How To Become an Immigration and Customs Inspector

How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

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.

Becoming One No degree required Job Satisfaction Job Growth Personality

Interest Match Requirements

Table of Contents

What degree do you need

Recommended degree level

High School Diploma

We did a survey to ask other Immigration and Customs Inspectors what degree they had when they became an Immigration and Customs Inspector. Here are the results.

High School Diploma Bachelor’s Degree College Certificate

One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Immigration and Customs Inspectors or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Immigration and Customs Inspectors what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services
Criminal Justice
Criminalistics and Criminal Science
Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing
Law Enforcement Record-Keeping and Evidence Management

The majority of Immigration and Customs Inspectors typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma. Taking a course on Criminal justice, police science, law enforcement or a related field is an advantage for this occupation.

How hard is it

Difficulty Not Too Hard

You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be an Immigration and Customs Inspector . For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Careers in this difficulty category will usually need 1 or 2 years of on-the-job training and informal training with experienced workers. These careers usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Similar careers include hydroelectric production managers, travel agents, electricians, court reporters, and medical assistants.