam; one also needs to schedule time for rest and for other activities that can bring relaxation and help prevent burnout. The NextGen Bar Exam is scheduled to roll out in Florida and North Carolina in 2028, and passing the bar is a major step in becoming licensed to practice law. Additionally, it is helpful to study to become an immigration lawyer and learn about all of the other ways that one can get involved in issues of immigration in the U.S.
Gain Practical Experience
One of the hardest things to get experience in is immigration law. One way to search for these opportunities is to look for internships or even clerkships at an immigration law firm or other organization that works with immigrants. Law schools also have many clinics that deal with immigration cases and allow students to practice law under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
Volunteering with an organization that works with immigrants is also a great way to gain experience and meet other people who are just as passionate about migration laws and the clients that need them as you are. As mentioned before, gaining real world experience in order to gain more insight into how to be a good immigration lawyer is crucial to becoming a good immigration lawyer.
In order to gain expertise in a particular field of law and have a successful career as an immigration lawyer, gaining experience in immigration law-related internships is essential. Many immigrants can gain valuable insight into the cases of their clients and also gain much needed empathy for their clients’ struggles through tasks such as:
- Client contact
- Document preparation
- Case advocacy
Not only will this type of experience look better on a resume than a summer internship that is full-time for only 10 weeks or so, but it will also make one a much better and more effective attorney. They will also have the sense of purpose that comes with helping others.
Many statistics and case studies have shown that summer internships not only lead to full-time jobs but also to valuable mentorship. For example, one intern from a legal clinic worked on several different cases involving his clients’ immigration status. Not only did he improve his legal skills, but he was also able to make a positive impact on his clients’ lives.
Participate in Continuing Legal Education
Stay up-to-date on the constantly changing laws that regulate immigration to the U.S. and also stay up-to-date on the constantly changing CLE requirements for all of the states in which a lawyer is licensed to practice. For example, in order to become an applicant for immigration bar membership, a lawyer must have obtained 44 CLE hours in programs relating to immigration law within the 4 years prior to application. Thus, for example, 400 CLE hours in immigration law programs for any one year within the 5 years prior to application would also satisfy the requirements for becoming an immigration bar applicant. To practice immigration law on a regular basis, a lawyer must provide evidence that he or she practices at least 700 hours of immigration related law every year for the past 5 years. Workshops and webinars on a variety of topics related to the regulations on migration to the U.S. are a great way to get information on current issues as well as to find out about the latest policy developments in the laws affecting immigrants.
I receive great value from professional organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). AILA members can take up to 10 free CLE programs per year. Right now for example, they are offering a number of free CLE programs including a CLE program on Migration Law & Criminal Matters set for January 15, 2013. This CLE program will provide attendees with an overview of the key laws in the area of Migration Law & Criminal Matters and assist attendees in becoming more competent in handling similar cases.
Stay up to date on the constantly changing laws of immigration in order to best serve your clients’ needs and argue their rights.
Conclusion
For those interested in pursuing a career as an immigration lawyer, be prepared for many challenges as you make your way down this path. In order to become an immigration lawyer, one must first attain a Bachelor’s degree, typically in a related field, then prepare for the LSAT to gain acceptance into law school.
The path to becoming an immigration lawyer can be difficult, but in the end, it can be a very fulfilling career for those that have the drive to complete it. Yes, there is more to getting into law school than being able to pick a major that fits your goals for attending law school and then preparing for the LSAT, but these points will give future lawyers a good place to start in their search for a degree in law that will enable them to practice within the US immigration laws and advocate before US immigration agencies on behalf of immigrants.
While the many steps to reach the career of an immigration lawyer can be challenging, each step to reaching this career is worth it because of the great amount of good that can be done to change someone’s life for the better in order to assist in advocating for immigrants within the US legal system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I major in to become an immigration lawyer?
Political science or sociology are recommended undergraduate majors for future immigration lawyers due to their connection to immigration law and the legal systems affecting immigration policies.
Why is a good GPA important for aspiring immigration lawyers?
A good GPA demonstrates commitment and can provide many opportunities, which is essential for those looking to become immigration lawyers and advocate for justice in the field.
How can extracurricular activities help in becoming an immigration lawyer?
Participating in debating and student government can help develop leadership skills, which are necessary for effective advocacy as an immigration lawyer.
What is the LSAT and why is it important?
The LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is a standardized test that assesses reading, logical abilities, and critical thinking skills, which are crucial for admission to law school.
