Shaping America's Security: USCIS Hiring Policy Analyst (GS-13/GS-14) in Camp Springs, Maryland

Are you an experienced policy strategist dedicated to national security, public safety, and legal integrity? U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a core component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is currently seeking a Policy Analyst to serve in its Office of Policy and Strategy, Security and Public Safety Division. Located in Camp Springs, Maryland, this crucial role offers an annual compensation range of $121,785 to $187,093 (GS-13 to GS-14).

This position plays an essential part in safeguarding the nation’s legal immigration framework by refining vetting procedures, interpreting policy statutes, and collaborating with national security partners. Candidates should note that this announcement is subject to an application cap of the first 150 applications received.

About the Agency: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS is the federal agency tasked with overseeing lawful immigration into the United States. Its workforce ensures that national security and public safety concerns are systematically addressed within the immigration benefit adjudication framework.

The Office of Policy and Strategy (OPS), specifically the Security and Public Safety Division, formulates operational guidance, reviews statutory requirements, and develops proactive responses to emerging security concerns. Joining USCIS means becoming part of a dedicated team committed to protecting the homeland, upholding integrity, and administering legal immigration processes fairly and securely.

Primary Job Responsibilities

As a Policy Analyst at full performance level, you will serve as a subject matter expert guiding national security and public safety policies. Key responsibilities include:

Drafting & Policy Formulation: Developing and authoring new immigration policies, operational directives, and regulations focused on public safety, benefit integrity, and risk mitigation.
Executive Representation: Serving as an organizational spokesperson with internal leadership and external stakeholders regarding high-priority vetting and security initiatives.
Interagency Leadership: Leading working groups across government agencies to align public safety objectives, refine screening mechanisms, and improve information-sharing frameworks.
Senior Briefings: Preparing clear, actionable briefings, talking points, and policy assessments for senior USCIS and DHS leadership.
Regulatory Interpretation: Researching and applying statutory provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), federal regulations, and security directives.
Risk Analysis: Assessing complex immigration benefit proposals to evaluate potential security risks and offer balanced, policy-driven solutions.

Qualifications & Grade Level Comparison

To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the federal service.

Grade Level Requirements Overview

Feature / Qualification	GS-13 Level	GS-14 Level
Annual Salary Range	$121,785 – $158,322	$143,736 – $187,093
Required Base Experience	1 year equivalent to GS-12	1 year equivalent to GS-13
Policy Scope	Interpreting INA; assisting in developing guidance for security & public safety programs	Evaluating agency-wide policy initiatives; leading complex policy projects
Liaison Responsibilities	Acting as inter-office liaison to implement vetting policies	Representing agency positions with top government officials to elicit strategic input
Leadership Expectation	Contributing to cross-functional policy teams	Leading multi-agency project teams and drafting enterprise-level regulations

Specialized Experience Details

For GS-13: Experience must include interpreting the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), assisting in creating policy guidance related to national security/public safety, and serving as a liaison between offices to align vetting protocols.
For GS-14: Experience must include evaluating high-impact immigration initiatives, interpreting complex screening and vetting directives, representing agency policy positions to external decision-makers, and leading policy development projects.

General Eligibility & Residency Requirements

Candidates must satisfy basic federal employment criteria:

U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals.
Background Investigation: Successful completion of a background investigation and financial disclosure is mandatory.
Drug Testing: Mandatory pre-employment drug screening and compliance with random drug testing policies.
Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Residency Requirement: Non-USCIS applicants must have resided in the U.S. for at least 3 of the past 5 years (or met qualifying overseas federal/military service conditions).
Probationary Period: A one-year probationary period may be required upon appointment.

Compensation & Comprehensive Federal Benefits

Federal employment offers robust financial stability and comprehensive benefits designed to support short-term needs and long-term security:

Competitive Base Pay: GS-13 to GS-14 salary range ($121,785 to $187,093 per year), locality adjusted for Camp Springs, MD.
Health, Vision & Dental: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP).
Retirement System: Dual-tier retirement through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and episodic telework opportunities under agency policy.
Additional Perks: Transportation subsidies, health and wellness centers, tuition assistance, and specialized leave options such as Disabled Veteran Leave.

Essential Application Guidelines & Tips

To ensure your application moves forward, adhere strictly to the following parameters:

1. Respect the Strict 2-Page Resume Rule

USAJOBS and USCIS mandate that resumes must not exceed two pages. Resumes longer than two pages are automatically removed from consideration. Keep margins to at least 0.8 inches and use a legible font size (minimum 11pt).

2. Document Complete Work History

Every work experience entry must state:

Official Job Title (include Series and Grade if federal)
Detailed duties directly addressing the specialized experience
Employer name, address, supervisor name, and current phone number
Exact start and end dates (MM/DD/YYYY)
Full-time or part-time status (along with hours worked per week)
Base salary earned

3. Beat the Application Cap

This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 150 applications. Submit all documentation early to avoid missing the cutoff window.

