For the first time in five years there is the opportunity to apply to become a fee-paid immigration and asylum judge in the First-tier Tribunal, through a selection exercise launched by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) today.

This is also the first time Institute of Legal Executives Fellows can apply for these roles, following the implementation of the Tribunal Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. This Act widened the eligibility for some judicial posts.

In the last selection exercise for fee-paid immigration judge positions, run in 2005/06 under different processes by the then Department of Constitutional Affairs, solicitors were under-represented.

The JAC welcomes applications from good candidates whatever their legal background. We have statutory duties to encourage diversity in the range of candidates available for selection and to select solely on merit.

Those selected, will preside over first instance appeals against immigration and asylum decisions made by the Government, through oral or paper-based hearings. They are expected to dedicate approximately 30 days per year to the role, which includes a minimum of 15 days of sitting. 

There are 18 immediate vacancies in London Hatton Cross (14), Newport (2), Birmingham (1) and Bradford (1).  In addition, a further 18 candidates will be recommended to be held on a list to fill future anticipated vacancies as they arise.