How should I prepare for the LSAT?
It is advisable to start preparing for the LSAT 3-6 months in advance by taking practice tests, utilizing official test materials, and considering a prep course to enhance your chances of success.
What LSAT score should I aim for?
Aim for a score above the average of admitted students at the law schools you are considering to improve your chances of acceptance.
List of Sources
- Earn Your Bachelor's Degree
- Your Guide to Becoming an Immigration Lawyer (https://barbri.com/resources/your-guide-to-becoming-an-immigration-lawyer)
- How to Become an Immigration Lawyer: Guide for 2025 (https://8am.com/blog/how-to-become-an-immigration-lawyer)
- How to Become an Immigration Lawyer - Legal Talk Network (https://legaltalknetwork.com/blog/2024/08/how-to-become-an-immigration-lawyer)
- Best Undergrad Majors for Law School | McMillan Education (https://mcmillaneducation.com/blog/best-undergrad-for-law-school)
- Legal Education (https://americanbar.org/news/profile-legal-profession/legal-education)
- Take the LSAT
- 5 Reasons to Strive for a 170+ LSAT Score | LSAT Study Blog - Blueprint Prep (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/lsat/5-reasons-to-strive-for-a-170-lsat-score)
- What the LSAT Is and How to Prepare (https://usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/what-the-lsat-is-and-how-to-prepare)
- What’s a Good LSAT Score? (https://law.onu.edu/news/whats-good-lsat-score)
- A smarter approach to LSAT prep: Expert tips, student success strategies (https://nationaljurist.com/a-smarter-approach-to-lsat-prep-expert-tips-student-success-strategies)
- What Is a Good LSAT Score? (https://usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/articles/what-is-a-good-lsat-score)
- Select a Law School for Your JD
- How to Pick a Law School for an Immigration Law Career (https://usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/articles/how-to-pick-a-law-school-for-an-immigration-law-career)
- The Best Law Schools in America (https://usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools)
- 2026 Law School Rankings Based on Real Applicant Decisions - LSD.Law (https://lsd.law/law-school-rankings)
- U.S. News: How to Pick a Law School for an Immigration Law Career (https://fragomen.com/insights/us-news-how-to-pick-a-law-school-for-an-immigration-law-career.html)
- Pass the Bar Exam
- How International Lawyers Qualify for the U.S. Bar : University of Dayton, Ohio (https://udayton.edu/law/online-llm/articles/international-lawyers-qualify-bar-exam-practice-in-us.php)
- Bar Exam Tips, Study Plans, and Practice – Kaplan Test Prep (https://kaptest.com/study/bar?srsltid=AU7gw4VBs5mecsCupDacza_1aNVDC6Q84kjeZdaGsfZ1sHAz_QmlyL-E)
- Research Guides: Bar Exam Resources - Bar Admission Requirements by State: Summary of Bar Admission Requirements by State (https://guides.libraries.emory.edu/c.php?g=1341126&p=9886809)
- I passed the bar. Here’s how you can too (https://nationaljurist.com/i-passed-the-bar-heres-how-you-can-too)
- Your Guide to Becoming an Immigration Lawyer (https://barbri.com/resources/your-guide-to-becoming-an-immigration-lawyer)
- Gain Practical Experience
- Internships at the National Immigration Law Center (https://nilc.org/about-us/internships)
- Legal Internships - Ayuda (https://ayuda.com/internships/legal-internships)
- Now Hiring: 600 Immigration Legal Intern Jobs | Indeed (https://indeed.com/q-immigration-legal-intern-jobs.html)
- The Power of Internships for Aspiring Immigration Lawyers (https://novo-legal.com/en/blog/the-power-of-internships-for-aspiring-immigration-lawyers)
- Career Opportunities & Internships in Immigrant Justice (https://immigrantjustice.org/about-nijc/careers-internships)
- Participate in Continuing Legal Education
- Immigration Law | North Carolina State Bar (https://ncbar.gov/for-lawyers/bar-programs/legal-specialization/certification-standard-summaries/immigration-law)
- CLE Center (https://aila.org/cle-center)
- CLE: Continuing Legal Education for Immigration Attorneys in New York (https://guadagno-immigration.com/speaking-appearances-and-articles)
- MMHPC Lawyers Present Continuing Legal Education Program on Immigration and Criminal Law (https://mmhpc.com/mmhpc-attorneys-provide-cle-event-on-immigration-law-criminal-matters)
- Events (https://nipnlg.org/events)
