Glossary

U.S. citizenship received at birth by a child born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent or parents.

Example: A woman born in Canada to an American father may have acquired citizenship at birth.

Source: USCIS: I am the child of a U.S. citizen(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

A legally binding promise by a sponsor to financially support an immigrating relative.

Example: Before signing Form I-864, a citizen asks a lawyer what the promise means.

Source: USCIS Form I-864, Affidavit of Support(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

A free local office, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, that helps people find jobs and training.

Example: A job seeker visits an American Job Center for resume help and a list of training programs.

Source: Find an American Job Center (CareerOneStop)(opens careeronestop.org in a new tab)

A paid job that includes structured training and leads to a recognized credential.

Example: An adult changing careers joins an electrician apprenticeship found on Apprenticeship.gov.

Source: Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)(opens apprenticeship.gov in a new tab)

A check of your history to determine suitability or fitness for a federal job. People hired for federal jobs go through at least a basic background check; how detailed it is depends on the job.

Example: After a tentative job offer, you complete forms for a background investigation.

Source: USAJOBS Help: Background checks and security clearances(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

The first ten amendments to the Constitution. They protect freedoms such as religion, speech, the press, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government.

Example: The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights protects your right to worship as you choose.

Source: National Archives: The Bill of Rights (full text)(opens archives.gov in a new tab)

A USCIS document proving U.S. citizenship for someone who became a citizen through a parent, not through their own naturalization.

Example: An adult who derived citizenship as a child files Form N-600 to get proof.

Source: USCIS Form N-600 (Certificate of Citizenship)(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

A program that gives free or low-cost health coverage to many children in families that earn too much for Medicaid. Rules vary by state.

Example: A parent checks InsureKidsNow.gov to find the state's CHIP program.

Source: InsureKidsNow.gov (Medicaid and CHIP)(opens insurekidsnow.gov in a new tab)

Most civil service jobs in the federal executive branch. Applicants go through a competitive process, such as an evaluation of their education and experience or a written test.

Example: Many jobs at large departments are in the competitive service.

Source: OPM: Competitive hiring(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

Ongoing review of people who hold clearance eligibility or sensitive positions, instead of relying only on periodic reinvestigations.

Example: After approval, a clearance holder still reports certain life changes to the security office.

Source: DCSA: Continuous Vetting(opens dcsa.mil in a new tab)

A State Department document showing that a child born outside the U.S. was a U.S. citizen at birth. It is issued to children under 18 and is not a birth certificate.

Example: Parents living abroad apply for a CRBA at the U.S. embassy after their baby is born.

Source: State Department: Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)(opens travel.state.gov in a new tab)

A report from a private service that explains how education from another country compares to U.S. education.

Example: A licensing board asks an engineer to send a credential evaluation of her foreign degree.

Source: U.S. Department of Education: Recognition of foreign qualifications(opens ed.gov in a new tab)

U.S. citizenship a child receives after birth, before age 18, through a parent — for example, when a parent naturalizes.

Example: A teen with a Green Card may have derived citizenship when her mother naturalized.

Source: USCIS: I am the child of a U.S. citizen(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

Whether you belong to a group the job announcement is open to, such as the public, current federal employees, or veterans. It does not depend on your experience.

Example: "This job is open to: the public" means U.S. citizens and nationals are eligible to apply.

Source: OPM: What are hiring paths?(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

Federal civil service jobs filled under authorities that are excepted from competitive hiring rules, such as those set by law or defined by OPM.

Example: Some agencies fill all their jobs through the excepted service.

Source: OPM: Competitive hiring(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

The person at a cleared government contractor who handles security matters, including questions about employees' clearance questionnaires.

Example: A contractor employee asks the company's FSO how to correct a date on a submitted form.

Source: DCSA: Help Filling Out Forms(opens dcsa.mil in a new tab)

The free form students fill out each year to be considered for federal grants, work-study, and loans. Many states and colleges use it too.

Example: A high school senior fills out the FAFSA on StudentAid.gov before applying for scholarships.

Source: StudentAid.gov: Fill out the FAFSA(opens studentaid.gov in a new tab)

Someone employed by a federal agency who is not a uniformed member of the military. Many civilians work for military departments too.

Example: An accountant employed by the Department of the Army is a civilian employee, not a soldier.

Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management (opm.gov)(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

A program that provides part-time jobs for many students with financial need to help pay for school.

Example: A student works 10 hours a week at the campus library through work-study.

Source: StudentAid.gov: Federal Work-Study(opens studentaid.gov in a new tab)

The official offer with a start date, given after conditions are met.

Example: You give notice at your current job only after receiving the final offer.

Source: USAJOBS Help Center(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

The USCIS form a citizen or Green Card holder files to show a family relationship with a relative who wants to immigrate.

Example: A citizen files Form I-130 for her mother, then waits for USCIS to review it.

Source: USCIS Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

A private company paid to provide work or services under a government contract. Its workers are the company's employees, not federal employees.

Example: A software developer at a private company works on a federal agency's project. The company is the employer.

Source: USA.gov: How to find a job(opens usa.gov in a new tab)

A level (GS-1 to GS-15) in the main federal pay system. Higher grades usually require more experience.

Example: A GS-07 job might ask for one year of experience at the GS-05 level.

Source: OPM salaries and wages(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

The federal department or office that posted the job. It defines the position, evaluates applicants, and generally makes the hiring decision.

Example: NASA posts an engineering job on USAJOBS. NASA, not OPM, reviews the applications.

Source: USAJOBS Help: How does the application process work?(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

The group of people a job announcement is open to, such as the public, veterans, or current federal employees.

Example: A job's hiring path says "Open to the public," so U.S. citizens may apply.

Source: USAJOBS Help Center(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

In immigration, the spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents (if the citizen is 21 or older) of a U.S. citizen. Visas are always available for this group.

Example: A citizen's husband is an immediate relative and does not wait for a yearly visa number.

Source: USCIS: Green Card for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

An official letter from a court telling you that you have been selected for possible jury service, and how and when to respond.

Example: A summons arrives by mail asking you to complete a questionnaire within 10 days.

Source: U.S. Courts: Summoned for federal jury service?(opens uscourts.gov in a new tab)

A percentage added to most General Schedule salaries based on where the job is located. It reflects what non-federal employers pay in that area.

Example: The same GS grade pays a different amount in two cities because of locality pay.

Source: OPM: General Schedule pay system(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

A secure sign-in service used by many U.S. government websites, including USAJOBS.

Example: When you click Sign in on USAJOBS, you are sent to Login.gov.

Source: Login.gov(opens login.gov in a new tab)

The legal process by which a person born outside the U.S. becomes a U.S. citizen.

Example: After your oath ceremony, you receive a Certificate of Naturalization.

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (uscis.gov)(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

A scam where someone who is not a lawyer — sometimes calling themselves a "notario público" — offers immigration legal advice for a fee.

Example: A family checks that their helper is a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.

Source: USCIS: Common scams (including notario fraud)(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

The promise people make at their naturalization ceremony to give their loyalty to the United States, support and defend the Constitution and laws, and serve the country when the law requires it.

Example: After taking the Oath of Allegiance, a new citizen receives a Certificate of Naturalization.

Source: USCIS: Naturalization Oath of Allegiance(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

A hiring path for jobs that U.S. citizens and nationals generally may apply for.

Example: As a naturalized citizen, you filter USAJOBS for jobs open to the public.

Source: USAJOBS Help Center(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

The federal agency that manages human resources and personnel policy for the federal workforce.

Example: OPM publishes qualification standards that many job announcements refer to.

Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management (opm.gov)(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

Federal hiring programs for current students and recent graduates, including paid internships.

Example: A college student filters USAJOBS by the "Students" hiring path to find Pathways internships.

Source: OPM: Students and recent graduates (Pathways)(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

A pay level within a GS grade. Each grade has 10 steps. New employees usually start at step 1 and move up based on acceptable performance and time in the job.

Example: A job lists GS-07, step 1 as its starting pay.

Source: OPM: General Schedule pay system(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

A federal grant for many undergraduate students with financial need. It usually does not have to be repaid.

Example: A student's aid offer lists a Pell Grant alongside a college scholarship.

Source: StudentAid.gov: Pell Grants(opens studentaid.gov in a new tab)

The petitioner is the person who files the immigration petition. The beneficiary is the relative it is filed for.

Example: You are the petitioner; your brother is the beneficiary.

