IMMIGRATION SERVICES OFFICER

Summary Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud. As an IMMIGRATION SERVICES OFFICER, you may conduct in-person interviews to adjudicate applications for immigration benefits and assist other federal agencies in identifying those who pose a threat to national security and public safety. Responsibilities The responsibilities described are for the full performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope performed with less independence, and limited complexity. Screening and vetting to grant or deny complex applications and petitions for immigration benefits based on electronic or paper applications, petitions, and in-person interviews. Research and interpret sources including immigration laws and regulations, operating instructions, legislative history, precedent decisions, state and local laws, and international treaties to determine adjudicative decision. Plan and conduct independent research concerning the eligibility and entitlement of persons seeking benefits, employment, and/or legal status under the Immigration and Nationality Act as amended. Conduct preliminary fact-finding and initiate further action where information indicates fraud has been detected. Use government systems to perform security checks in accordance with all applicable DHS/USCIS laws and policies; conduct file searches for aliases, dates of birth, and criminal behavior. Write well-organized, logical, often complex legal decisions and opinions that are clear, consistent with adjudicative standards and legislation, and are applicable to the facts of the case or which communicate USCIS policies and procedures. Complete and update administrative reports, systems, and security reporting requirements in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures. Conduct in-person interviews (screening and vetting) to elicit information or statements to assess credibility and identify inconsistencies. Provide direct support and assistance to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and officials of other federal agencies. Requirements Conditions of Employment Conditions of Employment: You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National to apply for this position Successfully pass a Background Investigation including financial disclosure You must pass a drug screening You must submit resume and supporting documentation Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service Political appointees may require OPM approval before on-boarding USCIS applies the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 to its telework program This position IS NOT considered "essential" for purposes of reporting to work when the facility might otherwise be closed. Residency Requirement: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This residency requirement states that candidates must have, for three of the last five years immediately prior to applying for this position; (1) resided in the United States; OR (2) worked for the United States Government as an employee overseas in a Federal or Military capacity, OR (3) been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or Military employee serving overseas. Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a probationary period of 1 year. Motor Vehicle Operation: This position requires operation of a motor vehicle in certain locations. You must possess a current valid driver's license if selected for one of these locations. Physical Demands: Applicants must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Qualifications The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 08/31/2026. Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the lower grade or equivalent grade band in the Federal service. The Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 08/31/2026. GS-05: You qualify at the GS-05 level if you possess three (3) years of progressively responsible experience, one (1) year of which was experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing all the following duties: Analyzing problems, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions; Planning and organizing work to ensure timely completion; Communicating clearly, both orally and in writing. OR You may substitute successful completion of a Bachelor's degree or a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a Bachelor's degree for the experience required at the GS-05 grade level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester or 45 quarter hours. GS-07: You qualify at the GS-07 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing majority the following duties: Performing preliminary examinations of applications and petitions for immigration benefits, evaluating evidence and drafting appropriate correspondence; Ensuring required supporting documentation is included in application package(s) and applying necessary immigration laws, policies and procedures; Reviewing immigration benefit applications to determine adjudicative decision. OR You may substitute successful completion of one year of fulltime graduate education for the experience required at the GS-07 level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the skills necessary to do the work of the position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise a year of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 18 semester or 27 quarter hours. OR You may also substitute superior academic achievement for the experience required at the GS-07 level. You must have completed the requirements for a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, class standing in the upper third of a graduating class or major subdivision or membership in a national scholastic honor society. GS-09: You qualify at the GS-09 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties: Examining, evaluating evidence, and analyzing immigration benefits documents received for authenticity. Researching, analyzing and applying appropriate immigration laws, policies and procedures. Making determinations for immigration benefits based on reviews of applications in coordination with policies. OR You may substitute a Master's degree or 2 full years of graduate education leading to such a degree in any field or a J.D. or L.L.B. degree for experience required at the GS-09 grade level. Such education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise two years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 36 semester or 54 quarter hours. GS-11: You qualify at the GS-11 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties: Making final determinations on non-sensitive, routine immigration matters related to the Immigration and Nationality Act, or representing applicants on non-sensitive, routine hearing or appeal requests involving immigration matters. Determining applicant credibility, analyzing evidence, and applying statutory requirements, regulations, judicial and administrative precedents. Researching and writing well-organized, complex legal decisions consistent with adjudicative standards and legislation. OR You may substitute a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent degree) or three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in any field, or L.L.M. if related for experience at the GS-11 grade level or such education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate study. If that information is not available, use 54 semester or 81 quarter hours. GS-12: You qualify at the GS-12 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties: Researching and analyzing immigration laws, policies, regulations, and precedent decisions to determine the eligibility and entitlement of immigration benefits. Analyzing information and documents to determine credibility and eligibility and writing final determinations with legal analysis to support decisions. Making final determinations on sensitive, complex immigration cases involving eligibility for citizenship and immigration benefits; or preparing legal briefs or other written memoranda that advocate for a determination in complex hearing or appeal cases. Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to 08/31/2026. Your resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement. Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education. Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. To help ensure your resume remains clear and easy to read, we recommend using margins of at least 0.8 inches and a font size of at least 11 point. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since Human Resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated and ranked based on your responses to the online questions. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Duties (be specific in describing your duties) Employer's name and address Supervisor name and phone number Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008) Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position. Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Salary Education COMBINING QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION (AT THE GS-05 - 11 LEVEL/S ONLY): If you do not qualify based on experience or education alone, you may be able to qualify based on a combination of your experience and education. For more information on combining education and experience, visit the following website: General Schedule Qualification Standards. Transcript required: If you don't submit a transcript, we will not use your education when deciding if you're qualified for the job. For verification purposes, the transcript submitted must include your name and educational institution. Training: Selected candidates are required to attend and successfully complete the USCIS Immigration Service Officer Basic (ISO BASIC) Training Program located with the USCIS Academy Training Center in Charleston, SC. The ISO BASIC Training Program is approximately 5 weeks of academic instruction on the Immigration and Nationality Act, Code of Federal Regulations, and other immigration-related topics. Failure to meet the minimum exam average by the end of the course is grounds for removal from the position. Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP): Per 5 CFR 576.202, An employee who receives a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) and later accepts employment for compensation with the Government of the United States within 5 years of the date of the separation on which the VSIP is based, including work under a personal services contract or other direct contract, must repay the entire amount of the VSIP to the agency that paid it (proof of payment is required) before the individual's first day of reemployment. Additional Information Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. The background investigation process is initiated after a selection is made. For more information visit the OPM Mythbuster Page. If a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance is needed or the position is designated a Sensitive National Security position, all selected candidates must meet the requirements for these clearances or Sensitive National Security position prior to placement AND maintain that level of clearance or national security eligibility while encumbering the position. DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. It is our responsibility to eliminate any risks to national security, public health, and public safety that could be posed by individuals who use illegal drugs. This position may be subject to random testing as a condition of employment. A positive drug test or refusal to be tested will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service. Note: If you previously retired from the Federal service and are receiving an annuity, your salary may be offset by the amount of your annuity. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to our Staffing Helpdesk.