Are you eligible?

From USAJOBS Help

Understanding how the federal government determines your eligibility and the types of positions available is an important first step in understanding what job opportunities you can apply for. Each job opportunity announcement will state: Who may be considered, Who may apply, or define an Area of Consideration.

Federal agencies typically seek candidates from one of the three following eligibility categories:

Candidates who are new to the federal government and have no prior federal employment.

Non-Citizens

U. S. Citizens

Candidates who fall under special hiring paths and qualify for a special non-competitive hiring authority established by law or executive order. These targeted segments of the population include:

Individuals with Disabilities

Military Spouses

Restored Feds

Students & Recent Graduates

Veterans

Peace Corps/VISTA

In addition, current or previous employees of the Government of the District of Columbia or the United States Postal Service may also be considered “status” candidates. Select one for more information.

Candidates who have current or previous federal employment experience, also known as “status.” Status applicants are current or former Federal civilian employees who hold or held non-temporary appointments in the competitive service, not the excepted service. Status applicants may be eligible for the following under merit promotion procedures:

Transfer

CTAP

ICTAP

Reinstatement

Interchange Agreements

In addition, certain veterans eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) may also apply and be considered under vacancy announcements limited to status applicants. For information on VEOA eligibility, please visit: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide/#6.