Customs and immigration

This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in the areas of customs and immigration.

• What is customs and immigration?
• How do I get into it?
• Finding a job or employer in this sector
• Further information and useful links

What is customs and immigration?

UK Customs & Excise is a government department with responsibility for collecting billions of pounds in revenue each year in VAT, other taxes and customs duties. They also have a front-line role in protecting society from illegal imports of drugs, alcohol and tobacco smuggling and tax fraud. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the sole employer for these roles. If someone is a returning UK citizen, a visitor to the UK, someone wishing to remain or settle in the UK or an asylum seeker, they will come into contact with IND. Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following degree subjects may improve your chances:

• modern European languages;
• modern non-European languages.

• Prospects
  Prospects is a graduate careers website with job profiles, including immigration officer - passport control.
• Target jobs: Local and central government
  Target jobs is a graduate careers website with information on the following sector profiles:
• Careers in the Home Office

How do I get into it?

• Civil Service Recruitment Gateway
• The Border and Immigration Agency: Working for us
  The Border and Immigration Agency (part of the Home Office) manage immigration in the interests of Britain's security, economic growth and social stability. 

Finding a job or employer in this sector

• HM Customs and Excise: Jobs
  This site provides a recruitment pack for entry into HM customs and excise. It also provides information on the work of customs and excise, its aims and objectives, case studies and career progression. 
• Fast Stream Graduate Recruitment
  The fast stream covers all major government departments except the Diplomatic Service. Candidates are placed with a parent department and have a chance to visit before the final placement decision is made. Working at the very heart of government - close to the big decisions - successful candidates can expect close contact with ministers and parliament.

Further Information and useful links

Customs and excise

• Civil Service
• HM Customs and Excise
• World Customs Organisation
  An independent governmental body, who aim to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administration.
• The Electronic Immigration Network
  A voluntary sector organisation specialising in the provision of information on immigration and refugee law via the Internet, particularly in the United Kingdom and Europe.
• The Immigration Advisory Service
  A charity with over thirty years' experience. It has branches located throughout the UK and participates in the Community Legal Service scheme. 
• The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)
  OISC is an independent public body set up under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999