Immigration Inspection
Performs immigration inspection work including port of entry inspection, document verification, and immigration enforcement.
💰GS-1816 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 |
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-1816
⚠️ CANCELLED SERIES\n\nThis occupational series has been officially cancelled by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).\n\nStatus: Cancelled\n\nReplacement Series:\n- GS-1895: Customs and Border Protection Series\n- GS-1896: Border Patrol Enforcement Series\n\nNote: If you are interested in this type of work, please search for the replacement series listed above.
🎖️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-1816
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal immigration inspection 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.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1816
Maritime Enforcement Specialist
Border and maritime enforcement, boardings, and document and identity checks map directly to port-of-entry immigration inspection.
Military Police
Access control, identity and document checks, and enforcement duty transfer to port-of-entry inspection and immigration enforcement.
Master-at-Arms
Access control, identity verification, and force protection experience line up with immigration inspection at ports of entry.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Inspect travelers at ports of entry
- •Verify travel documents
- •Determine admissibility
- •Identify fraudulent documents
- •Process immigration cases
- •Coordinate with law enforcement
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of immigration laws and regulations.
Skill in examining travel documents.
Ability to conduct immigration interviews.
Skill in detecting fraudulent documents.
Ability to make admissibility determinations.
Understanding of diverse cultures and customs.
Skill in communicating with travelers.
Ability to take appropriate enforcement actions.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1816
What is an Immigration Inspector?
NOTE: GS-1816 Immigration Inspection is a CANCELLED series. This occupational classification has been officially discontinued by OPM. Immigration and border inspection work is now covered under GS-1895 (Customs and Border Protection) and GS-1896 (Border Patrol Enforcement) series. If you are interested in this type of work, search for those replacement series.
What replaced the Immigration Inspector series?
The GS-1816 Immigration Inspection series was replaced by GS-1895 Customs and Border Protection series and GS-1896 Border Patrol Enforcement series when CBP was formed under the Department of Homeland Security. CBP Officers (GS-1895) now perform port of entry inspections that were previously done by Immigration Inspectors.
How do I become a CBP Officer instead?
To pursue the work formerly done by Immigration Inspectors, apply for GS-1895 Customs and Border Protection Officer positions through USAJOBS. CBP Officers inspect travelers at ports of entry, verify documents, determine admissibility, and enforce immigration and customs laws. Search USAJOBS.gov for "CBP Officer" or series 1895.
What are the requirements for the replacement series?
GS-1895 CBP Officer positions require U.S. citizenship, bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, physical fitness, ability to carry firearms, and passing background investigation. Age limits apply (generally under 40 at entry). Veterans receive preference points and may qualify through military experience in lieu of education.
Can military experience qualify for CBP Officer positions?
Yes, military experience is highly valued for CBP Officer (GS-1895) positions. Veterans with military police, security forces, infantry, or law enforcement experience have excellent backgrounds. Military discipline, weapons proficiency, and experience in controlled environments transfer directly. Veterans preference provides significant hiring advantages.
Where can I find current immigration enforcement jobs?
Search USAJOBS.gov for GS-1895 (CBP Officer) for port of entry work, GS-1896 (Border Patrol Agent) for border security, or GS-1801/1811 for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) investigative positions. Department of Homeland Security hires extensively for immigration and customs enforcement across these series.
Ready to Apply for GS-1816?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.