Are you an experienced federal adjudications professional ready to step into a commanding leadership role within one of America’s most critical immigration enforcement agencies? Supervisory SEVP Adjudicator Section Chief Jobs 2026, announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Vienna, Virginia, offer a significant career advancement opportunity for qualified federal employees with deep expertise in student and exchange visitor program oversight. If you are searching for GS-14 federal supervisory jobs Virginia 2026, SEVP adjudication leadership roles USA, or ICE Homeland Security Investigations careers 2026, this complete guide on jobsr3.com covers everything you need to know.
This is a high-responsibility supervisory position at the GS-14 grade level, overseeing a team of adjudicators who manage school certification processes under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Read every detail carefully and get your application in well before this short window closes.
Basic Job Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Supervisory SEVP Adjudicator (Section Chief) |
| Employer | U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security – ICE |
| Division | Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) |
| Location | Vienna, Virginia, USA |
| Salary Range | $143,913 – $187,093 per year |
| Pay Grade | GS-14 |
| Contract Type | Permanent |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time |
| Remote/Telework | Not Available |
| Travel Required | Occasional (training, meetings, conferences) |
| Supervisory Role | Yes |
| Security Clearance | Secret |
| Drug Test Required | Yes |
| Financial Disclosure | Yes (OGE Form 450 within 30 days of appointment) |
| Announcement No. | HSI-12910697-LCA-SYJ |
| Control Number | 861505800 |
| Application Window | March 18, 2026 – March 24, 2026 |
About Supervisory SEVP Adjudicator Section Chief Jobs 2026
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), operating under the Department of Homeland Security, is one of the largest and most prominent federal law enforcement agencies in the United States. Within ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is the principal investigative arm — responsible for a sweeping range of national security, criminal enforcement, and compliance operations, including oversight of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
SEVP is a critical federal program responsible for monitoring and certifying schools that enrol nonimmigrant students across the United States. The program’s adjudication function — reviewing applications from educational institutions seeking certification or recertification to host international students — sits at the core of protecting the integrity of the U.S. student visa system.
As part of its 2026 leadership recruitment, ICE HSI is now seeking a qualified Supervisory SEVP Adjudicator (Section Chief) to lead a dedicated team of adjudicators based in Vienna, Virginia, on a permanent, full-time basis. The selected individual will serve as the operational and technical leader for a section responsible for reviewing school petitions, managing certification processes, and ensuring full compliance with SEVP regulations and federal statutes.
This role combines direct people management with high-level subject matter expertise in adjudications — demanding someone who can guide a team through complex case processing while maintaining rigorous standards of regulatory compliance and operational integrity. It is ideally suited to experienced GS-13 federal professionals with a strong background in SEVP, SEVIS operations, or related immigration enforcement and compliance functions.
For those seeking federal supervisory adjudicator jobs Vienna Virginia 2026, ICE HSI SEVP leadership positions, or GS-14 immigration compliance careers USA, this is a rare and highly impactful opportunity to step into section-level leadership within one of America’s most influential federal programs.
