Top 10 Immigration Attorney Certifications

Certifications are important for an immigration attorney in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge in the field. A certification indicates that the attorney has completed a rigorous course of study, passed exams, and obtained necessary licenses or certifications to practice law within their jurisdiction. Attorneys with certifications can be more desirable to potential employers due to their demonstrated commitment to professional excellence and their ability to handle complex immigration cases. Certifications also provide assurance to clients that they will receive knowledgeable, ethical legal advice from a qualified professional.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Immigration Attorneys, and how they can contribute to career advancement and success.

What are Immigration Attorney Certifications?

Immigration attorney certification is a process by which an immigration attorney can demonstrate their expertise in the field of immigration law. This certification is provided by organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association, or AILA. To become certified, an attorney must complete a rigorous application process and pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of U.S. immigration law.

Having this certification is beneficial to both clients and attorneys alike, as it helps to ensure that attorneys are providing the highest level of service to those they represent. For clients, having an immigration lawyer who has been certified ensures that they are receiving quality representation from someone who has proven their knowledge and understanding of immigration law. For attorneys, having this certification provides them with credibility in the legal community and demonstrates to potential clients that they are well-versed in immigration matters. Additionally, it may help them stand out among other attorneys when seeking job opportunities or promotions within their firm or organization.

Pro Tip: When considering an immigration attorney for certification, make sure to look for credentials such as an accredited lawyer or a certified specialist in immigration law. Additionally, research the attorney's experience and reputation to ensure they can provide quality legal representation.

Related: What does an Immigration Attorney do?

Top 10 Immigration Attorney Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Immigration Attorneys today.

1. American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a voluntary bar association of attorneys who practice and teach immigration law. AILA members represent and advise individual immigrants, families, employers, and other entities in all types of immigration matters. AILA also works to protect the rights of immigrants through advocacy efforts at the local, state, federal, and international levels.

It does not take any specific amount of time to become an AILA member. To become a member of AILA, one must be an attorney who is admitted to practice in the United States or its territories. Attorneys must also have experience in immigration law or have taken at least six hours of continuing legal education classes on immigration topics within the past three years. Additionally, applicants must submit a completed application form along with their membership dues payment.

The cost of joining AILA varies depending on the type of membership chosen. The basic membership fee is $395 per year for attorneys who are practicing less than five years; $495 per year for those practicing five or more years; and $295 per year for non-practicing attorneys who wish to remain informed about immigration law developments. There are additional fees for special memberships such as student memberships ($50) and retired memberships ($95).

2. National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild (NIPNLG)

The National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild (NIPNLG) is a nonprofit organization that provides legal assistance to immigrants and advocates for immigrant rights. It was founded in 1979 and works to ensure that all immigrants have access to justice, regardless of their immigration status.

The NIPNLG offers free legal services, including advice and representation, to individuals facing deportation or other immigration-related issues. They also provide support for community-based organizations working on immigrant rights issues. The NIPNLG also engages in policy advocacy at the state and federal levels, as well as litigation when necessary.

It does not take any time to get involved with the NIPNLG. Anyone interested in advocating for immigrant rights can join the organization by visiting their website and signing up for their mailing list or volunteering with them. There is no cost associated with joining the NIPNLG or participating in its activities.

3. American Bar Association (ABA)

The American Bar Association (ABA) is a voluntary association of lawyers and law students dedicated to promoting the legal profession, providing continuing legal education, improving the administration of justice, and protecting the public’s right to access quality legal services. The ABA was founded in 1878 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

It does not take any specific amount of time to become an ABA member. To join the ABA, you must be an attorney or law student who is licensed or enrolled in a recognized law school. Once you are eligible for membership, you can apply online or by mail.

The cost of joining the ABA varies depending on your membership type. For instance, a lawyer who is joining as an individual member pays $375 per year while a law student pays only $50 per year. The cost also depends on what additional services you choose to purchase such as publications or discounts on CLE courses.

4. Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)

The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) is an administrative appellate body within the U.S. Department of Justice that reviews decisions issued by immigration judges and certain other types of decisions made by the Department of Homeland Security. The BIA has exclusive jurisdiction to hear appeals from orders of removal, applications for asylum and withholding of removal, and other applications for relief from removal.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to get a decision from the BIA after filing an appeal. The process can take longer if there are delays in obtaining evidence or documents necessary for your case, or if the BIA is backlogged with cases.

