Criminal Investigator (Special Agent)

Full Job Description

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!

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 01/19/2026.

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.

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 01/19/2026.

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. Major Duties:

• 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.