Asylum Officer

Citizenship and Immigration Services; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term care insurance

Retirement plan

Thrift Savings Plan

Flexible Spending Account

Job summary

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) seeks an Asylum Officer to adjudicate asylum applications, conduct credible fear screenings, and process other benefit applications within the asylum program.

The role is part of DHS with competitive federal benefits. The position involves evaluating complex immigration cases, applying INA provisions, and collaborating with federal partners to ensure lawful determinations.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience for GS-09 equivalent to GS-07 level, involving immigration benefits duties.
• Proficiency in interpreting immigration laws, policies, and procedures.
• Education substitutions allowed (Master's, J.D., LL.M., or equivalent) to meet experience requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals applying for immigration benefits by examining supporting documentation for authenticity or relevance.
• Interpret and apply immigration laws, policies, and procedures to determine eligibility.
• Research or prepare formal recommendations or memoranda per INA provisions.
• Examine documents for authenticity or potential fraud; assess credibility.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Education

Master's degree or two years of graduate education

J.D. or LL.B. degree

Ph.D. or equivalent degree

Job description

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

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; 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.

Qualifications

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 09/07/2026. 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.

Application Limit

Application Limit: This vacancy is limited to the first 200 applications received. All applications received prior to midnight 11:59 PM (ET) of the day the application limit is reached will be accepted and considered. If the application limit is not reached by the closing date of the announcement, all applications received during the open period will be considered. Any required documents must be submitted at the time that you apply as documents will not be accepted past the day the application limit is reached, if applicable. If you choose to edit your application after it has been submitted, it will be removed from consideration until you re-submit your application. The date your application is last submitted will be used to determine whether you meet the cut‑off criteria.

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 majority of 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 degree or two (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 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 majority of 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;
• Examining documents for authenticity or to assist in the detection of fraud;
• 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 (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, 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 majority of 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;
• Reviewing information from databases or other records to identify individuals engaging in fraud or who may pose a threat to national security or public safety;
• Preparing written legal analysis or other written memoranda that advocate for sensitive or complex asylum, refugee, or other immigration cases, administrative proceedings, benefits, or appeal cases.