Source: USCIS Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

A type of background investigation for jobs whose duties carry a higher risk of harming the public's trust in government. A public trust determination is not a security clearance.

Example: An announcement says the job needs a public trust investigation, so after an offer you complete the background forms the agency requests. That is not the same as getting a clearance.

Source: USAJOBS Help: Background checks and security clearances(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

The experience, education, skills, and credentials a specific job requires. The agency reviews qualifications only after confirming eligibility.

Example: An announcement asks for one year of specialized experience or a related degree.

Source: USAJOBS Help: Eligibility vs. qualifications(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

A driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards. It, or another accepted ID like a passport, is needed to board domestic flights.

Example: A college student gets a REAL ID–compliant license before flying home for the holidays.

Source: TSA: REAL ID(opens tsa.gov in a new tab)

Your application was sent to the hiring manager for consideration. It is not a job offer.

Example: Your USAJOBS status changes to "Referred." You may or may not be contacted for an interview.

Source: USAJOBS Help Center(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

A refugee received protection before coming to the U.S. An asylee received protection (asylum) after arriving in or at the U.S. Both can later become permanent residents and then citizens.

Example: A man resettled as a refugee in 2015 later naturalized and is now a citizen.

Source: USCIS: Refugees and asylum(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

Working from an approved location without regularly reporting to an agency office.

Example: An announcement marked "Remote job: Yes" may let you work from your home city.

Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management (opm.gov)(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

The idea that everyone must follow the law — including leaders and the government itself. No one is above the law.

Example: A mayor who breaks a city rule faces the same process as any other resident.

Source: USCIS: 128 civics test questions and answers (PDF)(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)

A special hiring path that lets agencies hire eligible people with disabilities without the usual competitive process.

Example: An eligible applicant provides the documentation required for Schedule A.

Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management (opm.gov)(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

Permission to access classified information or secure facilities, granted after an investigation. Only some jobs require it, and citizenship alone does not guarantee one.

Example: A job announcement lists "Secret" clearance required. You don't need it before applying unless stated.

Source: USAJOBS Help: Background checks and security clearances(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

An independent agency that keeps a list of people who could be contacted if a military draft were ever authorized. Registration is not enlistment.

Example: You check sss.gov to see whether a registration record exists for you.

Source: Selective Service System (sss.gov)(opens sss.gov in a new tab)

The official questionnaire, published by OPM, used for background investigations for national security positions, including jobs that need a security clearance. You complete it only when a sponsoring agency or employer invites you.

Example: After a conditional offer, your sponsor sends you an invitation to complete the SF-86 electronically.

Source: OPM: Standard Forms (lists the SF-86)(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

Work experience that gave you the specific skills needed for the job, usually described at a certain level.

Example: "One year of experience managing office records" is a specialized experience statement.

Source: OPM General Schedule qualification standards(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

Working from home or another approved place part of the time while still reporting to an assigned office.

Example: You telework two days a week and go to the office three days.

Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management (opm.gov)(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

A conditional offer that depends on completing steps such as a background check.

Example: You accept a tentative offer, then complete background forms.

Source: USAJOBS Help Center(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

The official website where federal agencies post jobs and where applicants search and start applications.

Example: You save a search for "logistics" on USAJOBS and get email alerts.

Source: USAJOBS (usajobs.gov)(opens usajobs.gov in a new tab)

A legal advantage in federal hiring for eligible veterans. Only claim it if you truly qualify.

Example: An eligible veteran submits the documents required to claim preference.

Source: FedsHireVets (veterans' preference)(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

A monthly State Department chart showing how far each waiting line for limited immigrant visas has moved.

Example: A sibling's place in line is compared with the dates in the Visa Bulletin.

Source: Visa Bulletin (travel.state.gov)(opens travel.state.gov in a new tab)

The part of jury service where the judge and lawyers ask potential jurors questions to choose a fair jury.

Example: You answer questions honestly during voir dire and are not picked for the trial — that is normal.

Source: U.S. Courts: Jury service — what to expect(opens uscourts.gov in a new tab)

A program that offers healthy food, nutrition advice, and breastfeeding support to many pregnant people, new parents, and children under 5.

Example: A new parent contacts the local WIC office to learn how to apply.

Source: USDA: WIC program(opens fna.usda.gov in a new tab)