Asylum Officer

Citizenship and Immigration Services; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Thrift Savings Plan

Paid federal holidays

Job summary

Citizenship and Immigration Services is seeking an Asylum Officer in San Francisco to adjudicate immigration benefits. The role involves applying applicable laws and procedures, conducting reviews, and liaising with partners to gather information for determinations.

Positions listed at GS-12, GS-13, and GS-14 levels require one year of specialized experience at the respective grade. The SF location offers opportunities for collaboration within the Asylum Division.

Qualifications

• Experience applying immigration laws, regulations and procedures.
• Ability to gather information from stakeholders for adjudicative reviews.
• Proven track record in applying complex guidelines to benefits determinations.

Responsibilities

• Make final adjudicative determinations on complex immigration benefits.
• Apply laws, regulations, and procedures to lawful determinations.
• Liaise with government and non-government partners to gather pertinent information for adjudicative review.

Skills

Legal analysis

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder liaison

Communication

Education

Bachelor's 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 engage in the administration of Immigration and Nationality laws pertinent to the Asylum Program, serve as a USCIS representative on asylum matters, and support the strategic mission and resource management of the Asylum Division.

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. 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.

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 08/10/2026. 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 08/10/2026.

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 adjudicative determinations on complex immigration benefits.
• Applying relevant laws, regulations, guidelines and procedures to make lawful determinations on immigration benefits.
• Liaising with governmental or nongovernmental partners, including the public, to gather pertinent information for adjudicative review.

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 majority of the following duties:

• Providing technical guidance to staff who review or process immigration-related applications or protection screenings.
• Making recommendations to program areas that support immigration processes.
• Engaging with stakeholders to execute priorities of a program area.

GS-14:

You qualify at the GS-14 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-13 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:

• Developing short and long-range goals for program area(s) that include evaluations and recommendations of ongoing functions.
• Overseeing implementation of programs and providing technical support as needed.
• Representing agency or organization in interactions with high-level officials or the public to gather trust and credibility.

San Francisco Location Only:

Employment at the San Francisco Asylum Office provides an exciting opportunity for staff to work in both downtown San Francisco and our newly established Oakland Branch. Both locations are accessible through public transportation, and travel between the two offices is quick and convenient. While staff members will be assigned to the SF duty station, employees may be expected to work out of the Oakland Branch.

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.