This introductory course provides students with a foundational understanding of the U.S. immigration system and the role of legal professionals who support immigrant communities. Students will explore the structure and purpose of immigration law, the major government agencies involved (USCIS, ICE, CBP, EOIR, DOS), and the distinction between immigrant and non-immigrant categories.
This course introduces students to the major categories of immigration status in the United States and how they shape an individual’s rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for benefits. Students will explore the distinctions between immigrant and non-immigrant classifications, permanent residency (green card holders), naturalization, and common temporary visa categories such as student, work, and visitor visas.
This course provides students with hands-on training in completing and managing the most common U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms used in family-based, employment-based, and naturalization cases. Students will learn the structure of immigration applications, supporting documentation requirements, and how to follow official USCIS instructions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
This course trains students in the essential skills of conducting professional client intake and managing legal case files in an immigration practice setting. Students will learn how to gather accurate biographical and supporting information, create document checklists, and maintain organized client records that meet professional and legal standards.
This course provides students with the tools and knowledge needed to monitor immigration cases and manage critical filing deadlines. Students will learn how to interpret and respond to USCIS receipt notices, biometrics appointments, and Requests for Evidence (RFEs). The course also introduces case tracking portals, service request procedures, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
This course introduces students to the humanitarian pathways available under U.S. immigration law for individuals seeking protection or relief. Students will learn the purpose, eligibility requirements, and application processes for asylum, refugee status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and special visas such as the U visa (victims of crime), T visa (victims of trafficking), and protections under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of employment- and business-based immigration processes. Students will gain an overview of common nonimmigrant work visas, including H-1B (specialty occupation), L-1 (intra-company transfer), and O-1 (extraordinary ability), as well as pathways to permanent residency through employment-based categories. The course also covers the basics of labor certification (PERM), employer compliance requirements, and Form I-9 employment eligibility verification.
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of immigration court proceedings, with a focus on the assistant’s role in supporting attorneys and accredited representatives. Students will learn how removal (deportation) cases begin, the significance of a Notice to Appear (NTA), and the stages of proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), including Master Calendar Hearings and Individual Hearings.
This course prepares students to work responsibly, ethically, and respectfully in immigration law settings. Students will learn the professional standards expected of immigration assistants, with a focus on confidentiality, accuracy, accountability, and proper boundaries when supporting attorneys and accredited representatives. The course highlights the risks of unauthorized practice of law (UPL) and reinforces the importance of maintaining professional integrity at all times.
This course equips students with the technological tools and research resources essential for supporting immigration law practice. Students will learn how to navigate online government portals, track USCIS cases, submit electronic applications, and access official policy guidance. The course also introduces case management software, digital file systems, and best practices for secure data handling.