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How to Apply

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ICE encourages
all qualified individuals to apply for one of the many rewarding positions within our organization

Below is a guide to submitting an application, and information to help ensure that you meet all requirements for employment with ICE.

Full Application Requirements

The application process for frontline positions is rigorous and challenging: it includes steps such as a background investigation, physical fitness test, and medical exam. It is recommended that you review the full position requirements before you apply to ensure you are prepared for what is to come.

Similarly, administrative, professional, and technical job applicants often have several steps in the application process. Make sure you carefully review the USAJOBS posting for the position to understand what is required.

How to Apply for a Position

Job announcements are posted at USAJOBS, a hiring portal for the U.S. government. If you are a member of the general public, the first step in applying for a position at ICE is to create a USAJOBS profile, and regularly search for ICE jobs that are listed as “Open to the public (all sources).” If you are a current federal employee, you can search USAJOBS for job announcements that are listed as “Merit promotion eligible candidates” or “Eligible for federal employees.” ICE is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ a diverse workforce that is both highly productive and effective.

Tip: Use the Saved Searches feature to have USAJOBS automatically search for jobs based on your search criteria and email you daily, weekly or monthly about new vacancies.

Apply for an opening

  • Read the vacancy announcement carefully. The required documents can vary depending on the job listing. USAJOBS instructions should be read and followed carefully for each job announcement. Include documents required for law enforcement officers.
  • Visit USAJOBS, look in the “Help” section and search for “Federal Resume Training” to find documents and videos available to help with creating a federal resume.
  • You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete.
  • Follow all required steps and submit all required documents listed in the vacancy announcement before the vacancy closes.

SF-50

Applicants with current or prior federal work experience should submit a recent SF-50 with their application. Please ensure it shows grade, step, and salary.

DD-214

Current or former members and veterans of the armed forces should include their DD-214 or Statement of Service letter with their application. Disabled veterans must also submit an SF-15 and/or a VA letter.

 

What Happens After You Submit Your Application

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on your USAJOBS account throughout the process.

Following receipt of a tentative selection letter, you must complete pre-employment requirements. These requirements vary by position. All positions require security vetting and drug test. You may also be required to pass a medical exam, fitness exam and oral board interview. Security vetting takes an average of three months to complete, but the process can vary from two weeks to one year, depending on both the applicant’s history and the level of security vetting required for the position. For internal candidates, drug test is not required.

A tentative selection letter remains tentative until all pre-employment requirements are met for the position. Once you have cleared these requirements, then a firm job offer will be made.

Receive Updates

Make sure you stay up to date with all ICE career-related information.

Last Reviewed/Updated: 06/24/2020

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