To get a decision from the BIA, you must file a Notice of Appeal with the appropriate regional office within 30 days after receiving a decision from an immigration judge or DHS officer. You must also pay a filing fee of $110 in order to have your appeal considered. If you cannot afford this fee, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.

The cost to file an appeal with the BIA is $110, which must be paid at the time you submit your Notice of Appeal. If you cannot afford this fee, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.

5. US Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)

The US Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) is the agency within the Department of Justice responsible for adjudicating immigration cases. It is composed of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO), and the Immigration Courts. The EOIR handles all immigration-related matters before administrative agencies, including asylum claims, deportation proceedings, and appeals from decisions made by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

It typically takes anywhere from a few months to several years to get an immigration decision from EOIR. This timeline depends on a variety of factors such as the complexity of your case, how quickly you submit documents, whether you have representation or not, and how backlogged your local court is.

To get an immigration decision from EOIR, you must first file an application with USCIS or appear in court for a hearing before an Immigration Judge. Depending on your situation, you may also need to attend additional hearings before either USCIS or an Immigration Judge. Once all necessary documents are filed and hearings are held, a decision will be rendered by either USCIS or an Immigration Judge.

The cost for filing applications with USCIS varies depending on the type of application being filed; however, there is no fee associated with appearing in court before an Immigration Judge or filing appeals with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

6. State Bar Associations

State Bar Associations are professional organizations that regulate the practice of law in each state. They are responsible for licensing and disciplining attorneys, setting ethical standards, and providing continuing legal education programs.

To become a member of a State Bar Association, you must first meet certain requirements. This typically includes graduating from an accredited law school, passing the bar exam in your state, and completing any additional requirements set by your state's bar association. Depending on the state, this process can take several months to complete.

The cost of joining a State Bar Association varies depending on the state. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$400 to join a State Bar Association. Some states may charge additional fees for things like continuing legal education programs or other services offered by the bar association.

Once you have become a member of a State Bar Association, you will be required to abide by their rules and regulations as well as their code of ethics. You will also be expected to maintain your membership by paying annual dues and attending continuing legal education courses when necessary.

7. National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ)

The National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ) is a professional organization that serves as an advocate for the immigration judiciary. It was founded in 1985 and is dedicated to promoting fairness, impartiality, and integrity in the immigration court system. The NAIJ works with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to ensure that all immigration judges are provided with the training and resources necessary to perform their duties in a fair and efficient manner.

In order to become a member of NAIJ, you must first be employed by EOIR as an immigration judge. Once you have been hired, you will need to complete an application form which can be found on the NAIJ website. After submitting your application, it typically takes up to two weeks for your membership to be approved.

Membership in NAIJ is free; however, there are some additional costs associated with attending conferences and other events hosted by the organization. Additionally, members may choose to join one of NAIJ’s committees or task forces which may require additional fees or dues.

8. American Academy of Immigration Lawyers (AAIL)

The American Academy of Immigration Lawyers (AAIL) is an association of immigration lawyers from across the United States. It was founded in 1946 and is dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice of immigration law. It provides a forum for members to discuss issues, exchange ideas, and network with colleagues. The AAIL also works to educate the public about immigration law and policy.

To become a member of the AAIL, an individual must have at least five years of experience practicing immigration law or a related field, be licensed to practice law in their jurisdiction, and demonstrate a commitment to professional development and ethical practices. The application process typically takes several weeks or months depending on the applicant’s qualifications.

In order to apply for membership, applicants must submit an online application form along with supporting documents such as proof of licensure, copies of relevant court decisions or other legal documents, and references from current or former clients. Applicants must also submit a non-refundable fee of $250. Once accepted into the program, members are required to pay annual dues which range from $150-$500 depending on their level of experience.

The AAIL offers its members access to educational materials and resources such as webinars, seminars, conferences, publications, and discounts on continuing legal education courses. Additionally, members can take advantage of networking opportunities through local chapters and online forums.

9. International Institute of the American Bar Association (IIABA)

The International Institute of the American Bar Association (IIABA) is an organization that provides professional development, training and networking opportunities for lawyers, law students and legal professionals. It is a global network of legal professionals dedicated to advancing the rule of law and promoting justice through collaboration and education.

