Conversion to permanent position is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a probationary period and appointment by the Attorney General.
Duties
This position is in the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), Office of the Chief Immigration Judge. EOIR seeks highly-qualified individuals to join our team of expert professionals who serve as immigration adjudicators in this important Agency. EOIR's mission is to adjudicate immigration cases fairly, equitably, and efficiently at the trial and appellate level, governed by due process and the rule of law. Under delegated authority from the Attorney General, EOIR conducts immigration court proceedings, appellate reviews, and other administrative hearings, applying the immigration laws while ensuring that adjudicators are impartial, that laws are applied humanely and equitable, that all parties are treated with respect and dignity, and that cases are resolved expeditiously and in accordance with the Administration's priorities and all applicable laws and regulations. EOIR consists of three adjudicatory components: the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, which is responsible for managing the numerous immigration courts located throughout the United States where immigration judges adjudicate individual cases; the Board of Immigration Appeals, which primarily conducts appellate reviews of the immigration judges' decisions; and the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, which adjudicates immigration-related employment cases. EOIR's Headquarters is located in Falls Church, Virginia, about 10 miles from downtown Washington, DC. As Assistant Chief Immigration Judge, the incumbent serves as a principal assistant to the Chief Immigration Judge and/or Principle Deputy Chief Immigration Judge and Regional Deputy Chief Immigration Judges in managing and coordinating Immigration Judge activities throughout the United States and in supervising the administrative operations of the program. As necessary, the incumbent also presides as an Immigration Judge in formal, quasi-judicial hearings, and enters decisions that are final, subject to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Responsibilities: Assisting the Chief Immigration Judge and/or Deputy Chief Immigration Judge in managing and coordinating Immigration Judge activities and in supervising the administrative operations of the program. Assisting in development of policy and procedure for the operations of the program, determining and accounting for resource needs, evaluating and adjusting broad objectives as needed, determining need for and effecting changes in organizational structure and delegation of authority, and establishing effective internal and external communication channels. Participating with the Chief Immigration Judge and/or Regional Deputy Chief Immigration Judge in the formulation of Executive Office for Immigration Review programs and policies. Analyzing programs and projects and prepares reports to the OCIJ leadership, recommending adoption or rejection of policy changes. Providing legal counsel and advice to the OCIJ leadership on matters pertaining to the Immigration and Nationality Act and all other applicable law.
Salary
Qualifications
In order to qualify for the Supervisory Immigration Judge (Assistant Chief Immigration Judge) position, applicants must meet all of the following minimum qualifications: Education: Applicants must possess a LL.B., J.D., or LL.M. 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 seven (7) years of post-bar admission experience as a licensed attorney preparing for, participating in, and/or appealing court or administrative agency proceedings at the Federal, State or local level. Qualifying trial experience involves cases in which a complaint was filed with a court or administrative agency, or a charging document (e.g., indictment, notice of violation, or information) was issued by a court, administrative entity, a grand jury, or appropriate military authority. Relevant administrative experience includes cases in which a formal procedure was initiated by a governmental administrative body. NOTE: Qualifying experience is calculated only after bar admission. 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; Federal 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.
Other Information
Additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance. In addition to the minimum qualifications above, applicants must submit a Writing Sample, not to exceed ten (10) pages, demonstrating their ability to author legal documents and a document addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs). (See "How You Will Be Evaluated" section.) Failure to submit these documents will result in your application package being removed from consideration. There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to ACIJ appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in ACIJ hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must claim their status when completing their application in the online application process and attach supporting documentation. (See "Required Documents" section.) 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. ***Once your application is submitted, through USAJOBS, you will not be able to make any changes, edits, or updates to your application package. Please review your documentation carefully before submitting to ensure all required materials are included and accurate. Incomplete applications will not be considered.***
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/16/2026, the closing date of this announcement, which includes: Your Resume documenting seven (7) years of post-bar admission legal experience in litigation and/or administrative law; Cover Letter optional. A complete online Assessment Questionnaire. Document(s) addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs). (See "How You Will Be Evaluated" section.) Writing Sample demonstrating your ability to author legal documents. (One (1) document, not to exceed 10 pages.) Current or former Federal employees must provide copies of their most recent Performance Appraisal and their latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable: Veterans' Preference Documentation: Although the veterans' preference point system does not apply to this position, we accept preference claims and adjudicate such claims per the documentation provided. Note: If claiming 5-point veterans' preference, include a DD-214 or statement of service. If claiming 10-point veterans' preference, include an SF-15 and documentation required by that form, VA or military letter dated 1991 or later, and DD-214. Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement. Note: 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; Federal 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. Failure to submit the documents listed above with your application package will result in your application package being removed from consideration.
How to Apply
You must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/16/2026, 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 occupational questionnaire. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are 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, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
