; and (2) the date on which 3 or more immigration appeals judges have been duly appointed by the President, in accordance with procedures set forth in section 6(c) of this Act and 601(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as added by this Act. (b) Transition period and appointment of interim immigration trial judges (1) Transition period The transition period described in this section shall be the 4-year period beginning on the application date of this Act. (2) Interim immigration trial judges (A) In general Each individual serving as an immigration judge in the Executive Office for Immigration Review on the date that is the day before the application date of this Act shall become an interim immigration trial judge. (B) Authority of interim immigration trial judges Interim immigration judges shall have the authority to exercise all powers of an immigration trial judge as provided in title VI of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ). (C) Term of service An interim immigration trial judge may serve until the transition period has ended and a successor is appointed, or for a period not to exceed 5 years, whichever is shorter. An otherwise qualified interim judge may be appointed as an immigration trial judge. (D) Credit and eligibility for benefits Service as an interim immigration trial judge shall be included in the same manner as service as an immigration trial judge for purposes of calculating service credit, retirement eligibility, and disability. (E) Separation Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act may be construed to— (i) preclude an interim immigration trial judge who is not appointed for a term appointment by the appellate division under section 601(c)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as added by this Act, from eligibility for appointment as an administrative judge, administrative law judge, and for attorney positions in agencies throughout the Federal Government