Get Hired by US Government: How to Land a Federal Job from India

When you hear get hired by US government, a process that opens doors to stable, well-paid roles in federal agencies like the FBI, NASA, or the Department of State. Also known as federal employment, it’s not just about applying online—it’s about meeting strict legal, educational, and security requirements that even many Americans don’t fully understand. The truth? You don’t need to be a US citizen to start the process—but you do need to know exactly which jobs are open to non-citizens, and how to prove you’re the right fit.

Most people think you need a green card or a visa before applying, but that’s not always true. Agencies like the US Department of State, a federal agency that hires international candidates for diplomatic, translation, and technical roles, regularly recruit from abroad for positions in consular services, IT, and language support. The USAJOBS, the official federal job portal where all civilian government positions are listed is your starting point. You’ll find roles marked "Open to Public"—some even say "Open to Non-Citizens"—but you’ll need to pass background checks, prove English fluency, and often show proof of education equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree.

It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible. People from India have landed jobs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a federal health agency that hires epidemiologists, data analysts, and public health specialists from global backgrounds, and even at NASA’s remote sensing teams. The key? Target roles where your skills match urgent needs—cybersecurity, data analysis, engineering, and bilingual support. Many of these jobs don’t require you to live in the US until after you’re hired. You’ll still need to get a work visa, but the job offer comes first.

What most guides miss is that the US government doesn’t hire based on prestige—it hires based on test scores, experience, and paperwork. You’ll take the same exams as American applicants. You’ll fill out the same SF-171 or OF-306 forms. You’ll need to provide transcripts, reference letters, and sometimes even notarized documents from India. There’s no shortcut. But if you treat it like a competitive exam—like JEE or NEET—you can win.

Below, you’ll find real stories, step-by-step guides, and tools that help people from India actually land these jobs. No theory. No hype. Just what works.