NOTE: The Chief Immigration Judge position is designated as SES General and may be filled by either a Career or Noncareer Senior Executive Service member.
This position is located in the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge (OCIJ) which includes a headquarters staff and all Immigration Courts located throughout the country. The incumbent provides overall program direction, establishes and articulates operating policies, oversees policy implementation and establishes priorities for immigration courts, adjudication centers and judges throughout the Nation. The OCIJ also manages the Office of the Chief Clerk, the Language Services Unit and coordinates management and operation of all immigration courts.
Typical work assignments will include:
- Responsible for the formulation and administration of policies affecting the mission of EOIR.
- Manages the development, evaluation, and implementation of policies for agency-wide programs.
- Explores and plans long-range development goals, as well as short-term strategies.
- Develops and implements funding and resource strategies to further the agency's goals and oversees strategic planning for all agency components.
- Exercises the authority delegated by the Attorney General and represents the position and policies of EOIR before the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, Members of Congress and other governmental bodies, the press, the bar, and private groups interested in immigration matters.
You must complete a background investigation, credit check, and drug test.
You must file a financial disclosure statement in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
Salary payments must be by direct deposit to a financial institution.
Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service are subject to a one-year probationary period.
Executive qualifications of each new career appointee to the SES must be certified by an independent Qualifications Review Board based on criteria established by OPM.
Applicants who completed a Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have ECQs certified by an OPM Qualifications Review Board must provide a copy with their application.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for the Chief Immigration Judge position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Education: Applicants must possess an LL.B. or a J.D. degree. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your degree and the name of the College or University from which it was conferred/awarded.)
AND
Licensure: Applicants must be an active member of the bar, duly licensed and authorized to practice law as an attorney under the laws of any state, territory of the U.S., or the District of Columbia. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your first license and the State from which it was issued.)
AND
Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of seven (7) years of post-bar admission legal experience including a minimum of one (1) year of experience at or equivalent to the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your assessment questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, email address, and employment information. Each position listed on your Resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name, position title, grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In addition, any experience on less than a full time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties.
In addition to the minimum qualifications listed above, you must possess the following Executive Core Qualifications and Mandatory Technical Qualifications:
Executive Core Qualifications: Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must clearly demonstrate the ability to meet the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ's) within their two (2) page resume (any experience exceeding 2 pages will not be reviewed). Current or former SES members must submit an SF-50 and/or QRB Certification of ECQs to show current or former service in the SES. OPM's Guide to the Senior Executive Services Qualifications provides detailed information on the ECQs.
ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American.
ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3: Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4: Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ECQ 5: Achieving Results: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
AND
Mandatory Technical Qualifications: Applicants must clearly demonstrate the ability to meet the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ's) within their two (2) page resume (any experience exceeding 2 pages will not be reviewed).
MTQ 1: Comprehensive, professional knowledge of, and experience in, immigration law and procedures including regulatory, statutory, administrative, and judicial case law. Temperament to serve as an Immigration Judge, experience handling complex legal issues, and knowledge of judicial practices and procedures.
MTQ 2: Executive management and legal experience in court system management involving allocation, planning and directing of human and fiscal resources, supervision of staff, evaluation of program effectiveness and compliance with agency/organizational fair employment initiatives. Leadership to motivate and retain a productive, highly trained, and specialized corps of Immigration Judges, attorney advisors, and court staff.
MTQ 3: Experience providing counsel or advice under challenging and sensitive domestic and international conditions, which may involve unprecedented novel and complex foreign and domestic laws, covering a vast subject range that may substantially impact individuals and foreign relations and communicating counsel or advice to develop program and policy goals.
Education
Are you using education to qualify? Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation by clicking here. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. (Note: If you are selected for this position based on education, an official transcript will be required, prior to your first day.) You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in accredited U.S. education programs; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Translated transcripts are required. For further information, click here.
Additional information
Location will be in a non-detained Immigration Court in the continental United States.
Conditions of Employment: Only U.S. Citizens or Nationals are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Dual citizens of the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ applicants, both U.S. citizens and non-citizens, whose job location is with the U.S., must meet the residency requirement. For a total of three (not necessarily consecutive years) of the five years immediately prior to applying for a position, the applicant must have: 1) resided in the U.S., 2) worked for the U.S. overseas in a Federal or military capacity; or 3) been a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving oversees.
Note: Veterans' preference does not apply to this position. 5 USC 2108(3), which defines "preference eligible," indicates this does not include applicants for, or members of, the Senior Executive Service.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed above. ECQs and MTQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume.Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/08/2025, which includes:
1. Your Resume showing relevant legal experience (limited to two (2) pages); cover letter optional. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must address each of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) within the two (2) page resume.
2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire.
3. Must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
4. Current or former SES members must submit an SF-50 and/or QRB Certification of ECQs to show current or former service in the SES.
5. All applicants must address each of the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) within the two (2) page resume.
Note: Please ensure your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, email address, and employment information. Each position listed on your resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name, position title, grade level held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In addition, any experience on less than a full time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on 5/8/2024, the closing date of the announcement.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact EOIR.HR_Application_Review@usdoj.gov.
You must submit a complete application by the close of the announcement.
Office of the Chief Immigration Judge
5107 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
US
Next steps
We will evaluate the qualifications and eligibility of all applicants, and then assess those who meet the minimum qualifications. All candidates who meet all the minimum requirements will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration. We will notify you of the final outcome after all of these steps have been completed.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/08/2025, which includes:
1. Your Resume showing relevant legal experience (limited to two (2) pages); cover letter optional. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must address each of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) within the two (2) page resume.
2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire.
3. Must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
4. Current or former SES members must submit an SF-50 and/or QRB Certification of ECQs to show current or former service in the SES.
5. All applicants must address each of the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) within the two (2) page resume.
Note: Please ensure your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, email address, and employment information. Each position listed on your resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name, position title, grade level held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In addition, any experience on less than a full time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on 5/8/2024, the closing date of the announcement.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact EOIR.HR_Application_Review@usdoj.gov.
You must submit a complete application by the close of the announcement.
Office of the Chief Immigration Judge
5107 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
US
Next steps
We will evaluate the qualifications and eligibility of all applicants, and then assess those who meet the minimum qualifications. All candidates who meet all the minimum requirements will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration. We will notify you of the final outcome after all of these steps have been completed.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
