Summary Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud. This role offers up to $50,000 in signing and retention bonuses. If you're driven and ready to serve with pride, join USCIS and become a vital part of homeland security! Responsibilities Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, within Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate and are assigned based on the need of the agency. As a Criminal Investigator conduct and coordinate high-level comprehensive criminal investigations involving individuals, groups, or large organizations operating at a local, national, or international level. Conduct complex criminal investigations related to immigration fraud, benefit fraud, and threats to public safety and national security as it relates to the legal immigration system. Utilize a variety of investigative techniques and legal authorities to conduct criminal investigations, including the use of electronic and physical surveillance. Access various databases to query and analyze information pertinent to detecting, investigating, apprehending, and assisting to prosecute individuals or groups involved in immigration benefit related crimes. Prepare case files that include detailed investigative reports that are logical and clear which are used to support obtaining legal authority to support ongoing criminal investigations. 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. 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 ***If you have 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). 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 Special Agent, you will conduct investigations to ensure and protect the integrity of the United States lawful immigration system, and coordinate with USCIS Immigration Officers and other law enforcement agencies to disrupt immigration-related criminal activity. The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 03/11/2026. 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-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: Leading and providing technical guidance on a broad range of criminal investigations in areas such as immigration crimes, fraud, human trafficking, counterintelligence, counter-terrorism, or other multi-jurisdictional criminal investigations; Identifying criminal trends to develop leads and brings investigations to a conclusion for presentation to prosecutors; and Serving as a mentor as it relates to criminal investigations and federal criminal laws. 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 03/11/2026. 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 will report to their duty location and will later be 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). After successful completion of training you may be assigned to another location based on the Agency's need. Selected candidates may be required to temporarily report to the nearest physical USCIS office location prior to traveling to the training location at FLETC Charleston, South Carolina. Travel allowances may or may not be included and will vary upon the selected candidates current residence. Upon successfully completing training requirements and based upon the mobility and service agreement candidates will be provided relocation expenses to future permanent duty location (location assigned by agency need). 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. 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. Additional Information Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Top Secret as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, 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. 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. 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.
