This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Clarification from the agency
If you're ready to help safeguard the nation's immigration system and combat immigration fraud, review the HOW TO APPLY section for steps to prepare for your online applications.
These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority for the occupations and is open to all U.S. citizens.
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 which may include a 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.
- You will be required to travel frequently and on short notice.
- You may be required to complete a pre-employment medical examination which may include a psychological evaluation and be found to meet the medical standards for the position.
- You may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment Physical Fitness Test (PFT) or Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT).
- You will be required to maintain the ability to perform the rigorous physical requirements of the job.
- You will be required to live within 50 miles of your duty station.
- You will be required to testify at court, Law enforcement officers and agents must be able to testify without concern of impeachment.
- Possess a current valid driver's license. Must be REAL ID compliant.
- The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the last day for application submission (certain exclusions apply).
- Applicants must be 21 at the time of application and under 37 by the closing date of this announcement, unless they have prior federal law enforcement service under special retirement provisions. Veterans' preference applicants must receive a conditional offer before age 40.
- You will be required to sign a Mobility Agreement.
- This position requires the selectee to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 022 (g)(9)).
- USCIS Criminal Investigators may use deadly force when necessary, in accordance with the law and agency policy.
- A mandatory component of continued employment is the requirement to successfully complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and the FDNS Special Agent Training (FDNS SAT) located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Qualifications
This position IS considered "essential" for purposes of reporting to work when the facility might otherwise be closed.
Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a probationary period of 1 year.
Physical Demands: Applicants must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Motor Vehicle Operation: This position requires operation of a motor vehicle. You must possess a current valid driver's license.
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.
As a Criminal Investigator (Training), you will support the training program through development and review of curriculum, direct instruction in classroom, laboratory, or field instruction sessions, and subject-matter expertise in the needs of the field.
The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 01/16/2026.
Selective Placement Factor: Have you successfully completed a federal law enforcement training program or an equivalent accredited law enforcement training program (including but not limited to those provided by the DEA, FBI, FLETC or comparable federal, state, local or private-sector training program)? You must upload a copy of your training certificate to verify you meet this requirement. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.
Time in Grade does not apply to Delegated Examining Announcements, any reference to Time in Grade in the questionnaire will not apply to the rating and ranking of applicants.
This announcement is issued under the Direct Hire Authority to recruit for positions for which the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, has a critical hiring need.
GS-13: You qualify at the GS-13 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties:
- Developing formal recommendations to modify existing policies, procedures, or control techniques relating to law enforcement training;
- Communicating orally with various sizes of audience to transfer knowledge of law enforcement techniques, practices, procedures, and regulations;
- Instructing law enforcement training curricula in one or more of the following areas: use of force, control tactics, firearms, interviews/interrogations, investigative tactics, cybercrimes/emerging technologies, or physical fitness; and
- Conducting a broad range of sensitive investigations in areas such as immigration crime, fraud, human trafficking, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, or other investigations that relate to public safety.
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 01/16/2026.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
Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible.
Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.
Federal Experience: If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build criteria competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer service.
Education
EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
The Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) was established within USCIS to strengthen national security and the integrity of the country's legal immigration system by closely aligning the adjudication of immigration benefits and services with the identification of potential threats to national security and/or public safety, the detection and deterrence of fraud, and the use of law enforcement and intelligence information to ensure optimal security for U.S. communities. FDNS systematically identifies updates, and records indicators of fraudulent activities; manages fraud cases; identifies vulnerabilities and other weaknesses that compromise the integrity of the legal immigration system; and coordinates and provides logistical support in law enforcement and national security matters. FDNS is the primary conduit for information sharing and collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Training: Selected candidates are required to attend and successfully complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and the FDNS Special Agent Training (FDNS SAT) located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. These trainings are approximately 21 weeks in total and located in multiple locations. Failure to meet the minimum course requirements for any of the training programs is grounds for removal from the position or separation by appropriate procedures. Certificate of successful completion of CITP or another approved program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, or a substantially similar program as approved by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee to being authorized to exercise the powers set forth in 40 U.S.C. 1315 (b)(2).
Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT): A pre-employment Physical Fitness Test (PFT) may be administered. A passing score is required. If you have failed a PFT, you are not eligible for consideration for 12 months from the closing date of the announcement in which you applied that required the PFT. Additionally, a PFT will also be administered at FLETC during training. Every trainee must pass the PFT during training.
Medical Requirements: You may be required to complete a pre-employment medical examination and be found to meet the medical standards for this position.
Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the closing date of this announcement. This position has a maximum-age requirement. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307 candidates must apply before reaching their 37th birthday.
Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): This position may require substantial amounts of irregular or occasional overtime. You will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour workweek. You must be readily available to perform this unscheduled overtime on a continual basis.
Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. You must satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the firearms component of the Criminal Investigation Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Any person who has been convicted of a crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment.
Work Conditions: This job requires physical strength and stamina to perform such activities as conducting long periods of surveillance, pursuing and restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment to be uses in investigative efforts. These activities require considerable physical exertion, such as running, stooping, bending, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy objects. The environment involves work indoors and outdoors in a variety of potentially dangerous and stressful situations, as well as exposure to physical attack, including the use of lethal weapons.
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.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.
Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference and category rating do not apply.
Your resume must support your responses to the level of education claimed, experience, and/or training. To remain in consideration for this position, please ensure your resume covers this requirement and that your resume has been successfully submitted as part of your on-line application package.
NOTE: Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your consideration for employment.
You may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview.
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligible:If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP or ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ ICTAP, you must be placed in the Well-Qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.
Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to complete a writing sample and/or other writing exercise as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing sample and/or other writing exercise as part of its selection process, a designated contractor or Agency representative will contact you to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.
Required Documents
Resume: You must submit a resume that clearly demonstrates you have experience that meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the "Qualifications" section. 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.
Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12861084, which are submitted through the on-line application process in USAJOBS, DO NOT need to be attached as an additional document to your application.
Maximum Age Requirement Documents: If you occupy or previously occupied a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position as specified in 5 U.S.C. 3307 and exceed the age of 37, you must submit a copy of all SF-50s reflecting the beginning and end dates of creditable law enforcement civilian (not military) service under 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).
The retirement code in block 30 must be annotated on all submitted SF-50s. If you are a preference eligible veteran and exceed the age of 37, please provide the documentation outlined in Veteran's Preference Documentation below.
Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) Requirement Documents: If you occupy or previously occupied a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position and have previously successfully completed an approved training program to being authorized to exercise powers set forth in 40 U.S.C. 1315 (b)(2), you must submit a copy of your Certificate of completion of the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) or other approved program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Are you a current or former Federal employee? Submit a copy of your official SF-50* (no text version) or other official "Notification of Personnel Action" document that shows the following information:
- your appointment in the competitive service
- tenure
- grade and step
- full performance level
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit:
- a copy of your agency notice,
- a copy of your most recent performance rating, and
- a copy of your most recent SF-50*, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50*, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
- Position Title
- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
- Agency
- Beginning and ending dates of appointment
* A General Adjustment, Detail, Any Award (Cash, Time Off, Performance, etc.) or Realignment SF-50 may NOT have the information needed.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Common definitions for hiring terms found in this announcement.