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Applications for this job opportunity will be accepted from 12/11/2023 to 12/15/2023 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, which may be different than the open period of this job bulletin. Additional application instructions are included below.

This position is in the Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate, Asylum Division in San Francisco, CA; Tustin, CA; Miami, FL; Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; New Orleans, LA; Boston, MA; Newark, NJ; Bethpage, NY; Houston, TX; Arlington, VA. 

The Asylum Division within USCIS is responsible for interviewing asylum seekers to determine whether they qualify for protection in the United States due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. These determinations are made while protecting national security, combating fraud, and protecting the legal immigration system through careful screening, vigilant interviews, and sound adjudications. Every day, Asylum Officers change lives while ensuring the integrity of our country's immigration system.

This position goes from GS-09, step 01 ($57,118 per year) to GS-12, step 10 ($133,236 per year). The actual salary will be set based on the grade, step, and location of the selectee(s) and/or position. View the 2023 Locality Pay Charts for more information.

As an Asylum Officer, you will adjudicate asylum applications, conduct credible/reasonable fear and other screenings, and adjudicate other benefit applications managed by the asylum program.

 

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.

  • Adjudicating complex and highly sensitive asylum applications and other adjudications managed by the asylum program; conducting credible/reasonable fear screenings.
  • Reviewing applications and supporting evidence, conducting interviews, performing security checks, and researching information provided by the Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate; the Department of State; and other sources.
  • Interpreting and applying appropriate policy, regulations, statutes, and precedent decisions to make eligibility determinations.
  • Producing written determinations supporting adjudications, such as asylum, NACARA, credible fear and reasonable fear decisions.
  • Establishing and maintaining liaison with external federal agencies and non-governmental organizations, and/or private sector stakeholders involved in asylum benefits.

 

Qualifications:

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this announcement. 

Ideal Asylum Officer candidates have strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as a steadfast commitment to administer and uphold laws and regulations.

GS-09: You qualify at the GS-09 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-07 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:

  • Assisting individuals applying for immigration benefits by examining supporting documentation for authenticity or relevance, as well as researching and analyzing appropriate information for eligibility; or
  • Interpreting and applying immigration laws, policies, and procedures as they relate to an individual's eligibility for immigration benefits. OR
  • You may substitute a Master's or equivalent degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a J.D. or L.L.B degree for experience required at the GS-09 grade level. 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 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, which is equivalent to at least the GS-09 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:

  • Recommending determinations on or representing applicants in non-sensitive, routine hearing or appeal requests involving immigration matters that includes determining applicant credibility, analyzing evidence, or applying statutory requirements, regulations or judicial and administrative precedents; or
  • Researching or preparing formal recommendations or other written memoranda according to the provisions of the Immigration Nationality Act (INA). OR
  • You may substitute a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent degree) or three 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. 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, which is equivalent to at least the GS-11 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:

  • Making final determinations on complex asylum, refugee, or other immigration cases such as those providing eligibility for protection, resettlement or other immigration benefits; or
  • Preparing written legal analysis or other written memoranda that advocate for sensitive or complex cases, administrative proceedings, benefits, or appeal cases.

 

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted through USAJOBS to be considered.

  1. Visit www.usajobs.gov and log in to your user account, or create an account if you do not have one.
  2. Once you have created an account and logged in, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/job/764365300 to view the full job opportunity announcement and apply.
  3. Review the entire announcement for any additional requirements of the position and the required documents.
  4. Follow all directions in the "How To Apply" section of the USAJOBS announcement referenced above. Your complete application and all supporting materials must be received by 11:59pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the job announcement listed in USAJOBS.