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Life As an Immigration and Customs Inspector
Position Description 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.
Immigration & Customs Inspector Responsibilities
- Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
- Investigate applications for duty refunds and petition for remission or mitigation of penalties when warranted.
- Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
- Institute civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of those in violation of immigration or customs laws.
- Determine duty and taxes to be paid on goods.
- Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
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Skills Needed to be an Immigration & Customs Inspector
These are the skills Immigration and Customs Inspectors say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Duty Officer
- Import Specialist
- Border Patrol Officer
- Supervisory Customs and Border Protection Officer, Port Director
- Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO)
Job Opportunities for Immigration and Customs Inspectors
In the United States, there were 110,900 jobs for Immigration and Customs Inspector in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Immigration and Customs Inspector by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,500 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Immigration & Customs Inspector are Nevada, Utah, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Immigration & Customs Inspector Salary
The salary for Immigration and Customs Inspectors ranges between about $43,800 and $138,860 a year.
Immigration and Customs Inspectors who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Immigration and Customs Inspectors make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,750 |
| Alaska | $118,360 |
| Arizona | $81,810 |
| Arkansas | $60,340 |
| California | $107,120 |
| Colorado | $87,280 |
| Connecticut | $90,470 |
| Delaware | $89,930 |
| District of Columbia | $122,460 |
| Florida | $76,560 |
| Georgia | $66,430 |
| Hawaii | $107,010 |
| Idaho | $73,510 |
| Illinois | $87,470 |
| Indiana | $75,150 |
| Iowa | $73,320 |
| Kansas | $62,260 |
| Kentucky | $71,300 |
| Louisiana | $65,090 |
| Maine | $70,620 |
| Maryland | $102,370 |
| Massachusetts | $101,800 |
| Michigan | $86,580 |
| Minnesota | $76,640 |
| Mississippi | $64,150 |
| Missouri | $70,860 |
| Montana | $81,210 |
| Nebraska | $73,480 |
| Nevada | $87,680 |
| New Hampshire | $80,370 |
| New Jersey | $102,600 |
| New Mexico | $77,890 |
| New York | $91,250 |
| North Carolina | $60,810 |
| North Dakota | $84,340 |
| Ohio | $75,310 |
| Oklahoma | $66,130 |
| Oregon | $93,840 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,730 |
| Rhode Island | $86,580 |
| South Carolina | $60,420 |
| South Dakota | $72,050 |
| Tennessee | $71,940 |
| Texas | $79,950 |
| Utah | $80,840 |
| Vermont | $83,060 |
| Virginia | $98,850 |
| Washington | $85,440 |
| West Virginia | $86,340 |
| Wisconsin | $76,590 |
| Wyoming | $81,750 |
What Tools do Immigration and Customs Inspectors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Immigration and Customs Inspectors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- SAP
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- National Crime Information Center NCIC database
- Law enforcement information databases
- Treasury Enforcement Communications System TECS
How to Become an Immigration & Customs Inspector
Are there Immigration and Customs Inspectors education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become an Immigration & Customs Inspector?
Where Immigration and Customs Inspectors Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Immigration and Customs Inspectors work:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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