https://www.usajobs.gov/job/886451000/

Hmm, seems like they are sending out referral letters for the USCIS September posting.

I haven’t seen this wording before and was curious if anyone received a TJO or if that just referred to sending it to the hiring manager.

Best of Luck!

Current 1811 and jumping over to the OIG side of things. I’ve got two offers, one for VA and one for DOJ. Between the two, which one would you go with and why?

location isn’t a factor since the family is good with either one.

As is tradition.

https://www.uspis.gov/inspector-hiring-2026

If there are issues, reach out to PIRecruitment@uspis.gov

Two years of waiting (mostly of my own doing) and a lot of lurking on here, finally looks like I’m about to cross the goal line. Got the call! In the New York Metro Area, got some things to figure out for that area but still relatively young and no family yet.

My Timeline:
9/2024 - Applied
9/2024 - ECAP submitted
11/2024 - SF86 submitted
11/2024 - Fingerprints
11/2024 - VIE
5/2025 - Assessment Center/Polygraph
Deployment 2025-2026
6/2026 - MI
6/2026 - Turned down Jul26 BIT (Had just returned from a rough deployment and didn’t feel like I could turn around that soon.)
10/2026 - Got the call
Timeline: About 2 years and 1 month.
BIT: January 2026

Background:
7 years in National Guard, 6 years full time with 2 deployments.
Bachelors and Masters Degree.

I’m looking forward to the opportunity and getting involved in the career field. This subreddit has been extremely enlightening over the years. While I’ve never spoken directly with you Newman, your information dumps have always been very helpful!

Hi everyone,

I completed all of the steps prior to being placed into the applicant pool for USPIS (BI and Poly completed in 8/2026). Just looking to see, how many of you are in the same boat and are waiting for the call?

https://iras.uspis.gov/ApplicantPortal/login/Welcome.aspx

ATF Timeline so far:

Applied: 7/16/2026
Eligible GL-7: 9/21/2026
Phase 1 complete: 10/21/2026
Phase 2 complete: 10/27/2026
Structure Interview: Pending
Polygraph: Pending
Background Investigation: Pending
Medical: Pending
FJO: Pending

My background:

31 yrs old, 8.5yrs AD U.S. Air Force Security Forces/Military Working Dog Handler, current U.S. Air Force Security Forces Reservist and Federal Police Officer for the U.S. Mint, UPTP completed 2025. 83 credits towards BS in Cybersecurity Technologies.

Looking forward to the process - I got another little one coming in April so I’m really not in a big rush, just trusting the process.

I’m wanting advice from the 1811 community. I was recently offered an AFOSI 1811 position about an 1-1.5 hours from my house - one way. Long commute but it’s manageable I guess.

I’ve been trying for years to get in as an 1811 and finally struck gold it seems, atleast that’s what my other 1811 friends say. I’m prior USAF / SF and feel like this would be a great opportunity, however, it’s an hour away from home and with the mobility agreement, I’d have to possibly relocate in 3-5 years. With that being said, I’m not relocating.

I just bought a house, literally last week. There is a couple different air force bases where I live currently (use your imagination as to where I’m located) but obviously there’s no guarantee that I could be there in 3 years, plus what happens 3-5 after that?

Anyways, my question is this - how often does it happen and how easy is it to get your 1811 credentials and start out with an agency like OSI and then try to leave it for a different agency without a strict mobility agreement such as OIG? Does this happen often?

The big driver for me is the potential excitement of getting back into a law enforcement career and obviously the LEO retirement and pay.

How coveted is this career field really? Should I pass on it? Would that be a mistake? I’m 33 now and have just shy of 10 years federal service between past Active duty time and federal civilian employment currently.

Thanks.

Anyone seen any movement on this one? The initial cutoff date was about a month ago, I haven’t heard anything regarding it wasn’t sure if anyone else has.

I failed the ATF SA interview. I searched this page and couldn’t find a direct answer- can I apply right away or is there a period of time that I have to wait? Thanks you.

I have updated my free FEHB comparison tool.

2027 FEHB brochures are out - I have them linked on my site FERS-Ready.

Select a plan - scroll to the bottom to "Official plan documents" to find them.