Available Vacancies
| Position | Location | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Supervisory SEVP Adjudicator (Section Chief) | Vienna, Virginia | 1 (additional vacancies in National Capital Region possible) |
Key Responsibilities
The appointed Section Chief will lead a dedicated team of SEVP Adjudicators and direct all operational and technical activities within the section. Core responsibilities include:
Team Supervision & Leadership
- Directly supervising a group of SEVP Adjudicators who are responsible for assessing the eligibility of educational institutions wishing to enrol nonimmigrant students and tracking changes in student status through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
- Setting work priorities, managing daily operations, and maintaining quality and consistency across the section’s adjudication outputs
- Mentoring and developing team members, providing performance guidance, and conducting formal performance evaluations in line with federal supervisory requirements
Adjudication Expertise & Subject Matter Authority
- Serving as the section’s lead subject matter expert in the adjudication of school-related petitions — including initial certification applications, recertification requests, and update petitions submitted by educational institutions
- Reviewing complex and high-stakes petition cases, applying deep knowledge of SEVP regulations, immigration statutes, and federal compliance standards
- Drafting and overseeing the preparation of petition denial decisions and formal notices for schools found to have violated applicable regulations
School Certification Operations
- Directing section activities that support the full adjudication lifecycle — including case intake, evidence verification, reference checks, and interviewing of individuals named in supporting documentation
- Ensuring the section delivers accurate, timely, and regulation-compliant outcomes across all categories of school certification activity
- Leading the section’s customised training, guidance, and technical support efforts directed at SEVIS end-users within the school community
Compliance & Regulatory Management
- Ensuring all section activities align fully with SEVP policies, procedural directives, relevant regulations, and applicable federal statutes at all times
- Identifying operational gaps or emerging compliance issues and developing practical solutions to address them within the section’s workflow
- Maintaining thorough and accurate records and documentation in support of adjudication decisions and regulatory enforcement actions
Eligibility Criteria
Essential Qualifications
To qualify for this GS-14 position, applicants must demonstrate one full year of specialised experience at the GS-13 grade level (or equivalent) that includes all of the following:
- Leading a team of adjudicators responsible for determining the eligibility of educational institutions seeking authorisation to enrol nonimmigrant students and report student status changes in SEVIS
- Supervising the review of initial school certification applications, recertification petitions, and update submissions from schools
- Managing the activities of an SEVP School Certification unit — including delivery of customised training, user support, and compliance with SEVP operational policies and associated federal regulations
Employment Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. citizens only |
| Background Investigation | Full Secret-level investigation required |
| Drug Screening | Pre-employment and ongoing |
| Selective Service | Required for males born after 31 December 1959 |
| Time in Grade | 52 weeks at GS-13 or equivalent by closing date |
| Probationary Period | One year (supervisory) |
| Supervisory Training | Required within first year of appointment |
| Security Clearance | Secret |
| Position Risk Level | High Risk (HR) |
| Financial Disclosure | OGE Form 450 required within 30 days of hire |
| Local Commuting Area | Must reside within 50 miles of home of record |
| Remote/Telework | Not available |
| Relocation Reimbursement | Not available |
How to Apply for Supervisory SEVP Adjudicator Section Chief Jobs 2026
All applications must be submitted online only via the USAJOBS platform. No mail or email submissions are accepted. Follow the steps below carefully:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Confirm you are a current ICE competitive service employee holding a permanent career or career-conditional appointment within the local commuting area (50 miles from home of record) |
| Step 2 | Prepare a two-page resume maximum — only the first two pages will be reviewed; anything beyond that will be disregarded |
| Step 3 | Complete the Occupational Questionnaire at: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12910697 |
| Step 4 | Gather all required supporting documents (SF-50, performance appraisal, political appointee disclosure if applicable) |
| Step 5 | Submit your full application package through USAJOBS before 11:59 PM EST on 24 March 2026 |
Salary & Benefits
This GS-14 role carries a highly competitive federal salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package:
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $143,913 – $187,093 |
| Health Insurance | Medical, dental, and vision coverage |
| Life Insurance | Federal life insurance programme |
| Retirement Plan | Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) |
| Thrift Savings Plan | Government-matched contributions (equivalent to 401k) |
| Annual & Sick Leave | Generous federal leave entitlements |
| Federal Holidays | All paid federal holidays included |
| Flexible Spending Account | Healthcare and dependent care options |
| Employee Assistance Programme | Available to all employees |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Available subject to eligibility |
| Transportation Subsidy | Available for qualifying commuting costs |
| Wellness & Fitness | Health programmes and fitness centre access |
| Professional Development | Extensive federal training and development opportunities |
| Disabled Veteran Leave | Available to eligible veterans hired after 5 November 2016 |
Evaluation & Selection Process
Applicants will be assessed through a structured evaluation process designed to identify the most qualified and capable candidates:
