748job United States

Immigration Services Assistant (Office Automation)

Department of Homeland Security › Citizenship and Immigration Services (50 current openings)
Lawrence, Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts
Full-time Security Clearance: Not Required
Application Deadline:
2026-09-02
Posted:
2026-08-17

About 2 weeks left

Apply on usajobs.gov
Salary: $46,137 – $74,297 per year (GS-5/7)

Salary context

Based on 196 annual-salary jobs in the same occupational series. This role pays above most similar positions.

Job Details

Position Overview

Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud.

As an Immigration Services Assistant (Office Automation), you will support the Adjudication Services Process by assisting Immigration Services Officers, manage files, databases, and correspondence; provide security checks; research and analyze data; prepare reports and provide direct service to customers.

Duties

  • 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.
  • Pre-screen various applications and submissions from USCIS customers for accuracy and completeness of initial supporting documentation and eligibility for benefits.
  • Create and/or maintain subject matter files, technical instructions, and operating procedures.
  • Perform analysis and quality control reviews on Immigration files, reports, and information systems and databases to update information and maintain data integrity.
  • Identify incoming applications that require expedited service or requests for fee waivers and channel those through the correct work process.
  • Edit and create documents/correspondence using office automation software (graphics, databases, spreadsheets, word processing) and produce highly sensitive and secure documents.
  • Serve as records custodian/liaison by managing case files for reference, and processing/conducting file movement requests.

Qualifications & Requirements

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 09/02/2026.

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-05: You qualify at the GS-05 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-04 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 majority of the following duties:
  • Performing office automation duties using word processing to edit and reformat correspondence and reports;
  • Creating and maintaining spreadsheets and databases;
  • Responding to inquiries by phone and/or in writing;
  • Reviewing work products for accuracy and completeness. OR
  • You may substitute successful completion of 4 years above high school 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-06: You qualify at the GS-06 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-05 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 majority of the following duties:
  • Performing office automation duties requiring different methods/approaches for a variety of assignments;
  • Reviewing and screening applications or files to ensure validity of documentation submitted;
  • Answering routine questions and providing assistance on applications;
  • Maintaining subject matter files, technical instructions, and/or operating procedures.
GS-07: You qualify at the GS-07 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-06 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 majority of the following duties:
  • Managing data and files in various software applications to retrieve and prepare reports;
  • Collaborating and/or supporting in the adjudicative/decision making process;
  • Communicating technical information concerning applications with internal and external contacts;
  • Analyzing and verifying cases where expedited processing is requested.
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 09/02/2026. You must upload your resume under the "Resume" category. Resumes submitted under the "Other Documents" category will not be considered. Your most recently submitted 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 the GS-06/07 grade levels.

COMBINING QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION (at the GS-05 level 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.


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.

Requirements

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
  • 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 and remote work programs
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.

Typing Certification: Applicants must be able to type at least 40 words per minute. You can self-certify by submitting a statement that you can type this speed.

General Office Skills: Applicants must possess knowledge of general office automation software, practices, and procedures.

Physical Demands: Applicants must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Evaluations

Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference and category rating do not apply.

Your resume must support 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 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.

Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. Your foreign education accreditation must come from an evaluation service that is endorsed by the Association of International Credential Evaluators or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Failure to provide foreign accreditation from one of these organizations will result in removal from consideration.

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.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application.

How to apply:
Applicants must register or join the waitlist for the Buffalo, NY in-person career Fair at the following link: Career Fair - Registration Link
Interested applicants must successfully register, and attend in person to be considered during this career fair.

All hard copy resumes/applications must be received in person on the day of the event.

Recommended items to bring to the event:
  • Two forms of ID (such as passport, state-issued ID card)
  • Federal Resume (no more than two (2) pages in length, refer to the "Required Documents" section for more information)
  • Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate level education, if applicable
  • List of three Professional References and their contact information.
  • If you are a veteran: (1) DD-214 showing character of service; and, (2) Veterans Affairs (VA) disability rating letter, if applicable
  • If you are an individual with a disability: Letter stating you have a qualifying disability, from a medical professional or other organization that grants disability benefits.
Important items to take note of prior to the event:
  • Documents WILL NOT be returned.
  • NO onsite printing will be available.
  • NO electronic documents will be accepted.
It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents, are received, legible, and accurate.

Announcement is open to multiple locations. The actual salary will be set based on the grade, step, and location of the selectee(s) and/or position. You may be expected to report for work at a local USCIS facility based on the needs of the hiring office. View the 2026 Locality Pay Charts for more information.
Once we receive your application, we will assess your experience and training and refer those applications to the selecting official for further consideration and a possible interview. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

Telework: USCIS provides episodic telework opportunities for eligible employees serving in positions approved to work at an alternate work site in accordance with agency policy. Teleworkers are expected to work during dismissals and closures or request leave. You will be expected to report for work at a USCIS facility based on the needs of the hiring office.

USCIS may fill one or more positions using this vacancy.

Additional information pertaining to your interest and availability for this position may be needed after the Hiring Event; therefore, a timely response to these requests must be adhered to in order to remain in consideration.

Conditions of Employment Reminder: If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Source: Data sourced from USAJOBS