Let me know if there are any new features you would like to see implemented.

Enjoy!

I’ve applied to several agencies at this point. Just passed USSS entrance exam and am also in process for ATF as well. My question is I got arrested for misdemeanor Battery;disorderly conduct my senior year of college for a bar fight, only evidence was hearsay. I was actually trying to break the fight up but was just in wrong place wrong time. Charges were eventually dropped because I agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement. I’m just curious if anyone else has had something similar and still made it through.

I applied to USPIS in September 2025 and didn’t pass Exam Part 1. That was my only time applying and taking the exam.
I’m trying to reapply, but the portal only shows my old application and exam result. There’s no option to apply again or update my work history and education, even though I’ve gained more experience and earned another degree.
Has anyone else had this issue? Is this typical for returning applicants? I’ve already emailed recruitment but wanted to see if anyone here has experienced the same thing.

After a long journey through federal law enforcement hiring, I received my invitation for the January 2027 A-100 Class. Figured I’d share my timeline and some background for anyone currently going through the process.

DSS Timeline:

January 2026: Began the application process and passed DSSAT

March 2026: Submitted required documents

April 2026: Passed written examination

May 2026: Passed BEX

June 2026: Completed medical requirements and received medical clearance

June 2026: Existing DoD clearance accepted through reciprocity

June 2026: Passed suitability review approximately 1–2 weeks later

August 2026: Passed PRT and was immediately added to the Register

October 2026: Received invitation for January 2027 A-100!

My Advice:

Before DSS, I went through the hiring process with numerous federal law enforcement agencies, experiencing everything from conditional offers to unexpected rejections. It was an absolute roller coaster. Lots of ups and downs but I learned a lot. I share that because I know how discouraging these processes can be. There were plenty of times when I questioned whether federal law enforcement was ever going to work out for me. You invest months, sometimes years, into an agency just to have everything end abruptly, often without much explanation. But looking back, I’m genuinely grateful things happened the way they did.

I didn’t even discover DSS until after several of those setbacks. The more I learned about the agency, its mission, overseas opportunities, investigations, protection, and career progression, the more I realized it was exactly what I wanted. Knowing everything I know now, DSS would have been my number one choice from the beginning. And the funny thing is, had one of those earlier opportunities worked out, I likely would have pursued an entirely different career path and never discovered what DSS had to offer.

For anyone currently getting rejected, waiting months for updates, or questioning whether it’s worth continuing, keep going. One thing I’ve learned is that rejection from an agency doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unqualified or incapable of doing the job. These processes are competitive, unpredictable, and sometimes completely outside your control. Don’t let one agency or one hiring process determine your future or make you question everything you’ve worked for.

Roll with the punches, learn what you can, and keep putting yourself out there. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and couldn’t be more excited to begin my career with DSS. It’s been a long road, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Lastly, thank you to everyone who’s contributed to this forum. I’ve gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and insight from this community over the past two years, and I hope sharing my experience can help someone else along the way.

Quick question for anyone who can answer or give some insight,I’m currently in college and strongly wanna go into law enforcement. I’m an intern with the drug enforcement unit for my county love every second, and get to network with all types of LEO. Thing is that I’m most likely going to go into Marine Corps PLC program next summer is it even worth going into the Millitary if I really just want to work federal law enforcement? Some of my mentors say it will help in the long run but they are not Feds. I have thought about just going reserves instead would that be a better option (no right or wrong answers)

Planning on dropping applications for ATF/DEA, been Local/State LEO for the last 10 years. And want to make the move a few years before I age out. I have not been able to find any solid info on this. Can someone give pros/cons of the DC field office for either agency. Feel free to message me if you don’t want it on a forum. I say D.C. because thats likely the closest I’ll get to where I’m currently at. I know the TF is a huge thing right now but outside of that how’s the work balance, don’t mind beating the streets 60+ hours a week if that’s a thing.

I’m looking for clarification from current/former 1811s or anyone familiar with FBI Special Agent hiring and federal law enforcement retirement rules.

