Immigration officer

By MARK STORY

Name: Talei Williams

Position: Immigration officer

Employer: New Zealand Immigration Service

Age: 27

Q. Job description?

A. An immigration officer controls the entry of people from other countries into New Zealand, and administers visas and residency applications, according to laws and policies. As part of the temporary stays (students, visitors, temporary workers) section, I meet with applicants to establish whether they fit within pre-determined criteria.


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Q. Why did you choose this line of work?

A. Favourable comments from my sister, who was also working as an immigration officer, attracted me to this occupation. After working with youth in a previous job, the prospect of dealing with people from diverse cultures was a welcome opportunity.
What formal qualifications and skills do you need to be an immigration officer?
University entrance is a minimum entry point, but a degree is preferred. Good English is essential and other languages are desirable.


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Q. Best part of the job?

A. The most enjoyable aspect is what I learn through human interaction with such a vast range of cultures.


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Q. Most challenging/difficult part of the job?

A. Dealing with people whose English language is limited can be mind-blowing for new officers. But eventually you pick up on how different cultures react to your questions.
Knowing that the decisions you make will affect applicants and their family can be tough.


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Q. How does it rate in the pay stakes?

A. Depending on delegations, officers can progress from $35,000 up to $52,000 on grade four. There are no benefits like healthcare or superannuation.

Q. Any interesting assignments?

A. I was assigned the role as designated caregiver in the Far North. That means processing seasonal work permits for predominantly South American fruit-pickers.


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Q. What career opportunities does this business offer?

A. Immigration officers can progress through a four-banded career ladder. Promotion and remuneration is based primarily on delegations that each job requires. Officers can move between branches including permanent residence, border investigations, call-centre and refugee status.


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Q. Any career aspirations?

A. I'd like to progress to an overseas secondment at one of our 10 offices offshore. Instead of dealing with people who are already here, this would be an opportunity to assess a person's entry criteria for the first time. My destination of choice would be Beijing, China.


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Q. Any memorable incidents?

A. A Korean artist with limited English language ability used a series of beautifully crafted illustrations to explain why his permit had expired. A refugee applicant once told me to **** off back to Samoa.


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Q. What's a typical week for you?

A. A standard 40-hour week is 7am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Some overtime is available.


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Q. What are the essential qualities to success in this job?

A. Patience, compassion, intuition, good communication skills, and tolerance of other cultures are a must - as is the ability to shrug off occasional confrontations.