Immigration Services Officer (ISO) Overview ISOs are federal employees of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), responsible for reviewing and making decisions on immigration benefit applications. If you’re interested in immigration law, public service, and policy enforcement, the ISO role offers a meaningful career with job stability and advancement opportunities. Role Responsibilities ISOs work on the front lines of the U.S. immigration system. Their primary responsibility is to adjudicate applications and petitions for various immigration benefits, such as: Permanent residency (green cards) Family-based visas Humanitarian relief (asylum, TPS, VAWA) Daily Tasks Interviewing applicants and petitioners Examining documents for fraud or ineligibility Conducting legal research and applying immigration law Writing decisions and notices of action Referring suspicious cases to the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) ISOs must have strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and communication skills. They often work closely with supervisors, lawyers, and other federal agencies. Work Locations Immigration Services Officers are stationed across the United States, in: USCIS Field Offices (in-person interviews and naturalization ceremonies) Service Centers (processing paperwork without direct applicant interaction) Remote or Telework Roles (available for certain experienced ISOs) Common Locations California Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego Texas Dallas, Houston, El Paso, San Antonio Florida Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville New York New York City, Albany, Queens Illinois Chicago, Rockford Arizona Phoenix, Tucson Georgia Atlanta, Savannah Massachusetts Boston, Lawrence Washington, DC Headquarters, policy, and training divisions ISO Hiring Process To become an Immigration Services Officer, you must apply through USAJobs.gov and go through several stages, including an online assessment, structured interview, and background check. Step-by-Step Application Process: Create a USAJobs account and submit your application and resume. Complete an occupational questionnaire , which evaluates competencies. Participate in a structured interview if selected. Pass a background check and obtain security clearance. USA Hire Assessment (ISO Exam) The USA Hire Assessment is the key evaluation step for ISO applicants and is typically required within a few days of applying. It evaluates core federal competencies. Sections and what they test: Situational Judgment – decision‑making in work‑related scenarios. Reading Comprehension – understanding and interpreting complex documents. Logical Reasoning – analyzing information and drawing conclusions. Work Style Assessment – measures traits like dependability, attention to detail. Tips for Passing: Answer honestly, but align responses with a professional, mission‑oriented attitude. Read questions carefully—some are designed to test consistency. There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so answer all questions. The assessment is untimed but typically takes 1.5–2.5 hours. You must pass this assessment to move on to the next step of the hiring process. ISO Job Qualifications Citizenship : Must be a U.S. citizen. Education : Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (GS‑5/7/9 level). Background Check : Must pass a Public Trust security clearance. Experience : Relevant experience in immigration law, customer service, or adjudication helps. Language Skills (optional): Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or other language skills are valued but not required. ISO Pay and Career Advancement Immigration Services Officers are hired under the General Schedule (GS) pay system. Most entry‑level ISOs start at GS‑5 to GS‑9 and can grow within the agency. Approximate Salary Range (2025):
...We are actively looking to hire a talented Licensed Clinical Social Worker in our Woodlands, TX offices, who is passionate about patient... ...seeking Licensed Therapists that are: Fully licensed as an LCSW in the State of Texas. We are not able to accommodate dependently...
...Job Description Overview We are currently seeking a motivated, reward-driven individual to join our Company as Residential Sales Consultant . The rise of inclement weather events over the past several years has caused an explosive increase in demand for roofing services...
Overview Join to apply for the Restaurant General Manager role at MAS Restaurant Group .Calling all fast-paced, food-loving leaders! The Restaurant General Manager (RGM) is responsible for the people, business, and overall operations of the restaurant. RGMs build and...
...your writing and marketing skills to create and edit product detail page content while maintaining clarity and accuracy to support brands. In this role, youll collaborate with various teams in the agency to maintain high-quality and consistent content across platforms...
...roles that contribute to the innovation and development of our products. It encompasses roles in product research, formulation, testing... ...towards a PhD who are developing proficiency in their field. As an intern or co-op in management, you will have the opportunity to learn...