Passport and Visa Examining
Federal position examining, adjudicating, and processing passport and visa applications, verifying documentation, and making eligibility determinations at State Department facilities.
💰GS-0967 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0967
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- GS-5: 4-year course of study leading to bachelor's degree
- GS-7: 1 year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement
OR
Experience: General experience in work requiring analysis of information, application of regulations, and dealing with the public.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0967
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal passport and visa examining position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
📋Typical Duties
- •Review passport applications
- •Verify identity documents
- •Adjudicate eligibility
- •Interview applicants
- •Detect fraud
- •Process travel documents
- •Apply immigration law
- •Maintain records
- •Provide customer service
- •Coordinate with agencies
🎯Key Competencies
Skill in examining documents for authenticity and completeness.
Ability to apply passport/visa regulations accurately.
Skill in identifying fraudulent documents and applications.
Ability to assist applicants professionally and efficiently.
Skill in making adjudicative decisions on applications.
Ability to carefully review applications and supporting documents.
Skill in explaining requirements and decisions to applicants.
Understanding of security protocols and identity verification.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0967
What is a Passport and Visa Examiner?
GS-0967 Passport and Visa Examiners review applications, verify identity documents, adjudicate eligibility, interview applicants, detect fraud, and process travel documents. They work at State Department passport agencies and embassies/consulates worldwide determining citizenship and travel document eligibility.
How much does a federal Passport Examiner make?
GS-0967 follows a two-grade interval: GS-5/7/9/11+. Entry at GS-5 ($34,454), journeyman at GS-9 ($52,205-$67,865), senior examiners at GS-11 ($63,163-$82,108). Supervisory positions reach GS-12/13. Foreign Service positions have different pay scales.
What are the requirements for GS-0967 positions?
At GS-5, you need a bachelor's degree or 3 years of general experience. Higher grades require specialized adjudication experience. Strong document examination skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of immigration/citizenship law are essential. Security clearance required.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0967?
Yes. Military experience in document review, security screening, personnel processing, or administrative adjudication qualifies. Your attention to detail, fraud awareness, and experience processing official documents translates well. Security clearance holders have an advantage.
What is the career progression for Passport Examiners?
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-9, senior examiners at GS-11. Supervisors and program managers reach GS-12/13. State Department offers domestic passport agency positions and overseas consular positions. Some transition to immigration or diplomatic security careers.
How do I apply for GS-0967 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Passport Specialist' or 'Passport Examiner.' State Department is the primary employer with passport agencies in major cities. Emphasize your document review experience, attention to detail, and customer service skills. Veterans with security or admin backgrounds are competitive.
Ready to Apply for GS-0967?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.