I’m 36 and turn 37 in January 2027. I recently received a tentative offer for an ICE ERO Deportation Officer position, classified as GL-1801-5, Step 1, with a full performance level of GS-12. The offer also references the ERO 1801 Law Enforcement Officer Mobility Program.
My long-term goal is to become an FBI Special Agent, and I’m trying to understand whether accepting this position would preserve my eligibility under the FBI’s age requirements.
A few questions:
Does an ICE ERO Deportation Officer position under the GL-1801 series qualify as covered federal law enforcement service for purposes of the FBI Special Agent age exception?

When does the clock effectively stop for age eligibility? Is it the date I receive/accept the offer, my official entry-on-duty date, completion of the academy, or something else?

If I enter on duty before turning 37 but don’t finish the academy until after my birthday, would that make a difference?

If my EOD date is after I turn 37, could my prior qualifying service still allow me to apply, assuming I meet the applicable service requirements?

Would I need to have completed a certain amount of qualifying federal service before applying to the FBI, or is being appointed to a covered position sufficient?

I understand that FBI hiring and federal retirement coverage are separate issues, and I’m not assuming that the ERO position automatically qualifies me for an age exception. I’m trying to verify the actual rules before making a major career decision.
For context, I currently work in public education and have a doctorate, but I’m interested in transitioning into federal law enforcement. I’d appreciate insight from anyone who has made the ERO-to-1811 transition or has firsthand knowledge of how the FBI applies its age requirements to prior federal law enforcement service.
If possible, please point me toward the applicable OPM/FBI guidance or statute.
Thanks!

Good afternoon,

So I just got the pass on my panel interview, and accepted my CAO (phew, was my last attempt!).

Additionally got word I'll be mobilized for army reserves soon for many months.

Does anyone have experience with juggling army and 1811 applications?

This shouldn't really affect BI, but scheduling poly and personnel interview will be a pain. I know the place I'm going to has an FBI office, might they be able to conduct personnel interviews/polys?

Not trying to ask my AC yet on the off chance they say I have to withdraw, and I've yet to even get orders.

Thanks for any help!

I recently decided to switch my career path from wildlife biology to becoming a game warden. I’m currently finishing my B.S. in Wildlife Biology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice, and I already work for my state’s conservation agency doing land management. I’ve also had a little bit of exposure to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) through meetings at work.

My current plan is to attend my state’s conservation agent academy and gain some experience in the field before eventually pursuing an online master’s degree in Wildlife Forensics. I'd be happy staying with my states agency, but I always thought the 1811 special investigators for forest service or USFWS sounded so awesome.

I was wondering how difficult it actually is to get into federal wildlife law enforcement with USFWS? I know they don’t hire nearly as many officers as state agencies, so I’m curious how competitive the process is and what kind of experience or qualifications they typically look for.

This would definitely be a long-term career goal rather than something I’d pursue right away, but I’d love to hear from anyone who has made the transition from state to federal wildlife law enforcement or has experience with USFWS. I’m hoping that with several years of experience and a master’s degree, I might have a shot at it down the road!

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/890155900

Many locations and open to the first 150.

(Fine print, I don’t believe sharks with laser beams are standard issued.)

Current detective on the final step with the DEA, but also have open applications with HSI as a direct hire. For those who know, what do the location offers like currently? Hoping for Chicago, but just wondering what choices people have been offered recently.

Dual applicant that Received the call for UD on Sept 10th! Turned down and chose SA. Background has been white for SA since Sept 15th. Anyone else waiting around after white background?

Hello all,

Looking to see if someone here is willing to answer a question before I reach out to a recruiter.

I was diagnosed with Lyme disease through symptoms (not blood test) in 2018. I have been asymptomatic since then. Is this a disqualifying medical condition?

I also had ACL reconstruction in 2016, but have had normal function since then, though I have occasionally had pain and discomfort. Would this be disqualifying?

I have 7 years of LE experience with 2 years as a detective and 4 years on our tactical team as a breacher. Could my ability to do my current job be enough of a reason for these circumstances to not be disqualifying since these conditions have not have a negative impact?

Thank you!