The IIABA offers a variety of programs and activities to help members develop their knowledge, skills, and expertise in international law. These include conferences, seminars, webinars, workshops, publications, online resources and more. The IIABA also provides access to a network of international lawyers who can provide advice on legal issues related to international business transactions.

To become a member of the IIABA you must be an attorney or law student in good standing with your local bar association. Membership is free for attorneys and law students; however there are fees associated with some events or activities hosted by the IIABA.

It typically takes about one week to become a member once you have submitted your application form. Once you have been accepted as a member, you will be able to access all the benefits offered by the IIABA including discounts on events, access to publications and other resources, networking opportunities with other members as well as invitations to exclusive events hosted by the organization.

The cost of membership depends on what type of membership you choose; there are three levels available: basic ($25/year), premium ($50/year) or elite ($100/year). Each level includes different benefits such as discounts on events or access to additional resources.

10. National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBLSC)

The National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBLSC) is a nonprofit organization that provides voluntary certification for attorneys in the United States. The NBLSC was established in 1987 to help consumers identify attorneys who have achieved a high level of expertise and specialization in specific areas of law.

To become certified, an attorney must demonstrate substantial involvement in the practice area they wish to specialize in, pass an examination on that specialty, and fulfill other requirements determined by the NBLSC. The process typically takes six months to one year from start to finish.

To get started, an attorney must first submit an application to the NBLSC along with a fee ranging from $1,000 - $2,000 depending on the specialty. Once accepted into the program, the attorney will be required to take a written exam and complete additional requirements such as submitting references and attending continuing education courses related to their specialty area.

Once all requirements are met and passed, the attorney will receive their certification from the NBLSC which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

Do You Really Need a Immigration Attorney Certificate?

No, you do not need an immigration attorney certificate in order to practice immigration law. Immigration law is a complex field and requires extensive knowledge, but it can be learned without obtaining a certificate from an immigration attorney. In fact, many people learn the basics of immigration law on their own and become proficient enough in the field to provide assistance to those seeking help with their immigration status.

However, it is important to understand that there are certain aspects of immigration law that require specialized training and expertise. For example, understanding how to apply for visas or handle deportation proceedings is not something that can be learned without experience or guidance from a professional. Therefore, if you are serious about providing legal services related to immigration status, it is highly recommended that you obtain an immigration attorney certificate from a qualified institution or program.

The benefits of obtaining an immigration attorney certificate include access to additional resources such as legal databases and research materials, as well as networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. Additionally, many employers will look more favorably upon applicants who have obtained a certificate in this area due to its rigorous training requirements.

In conclusion, while it is possible to practice some aspects of immigration law without obtaining an attorney certificate, having one can give you additional advantages that could prove beneficial when dealing with complex cases.

Related: Immigration Attorney Resume Examples

FAQs About Immigration Attorney Certifications

Q1. What is an immigration attorney certification?

A1. An immigration attorney certification is a voluntary credential awarded to attorneys who have met certain educational and professional requirements in the field of immigration law. To become certified, an attorney must demonstrate knowledge and experience in the area of immigration law by passing a comprehensive exam.

Q2. How do I know if my immigration attorney is certified?

A2. You can find out if your attorney is certified by asking them directly or checking with the relevant state bar association or other certifying body for more information. Additionally, many attorneys include their credentials on their website or business card.

Q3. What are the benefits of hiring a certified immigration attorney?

A3. Certified immigration attorneys have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the area of immigration law and are held to higher standards than non-certified attorneys. Hiring a certified lawyer can give you peace of mind that your case will be handled professionally and ethically, as well as provide access to additional resources that may be beneficial in achieving your desired outcome.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as an immigration attorney?

A4: The time required to become certified as an immigration lawyer varies depending on the jurisdiction, but typically involves completing a minimum number of hours in continuing legal education (CLE) courses related to immigration law, passing a comprehensive written examination, and maintaining good standing with the relevant state bar associations or other certifying bodies throughout one’s legal career.

Q5: Is there any difference between being licensed and certified as an immigration attorney?

A5: Yes - while both require passing exams administered by relevant authorities, licensing simply allows you to practice within a particular jurisdiction while certification recognizes expertise beyond basic qualifications for practicing within that jurisdiction.