- Qualification Screening — All resumes are reviewed for the required one year of specialised GS-13 experience described in the qualifications section
- Competency Assessment — Qualified candidates are evaluated against the following competencies through resume review, structured interview, or both:
| Competency | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Conflict Management | Addressing and resolving workplace or operational disagreements effectively |
| Influencing / Negotiating | Building consensus and achieving outcomes through effective persuasion |
| Leadership | Inspiring, developing, and directing a high-performing adjudications team |
| Oral Communication | Conveying information clearly and professionally in verbal settings |
| Performance Management | Setting goals, providing feedback, and managing staff performance formally |
| Planning & Evaluating | Organising section workload and assessing outcomes against objectives |
| Problem Solving | Identifying issues and applying sound judgement to resolve them |
| Technical Competence | Deep knowledge of SEVP regulations, SEVIS, and adjudication processes |
| Writing | Producing accurate, clear, and professional written work including denial decisions |
- Performance Appraisals & Awards — Due weight is assigned to recent performance ratings and incentive awards per 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3)
- Interviews — May be required; failure to attend may result in removal from the process
- Background Investigation — A full Secret-level suitability and security investigation is conducted on all conditionally selected candidates
Why Apply for This Job in 2026
The ICE HSI Supervisory SEVP Adjudicator Section Chief role 2026 is a standout leadership opportunity for experienced federal adjudication professionals. Here is why this position deserves serious attention:
- GS-14 salary of up to $187,093 — placing this role among the most well-compensated supervisory positions in federal compliance and enforcement
- Lead a specialist team at the heart of the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program — a program central to national security and immigration integrity
- Serve as the recognised subject matter authority on school petition adjudications within a high-profile federal investigative unit
- Gain leadership experience within Homeland Security Investigations — one of the most respected divisions in federal law enforcement
- Permanent, full-time appointment with the full federal benefits package from day one
- Ideal for those pursuing GS-14 supervisory compliance roles Virginia 2026 or ICE HSI SEVP leadership careers
- Strong foundation for long-term advancement within ICE, DHS, or the wider federal law enforcement community
- Work within the National Capital Region — one of the most strategically important federal employment zones in the United States
Contact Details
For enquiries related to this vacancy, reach out to the hiring point of contact directly:
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| sandra.y.johnson@associates.ice.dhs.gov | |
| 📍 Location | Vienna, Virginia (Homeland Security Investigations) |
| 🌐 Apply Online | Via USAJOBS – Announcement No. HSI-12910697-LCA-SYJ |
Apply Now
The Supervisory SEVP Adjudicator (Section Chief) position at ICE HSI 2026 is a high-value, career-defining opportunity for federal professionals with proven expertise in SEVP adjudications and team leadership. With a salary reaching up to $187,093, a permanent appointment, and a meaningful role in safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. international student visa system, this is a role that GS-13 adjudication professionals should act on without hesitation.
Prepare your two-page resume, complete the occupational questionnaire, and submit your full application package through USAJOBS before 11:59 PM EST on 24 March 2026. If you are searching for federal supervisory adjudicator jobs Virginia 2026, ICE Homeland Security Investigations leadership positions, or GS-14 SEVP careers USA, do not let this short window close without applying.
👉 Click Here To Apply — Via USAJOBS Announcement HSI-12910697-LCA-SYJ
FAQs About Supervisory SEVP Adjudicator Section Chief Jobs 2026
Q: Who is the hiring agency for this position? The employer is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), specifically the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division, based in Vienna, Virginia.
Q: Is this vacancy open to external applicants or the general public? No. This role is open only to current ICE employees in the competitive service holding a permanent career or career-conditional appointment, who reside within 50 miles of their home of record from the Vienna, Virginia duty location.
Q: What grade level experience is needed to qualify? Applicants must demonstrate one full year of specialised experience at the GS-13 grade level (or equivalent) by the closing date of 24 March 2026.
Q: What is the salary for this role? The annual pay range is $143,913 to $187,093 at the GS-14 pay scale.
Q: Is a security clearance required? Yes. This position requires a Secret-level security clearance. All conditionally selected candidates must successfully complete a full suitability and background investigation before appointment.
Q: Is telework or remote work available? No. This is a fully on-site role based in Vienna, Virginia. Neither remote work nor telework is offered for this position.
Q: How long is the application window? The announcement runs from 18 March 2026 to 24 March 2026 — just six days. The final submission deadline is 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 24 March 2026.
Q: What documents do I need to submit? You must provide a maximum two-page resume, your most recent SF-50, a completed Occupational Questionnaire, and any applicable performance appraisals or political appointee disclosures. Failure to include required documents will result in disqualification.
Q: How do I apply? Submit your application entirely online through USAJOBS. Mail and email submissions are not accepted under any circumstances. Apply as early as possible given the very limited application window.
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