If you have ever dreamed of working in a public service role in the United States, you have likely asked yourself: Can non-citizens work for the US government? It is a common question, and I am here to give you the honest, legal answer you need. In most cases, you must be a US citizen to work for the federal government. However, there are very specific legal exceptions and "Excepted Service" roles that allow certain non-citizens to apply. In this guide, I will break down the laws, identify who is actually eligible, and show you where to look for these rare opportunities in 2026.
Understanding the Citizenship Requirement (The Law)
Federal employment in the United States is governed by several strict laws, most notably Executive Order 11935. This order states that only US citizens and nationals can be appointed to "Competitive Service" jobs. These are the standard roles you see advertised for most government agencies like the FBI, NASA, or the Department of State.
Why is this law in place? The government argues that certain roles require a level of national loyalty and high-level security clearances that are legally tied to citizenship. However, the Appropriations Act also plays a role. Each year, Congress decides which agencies can spend money on salaries for non-citizens. This is why the rules can sometimes feel complicated—they are tied to both executive orders and budget laws.
Who Exactly is Eligible? (The Exceptions)
While the door is closed for many, it is not locked for everyone. There are four main groups of non-citizens who can legally be hired for federal government jobs under specific conditions. If you fall into one of these categories, your path to a government role is much clearer.
1. Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
This is the most common exception. If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) and you are actively "seeking citizenship" as outlined by law, you may be eligible for certain roles. This usually applies to individuals who have applied for naturalization or are in the process of doing so. Agencies are often permitted to hire LPRs when no qualified US citizen is available for a critical role.
2. Asylees and Refugees
If you have been granted asylum or entered the US as a refugee, you have specific work authorization rights. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, refugees and asylees are protected from citizenship-based discrimination in most employment sectors, including many government-funded programs. While top-secret federal roles may still be restricted, many general administrative or service roles are open to you.
3. Excepted Service Roles
This is where the "hidden" opportunities lie. "Excepted Service" refers to agencies or roles that are not required to follow the standard competitive hiring rules. This often includes:
- STEM Experts: Highly specialized scientists or tech experts needed for national research.
- Translators and Interpreters: For roles where a specific foreign language or cultural expertise is vital for national security.
- Emergency Support: Temporary roles during national emergencies (like specialized medical staff).
4. Specific Treaty Nationals
The US has certain treaties (such as with the Philippines or Micronesia) that grant citizens of those nations specific rights to work in the US government. These are rare but important to check if you are from a treaty-aligned nation.
How to Find Non-Citizen Jobs on USAJOBS
If you are eligible under the exceptions above, the official place to find these jobs is USAJOBS.gov. However, searching this site can be overwhelming. You need to use the right filters to avoid wasting time on citizen-only listings.
To find roles open to non-citizens, you should check the USAJOBS Non-Citizen Information Page. When searching for jobs, look for the "Public" or "Excepted Service" icons. In the "Clarification from Agency" section of a job post, it will often state: "Citizenship requirement may be waived for qualified non-citizens."
Competitive Service vs. Excepted Service
Understanding the difference between these two categories is the key to your success. Most "no-index" articles fail because they don't explain this distinction clearly.
| Feature | Competitive Service | Excepted Service |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship | Required (99% of the time) | Can be waived for specialized skills |
| Hiring Process | Standard OPM rules | Agency-specific rules |
| Example Roles | HR, Policy, Standard Admin | CIA, FBI, Foreign Service Specialists |
Practical Tips for Applying
Even if you are legally eligible, getting the job requires a perfect application. Government resumes are very different from private-sector resumes. They are often much longer and require specific keywords.
- Highlight Your Legal Status: If you are a Green Card holder or have a specific EAD (Employment Authorization Document), state this clearly at the top of your resume.
- Prove Your Unique Value: Since agencies must often prove no citizen can do the job, your resume must show you are "uniquely qualified."
- Prepare for the Interview: Government interviews are often behavioral. You can prepare by reading our job interview questions and answers guide 2026.
Suggested Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the US labor market for internationals, I recommend these resources:
- The OPM Guide to Excepted Service Hiring: Deep technical details on hiring authorities.
- Department of Justice (IER): Information on your rights as a non-citizen against workplace discrimination.
- Migration Visa Portal: Our latest guides on H1-B and L1 visa pathways for 2026.
Final Verdict for 2026
While the US federal government remains largely a "citizens-only" employer, the need for specialized tech, language, and healthcare skills is creating more exceptions than ever before. If you have a Green Card or specialized STEM skills, don't let the "US Citizen" label discourage you from checking for "Excepted Service" waivers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can a Green Card holder work for the federal government?
Yes, but usually only if no qualified US citizen is available or if the role is in the Excepted Service.
2. Can H1-B visa holders work for the government?
Generally, no. Federal agencies rarely sponsor H1-B visas for competitive service roles.
3. Are there any government agencies that hire foreigners?
Agencies like the Department of Defense (for language experts) or the Smithsonian often have more flexibility than others.
4. Does the citizenship requirement apply to the Post Office (USPS)?
Yes, the USPS typically requires US citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident status.
5. Can asylees apply for government jobs?
Yes, asylees and refugees have specific legal protections that allow them to work in many roles that do not require high-level security clearance.
6. What is "Excepted Service"?
It is a category of government jobs that are exempt from the standard competitive hiring process, often allowing for more flexible eligibility rules.
7. Do state governments have the same rules?
No. State and local governments (like the City of New York or California) often hire non-citizens for many civil service roles.
8. Is it illegal for a government agency to ask for my citizenship?
No, it is legal for federal agencies to ask for citizenship status because it is a statutory requirement for most of their roles.