4. Prepare for USA Hire Assessments

After submitting your initial application, check your email for access links to the required USA Hire Competency Assessments. You should set aside up to 3 hours to complete these evaluation modules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the official duty station for this position?

This position is stationed at USCIS facilities in Camp Springs, Maryland.

Q: Can I submit a three-page resume if I have extensive experience?

No. Any resume exceeding two pages will result in immediate disqualification. Condense your experience to highlight your most relevant policy work.

Q: Is this job open to the general public?

This specific announcement is open to career transition applicants (CTAP/ICTAP) and internal agency candidates. Review the hiring paths on USAJOBS for exact eligibility criteria.

Q: How will my qualifications be evaluated?

Your qualification rating will be based on your two-page resume, responses to the online questionnaire, supporting official documents (such as SF-50s), and performance on the USA Hire Assessments.

Serving as a Policy Analyst with USCIS in Camp Springs, MD, offers a rewarding career path at the intersection of national security, legal compliance, and public administration. If you possess the specialized analytical capabilities and policy expertise required for the GS-13 or GS-14 level, prepare your two-page resume and apply before the 150-application limit is reached.

Why This Policy Analyst Job Matters

Step into a critical leadership role safeguarding national security and public safety as a Policy Analyst with USCIS in Camp Springs, Maryland.

Policy Analyst Job Overview

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is seeking qualified Policy Analysts for its Office of Policy and Strategy, Security and Public Safety Division. Located in Camp Springs, MD, this position offers high-level policy formulation, interagency collaboration, and national security oversight within the GS-13 to GS-14 pay band ($121,785 to $187,093 annually). Applicants must act quickly, as this opening is capped at the first 150 applications received.

Requirements for Policy Analyst

U.S. Citizenship or U.S. National status is mandatory.
Must successfully complete a background investigation and financial disclosure.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and remain subject to random testing.
Selective Service registration required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Residency Requirement: Must have resided in the U.S. for 3 of the last 5 years, or served overseas in a U.S. Federal/Military capacity (or as a dependent).
Time-in-Grade: Federal applicants must have completed 52 weeks at the next lower grade level by the closing date.
Strict 2-page resume limit; resumes exceeding 2 pages will be automatically disqualified.
Completion of online job questionnaire and USA Hire Competency Assessments.

Preferred Qualifications for Policy Analyst

Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and federal immigration regulations.
Proven track record of developing policy guidance on national security, screening, vetting, and public safety issues.
Experience representing an agency in interagency working groups or high-level interagency collaborations.
Ability to analyze policy risks, evaluate public safety impacts, and brief senior leaders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health care options (FEHB), dental, vision, life (FEGLI), and long-term care insurance.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching up to 5%.
✓Episodic telework options and flexible work schedules.
✓Paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Tuition reimbursement and employee transportation subsidies.
✓Health and wellness programs, including access to fitness facilities.
✓Disabled Veteran Leave for eligible service-connected disabled veterans.

💡 How to Apply Policy Analyst Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Policy Analyst Job

Review the job announcement fully and ensure your resume does not exceed two pages.
Click the 'Apply Online' link to access USAJOBS and log in.
Complete the occupational assessment questionnaire.
Attach all required supporting documentation (2-page resume, SF-50 for federal employees, DD-214 for veterans, etc.).
Submit your application before 11:59 PM ET on November 2, 2026, or before the 150-application limit is met.
Check your email and USAJOBS dashboard for instructions regarding the mandatory USA Hire Assessments.
Set aside up to 3 hours to complete the USA Hire Assessments within the designated window.

💡 General Tips

Strict Resume Length: Ensure your resume is 2 pages or fewer. Applications with resumes 3 pages or longer are instantly removed.
Formatting Recommendation: Use a font size of 11 point or larger and page margins of at least 0.8 inches for clarity.
Detailed Work History: Include exact start and end dates (MM/DD/YYYY), hours worked per week, job titles, series/grade (if federal), and employer contact info.
Act Quickly: This vacancy is limited to the first 150 applications. Submit your package as soon as the opening opens.
Target Specialized Experience: Clearly highlight experience related to the Immigration and Nationality Act, vetting, national security, and policy drafting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for this position?

The position closes on November 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET, or on the day the 150-application cap is reached, whichever comes first.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

The hiring system strictly enforces a two-page maximum limit for resumes. Any resume exceeding two pages will result in immediate disqualification.

Is telework available for this role?

Yes, USCIS provides episodic telework opportunities for eligible staff in accordance with agency telework policies, though regular reporting to the Camp Springs, MD facility is required.

What grade levels are being offered?

This position is being filled at the GS-13 and GS-14 grade levels, with a full performance level of GS-14.

Are there specific residency requirements?

Yes. Non-USCIS applicants must have resided in the U.S. for at least 3 of the last 5 years, unless serving overseas as a federal employee, military member, or dependent.

Policy Analyst Job

Citizenship And Immigration Services