Citizenship Requirements Policy

This policy outlines the citizenship requirements for TVA employees and for contractors who provide services to TVA under personal-services or consultant contracts that establish an employer-employee relationship.

1. Policy

United States citizens and individuals who are not U.S. citizens but who meet the hiring criteria outlined in this policy are eligible for TVA employment. Individuals who by contract are in an employer-employee relationship with TVA (those who receive an IRS Form W-2 from TVA) are also subject to the same criteria. Private companies that provide their employees to work at TVA are responsible for ensuring that these employees meet U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements and for acquiring and maintaining documentation required by the INS.

2. Criteria

U.S. citizens’ preference

TVA gives hiring preference to qualified U.S. citizens and other “protected individuals” for all job vacancies. “Protected individuals” are individuals who are intending to become citizens and have begun but not yet completed the naturalization process. Protected individuals include:

Those lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card holders)
Those admitted or paroled into the United States as refugees and granted an employment authorization document
Those granted asylum and granted an employment authorization document
Certain other individuals who have established their intent to become U.S. citizens.

Between U.S. citizens and other protected individuals, TVA gives hiring preference to equally qualified born or naturalized U.S. Citizens.

Individuals who are not U.S. citizens

Individuals who are not U.S. citizens or protected individuals are eligible for employment if they meet the hiring criteria outlined below and the hiring is approved in advance by the Executive Vice President of Human Resources:

A. A qualified U.S. citizen or protected individual is unavailable for the work

B. The individual is qualified for the job

C. The individual meets the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) criteria authorizing him or her to work in the United States and possesses acceptable documentation indicating such authorization

Check the USCIS Web site for hiring requirements and acceptable documentation. Employers are responsible for ensuring that the people they hire are eligible to work in the United States.

Employers and all new employees are required to complete an INS Form I-9, and employers must check employees’ documents to verify employment eligibility. U.S. employers may only hire a noncitizen who is a protected individual as listed above or who is:

a. Lawfully admitted for temporary residence and granted an employment authorization document by the USCIS

b. An alien holding a nonimmigrant visa and who is authorized to work.

c. Common nonimmigrant visas where there may be such authorization include those issued to temporary workers, students, exchange visitors, employees of foreign employers, and spouses of nonimmigrant visitors.

D. TVA does not employ any individual who is in violation of any Federal law or regulation, including the prohibitions against sharing particular types of technology and software with foreign nationals of certain countries as set forth in the Export Administration Regulations.

3. Source of Information

Current information on the eligibility for employment of noncitizens should be obtained by emailing Resumix@tva.gov.

4. Authority

The Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
The statutory provisions enacted annually by the United States Congress as part of the appropriations process

TVA is an equal opportunity and affirmative-action employer. TVA ensures that the benefits of programs receiving TVA financial assistance are available to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or age. Individuals interested in Veteran’s Preference eligibility should read the Veteran’s Handbook.