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Working for the Immigration Services
Collage of various Immigration Services employees at work

Welcome to Working for Immigration Programs, the section for human resources information for people working in immigration programs. In this section, you will be able to see information about our programs and what we do, the places where we work, learn about some of our job vacancies, and the many benefits available to our employees. We hope after reading through this material you might be interested in joining our extended family or find the information you need to answer any questions about working for us.

Working for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Working for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Working for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Training of New and Current Employees
Career Sustainment Program




Working for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for administering benefits and services activities including adjudication of applications for benefits such as petitions for the immigration of relatives and workers, work authorizations, adjustments of status, requests for asylum, and naturalization. In other words, these immigration officers are responsible for adjudicating and processing the host of applications and forms necessary to ensure the immigration of people and their families to the United States, from initial stages through their transition, to permanent residence, and finally to citizenship. Find USCIS current vacancies here.

Working for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Immigration related investigations and enforcement positions that were formerly performed by the INS are now a function of the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Please visit their website more information.

Working for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Immigration related border enforcement positions that were formerly performed by the INS are now a function of the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Please visit the CBP website for more information.

Training of New and Current Immigration-related DHS Employees

The DHS and its immigration-related bureaus recognizes that accomplishment of their mission depends on employee skills and capabilities. Therefore, they participate in and conduct training programs designed to assure a well-trained workforce and to prepare their employees for advancement consistent with the needs of the agency. Training is designed to keep employees abreast of new techniques and improve particular skills and knowledge. Training is provided at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Academy, Glynco, Georgia.

The Leadership Development Center (LDC) in Dallas, Texas, provides training to enhance the diverse talents and abilities of agency supervisors, managers, executives, and human resource professionals. Presently, LDC offers eleven courses: Basic Supervision, Advanced Supervision, Basic Management, Advanced Management, Balanced Leadership, Effective Writing, Employment Issues for Executives, Dealing with Difficult Employees, Service Excellence, Effective Presentation Skills, and Organizational Leadership.

In addition to officer corps and leadership training, career development training is available for all employees. Courses include Retirement and Mid-Career Training, Time Management, Project Management, Accelerated Reading, Listening Skills, Grammar and Proofreading, Editing, Technical Writing, and Administrative Officer's Training. Employees also participate in career development programs such as the Federal Executive Institute (FEI) for GS-15 - SES, Executive Potential Program (EPP) for GS-13-14, Women's Executive Leadership (WEL) for GS-11-12, and New Leaders (NL) for GS 7-9.

The USCIS Headquarters Training Division reengineered the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to make financial assistance available to agency employees. The purpose of TAP is to improve the employee's ability to perform present job duties and/or to prepare an employee for future assignments in the agency.

  • Eligible employees include permanent career or career-conditional employees or career conditional/career seasonal employees who have worked a minimum of 2087 hours before applying for TAP.
  • Employees are reimbursed 100% of total course expenses not to exceed $1,000 per fiscal year. Reimbursement will include the cost of tuition, books or other required class materials, lab fees, and registration fees. Travel expenses, parking, late registration fees, and student activity fees (e.g., health fees, and library fees) will not be covered.

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Career Sustainment Program

In 1997, the then-INS established the Career Sustainment Program to support employees and families in the initial months of service and to maintain that support throughout a 20- to 30-year career. In addition to developing new sustainment programs, the Headquarters and Regional Career Sustainment staff continues to expand the three existing programs of New Employee Orientation, Family Support, and Assimilation Training for Supervisors throughout the Service.

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Last Modified 07/06/2004