Federal Jobs: How to Get Hired by the U.S. Government as a Foreign Applicant

When you hear federal jobs, positions held by employees of the U.S. government across agencies like the Department of Defense, NASA, or the IRS. Also known as U.S. government jobs, these roles offer stability, benefits, and often clear career paths — but many assume they’re only for American citizens. That’s not always true. While some roles require citizenship, hundreds of federal jobs are open to foreign applicants, especially in technical, scientific, and support fields.

It starts with USAJobs.gov, the official job portal for all U.S. federal agencies. This is where every open position is listed — no exceptions. You don’t need a U.S. address to search, but you do need to understand the eligibility filters. Many postings say "U.S. citizens only," but if you look closely, some include "eligible non-citizens" under specific visa categories like H-1B, F-1 (with OPT), or permanent residency. The key is reading the "Requirements" section word-for-word. Don’t skip it. A lot of people miss opportunities because they assume they’re disqualified before even checking.

Federal hiring, the process of recruiting for U.S. government roles moves slower than private companies. It’s not about who applies first — it’s about who fits the exact criteria. You’ll need to fill out a detailed application, often using the USAJobs resume builder. Your resume must match the job’s keywords. If the posting asks for "project management experience," don’t just say "managed teams." Say "managed cross-functional teams of 12 across three states, delivering $2M projects on time and under budget." The system scans for those phrases. Background checks are standard, even for non-citizens. If you’ve lived abroad, you’ll need to provide documentation for those years — no shortcuts.

Many foreign applicants overlook federal job application, the formal process of submitting materials to be considered for U.S. government employment as a skill. It’s not like applying to a startup. You’re not selling personality. You’re proving you meet a checklist. The most successful applicants treat it like a test. They study the job announcement, match every requirement, and proofread like their visa depends on it — because in a way, it does.

And don’t confuse USA government employment, any position funded and operated by the U.S. federal government with state or local jobs. Federal means national — you could be working in D.C., Alaska, or even overseas at a U.S. embassy. Pay scales are standardized (GS levels), and promotions follow clear rules. It’s not glamorous, but it’s predictable. And for someone looking for long-term work in the U.S., that’s worth more than a high starting salary at a startup.

Below are real guides and stories from people who’ve walked this path — from applying with a student visa to landing a role at the CDC. No coaching, no connections, just steps that work. If you’re serious about working for the U.S. government, these posts show you exactly where to start — and what to avoid.