Immigration officer : Training

All new recruits to the UK Border Agency (UKBA)  undergo an initial period of specialist training lasting nine weeks in total. The initial classroom-based training programme takes nearly five weeks, and is followed by an operational coaching period of four weeks. Candidates will need to be available for the duration of this training period. Training courses are held at Status Park (Heathrow), Gatwick, Stansted, and in the Dover area and Manchester. Training includes classroom and practical work and site visits.

The training period supports the development of a wide range of skills and knowledge, including:

• immigration legislation;
• customer care;
• professional practice;
• interviewing;
• report writing.

New immigration officers are also provided with support through mentoring offered by more senior staff.

At the end of the initial training period, new entrants begin their first posting with intensive support from colleagues. The major ports and centres of employment have a team dedicated to continuous training. Practice varies in smaller teams.

The Agency also offers assistance for further job-related training specific to your role or specialist area. This may include the development of language skills.