Immigration Law

The University of Virginia offers a comprehensive and rigorous program in Immigration Law designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the legal frameworks governing immigration policies and procedures in the United States. This program provides a multidisciplinary approach, integrating legal theory, practical skills, and policy analysis to prepare graduates for careers in immigration law, public service, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private practice. Students will explore a wide array of topics, including visa regulations, asylum and refugee law, deportation and removal proceedings, citizenship and naturalization processes, and the legal rights of immigrants.

The curriculum emphasizes both domestic and international perspectives on immigration, encouraging students to critically analyze current issues and develop innovative solutions. Through coursework, clinics, internships, and moot court competitions, participants will gain hands-on experience in immigration casework, policy advocacy, and legal research. Faculty members, who are experts in immigration law and related fields, guide students in understanding complex legal challenges and ethical considerations involved in representing immigrant populations.

In addition to foundational courses, students can select specialized electives in areas such as human trafficking, immigration enforcement, and immigration reform. The program also promotes interdisciplinary learning by collaborating with departments such as Public Policy, Sociology, and International Studies. Graduates from this program will be well-prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of immigration law and to contribute meaningfully to societal integration and justice. The University of Virginia’s Immigration Law program emphasizes rigorous academic training, practical skill development, and a commitment to social justice, enabling students to become effective advocates and policymakers in a rapidly changing global context.

In addition to the core Immigration Law course that is taught every year, the program frequently offers advanced courses, including Refugee Law and Policy, Citizenship and Group Identity, and other related seminars. Students who want hands-on experience in working with immigrant clients can take the Immigration Law Clinic, which is also offered annually.

The following is a list of courses offered during the current and two previous academic years. Numbers in parentheses indicate which academic year(s) the courses were offered, i.e., 2013-14 is coded (14), 2014-15 is coded (15) and 2015-16 is coded (16).

CORE COURSES

• Immigration Enforcement (14) 
• Immigration Law (14,15,16)

RELATED COURSES

• Administrative Law (14,15,16)
• Antiterrorism, Law and the Role of Intelligence (14,15,16)
• Foreign Relations Law (14,15,16)
• International Human Rights Law (14,15)
• International Human Rights Law Clinic (14,16)
• International Human Rights Litigation (16) 
• International Law (14,15,16)
• International Law and International Relations (14,15)
• Labor Law (15,16)
• Legislation (14,15,16)
• National Security Law (14,15,16)
• Presidential Powers (14,15)
• Race and Law (14,15,16)

• LL.M. application, completed and submitted electronically through LSAC along with required attachments and optional forms;
• U.S. $80 application fee paid directly to LSAC;
• Official, school-certified transcripts of grades or marks from all colleges, universities, exchange programs and professional/graduate schools you have attended, even if you did not graduate. These should be submitted directly to LSAC in envelopes sealed by the appropriate school official, who then signs or stamps across the seal. Do not send documents certified by people other than school officials.
• Official, school-certified proof of degree document, if proof of degree does not appear on transcript. This document should be sent directly to LSAC in an envelope sealed by the appropriate school official, who then signs or stamps across the seal. Please do not send documents certified by people other than school officials.
• An official statement of class rank from the institution at which you earned or will earn your first degree in law. These should be submitted directly to LSAC in envelopes sealed by the appropriate school official who then signs or stamps across the seal. If such rankings are not provided by your school, provide a statement to this effect along with a detailed explanation of the grading system employed and a self-evaluation of your performance within that system. 
• An official TOEFL, or IELTS score report submitted to LSAC or to UVA.
• At least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation, sent to LSAC for processing.  Please follow the instructions provided in your LSAC.org account.

Scholarships

If you receive a financial aid grant, it will not cover your tuition and living expenses. Generally, our financial aid grants, when given, cover less than one-third of the cost of tuition. University regulations do not permit “waivers” of tuition. We cannot provide assistance for all deserving applicants, and funds must be allocated on the basis of comparative merit and financial need. Most students must therefore expect to meet their expenses from other sources. Applicants from abroad are encouraged to contact the educational attaché at the U.S. Embassy or consulate in their home country for assistance that may be available under the Fulbright or similar programs.

The Law School does not offer financial aid to S.J.D. students.

Applicants requesting financial aid should provide detailed and accurate information regarding their finances and, where applicable, the finances of their spouses or parents. In calculating the amount of financial aid to be requested, it is important to distinguish “wants” from “needs” and to apply only for that amount of aid that is actually needed to attend the Law School. Requests for full or nearly full funding cannot be met and will disadvantage the applicant relative to others in determining the allocation of scholarship funds.

Any award of financial aid from the School of Law is tentative. If you receive an outside award, you are required to notify the Graduate Program of any changes in your financial situation. Any award from the University of Virginia may be reduced or withdrawn completely due to a change in your financial situation.

The employment status of foreign students is closely regulated by U.S. immigration laws. Students with F-1 status may seek limited employment on campus under certain conditions and with the approval of the chair of the Graduate Program Committee. In any case, Law School policy prohibits employment of more than 20 hours per week. The Law School does not have teaching fellowships. Some students may be able to receive limited compensation as research assistants for individual faculty members or from working in the law library. These positions are not available through the Graduate Studies Office but must be individually arranged after the student has completed registration at the Law School.

Admissions decisions are made without regard to requests for financial assistance. Awards are generally made only after an applicant has responded with interest to an offer of admission.

The University of Virginia offers a comprehensive program in Immigration Law designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex immigration policies and legal procedures. The program covers a broad array of topics including immigration statutes, administrative procedures, asylum law, removal proceedings, and the rights of non-citizens. Students engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, often participating in clinics, internships, and moot court exercises that simulate real-world immigration cases. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking and advocacy skills, preparing graduates for careers in legal practice, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or international bodies focused on immigration issues. UVA’s faculty comprises distinguished legal scholars and experienced practitioners who offer mentorship and insights into current challenges in immigration law. Additionally, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from history, policy analysis, and human rights to provide a well-rounded understanding of immigration issues globally and domestically. Students also have access to extensive resources, such as specialized legal databases, libraries, and networks of alumni working in immigration law fields. Upon completion, graduates are well-positioned to influence policy reforms, represent clients effectively, and contribute meaningfully to discussions on immigration reform and justice. Whether pursuing further academic research or beginning professional practice, students gain a solid foundation that promotes both legal expertise and compassionate advocacy. This program underscores UVA’s commitment to social justice and equal treatment under the law, encouraging graduates to serve vulnerable populations and promote fair immigration policies.