About the opportunity
The Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services strengthens national security and the integrity of the legal immigration system by closely aligning the adjudication of immigration benefits with the identification of potential threats. As an Immigration Officer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, you will identify, articulate, and pursue suspected immigration benefit fraud, public safety, and national security concerns. Major duties include conducting administrative investigations and site visits, serving as a liaison to law enforcement and intelligence agencies, developing anti-fraud tools and methodologies, and representing USCIS in court proceedings as an expert witness.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary ranging from $90,925 to $118,204 per annum (GS-13 pay scale)
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance
- Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k))
- Cost of Living Allowance (Post Allowance), Post (Hardship) Differential, and Danger Pay where applicable
- Rest and Recuperation Travel (R&R) and Home Leave
- Educational allowance for eligible dependents, depending on location and family composition
- Flexible work schedules, episodic telework, and professional development opportunities
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
- Must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the federal government
- Must successfully pass a background investigation including financial disclosure and drug screening
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service
- Must meet residency requirements if not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (resided in the U.S. for three of the last five years, worked for the U.S. Government overseas, or been a dependent of a U.S. Federal/Military employee overseas)
Required documents
- A resume demonstrating required experience, limited to a maximum of two pages
- Responses to the online job questionnaire
- Official SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or alternative documentation if you are a current or former federal employee
- Acceptable veterans' preference documentation such as the Member 4 copy of DD-214 or SF-15 if claiming veterans' preference
- Agency notice, most recent performance rating, and SF-50 if claiming CTAP or ICTAP priority selection rights
When to apply
- Application opening date: October 13, 2026
- Application closing deadline: October 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time)
How to apply
- Click the Apply Online button on USAJOBS and log in using your credentials
- Answer all required questions in the application questionnaire
- Upload your resume and all necessary supporting documentation
- Submit your complete application package prior to the 11:59 PM (ET) deadline on October 23, 2026
- Complete any required USA Hire Assessments following the instructions and unique link provided after submission
Additional information
- The initial duration of this international rotational assignment is two years, with the possibility of two one-year extensions for a maximum total of four years.
- Selected candidates must successfully complete residential training programs including the FDNS Officer Basic Training course and the USCIS Basic Officer training program.
- You and accompanying eligible family members will be required to obtain a worldwide Department of State Medical Clearance (Level 1).
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for experienced federal investigators, adjudicators, or law enforcement professionals at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level seeking an international assignment.
- A strong match for professionals with expertise in detecting fraud, conducting administrative investigations, and analyzing intelligence data.
- Well-suited for U.S. citizens open to relocating to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and meeting rigorous Department of State medical and security clearances.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires relocation to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with accompanying Department of State medical clearances and lifestyle adjustments.
- Involves a competitive and strict qualification review, including mandatory federal time-in-grade requirements and a two-page resume limit.
- Mandatory completion of intensive, multi-week residential training courses is required, with failure leading to mandatory removal from the position.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This international rotational assignment offers a unique opportunity to build specialized expertise in international immigration enforcement, anti-fraud operations, and inter-agency intelligence collaboration while serving abroad. It fits professionals aiming to advance their federal career within the Department of Homeland Security on a fixed-term overseas tour.
Our take
U.S. citizens with solid federal investigation or immigration experience matching the GS-12/GS-13 criteria who are ready for an international deployment in Ethiopia should strongly consider applying before the October 23, 2026 deadline. Candidates unable to meet federal background standards or relocate overseas should pass on this opportunity.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
