Visa Assistant
US Embassy and Consulates in Canada
Basic Function of the Position: The position is one of four mirrored Visa Assistant team members in the Consular Section which adjudicates 8,000 IVs and over 20,000 NIVs annually (FY 2012 figures). The Visa Assistants are divided into two teams. Each Visa Assistant reports directly to a Team Supervisor and indirectly to a Visa Unit Supervisor. The incumbent is responsible for performing all steps involved in processing both nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) and immigrant visas (IVs), from receipt of applications, preparation of case files for officer interview, post-interview processing to final printing and preparation for delivery. The incumbent must have a developed understanding of moderately complex legal and procedural requirements, properly handle and exercise responsibility for controlled consular supplies, properly handle large amounts of personally identifiable information (PII) and other sensitive information relevant to visa applications. Extensive contact with the public in person, via telephone and email.
Qualifications and Evaluations
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of two to three years of progressively responsible consular work experience or in a position which required extensive public contact and the application of highly regulated materials.
JOB KNOWLEDGE: Must have an standard knowledge of the consular operational environment; strong familiarity with Mission Canada and Bureau of Consular Affairs priorities and key activities; authoritative knowledge of IV and NIV law, regulations, procedures and processes, familiarity with 9 FAM 40, 41 & 42, the Immigration Naturalization Act and other consular Department guidance and instructions.
Education Requirements:
Completion of Secondary School or Local Mandatory Schooling and received high school diploma
Evaluations:
LANGUAGE: Level IV (Fluent) in reading/writing/speaking English AND Level IV (Fluent) in reading/writing/speaking French is required. This may be tested.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Jobholder must have the ability to work efficiently and accurately with complex regulatory materials in a high-volume environment with frequent interruptions processing high volumes of data using various standard and proprietary computer software programs.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.
All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.
Benefits and Other Info
Benefits:Agency Benefits:
Locally Employed Staff, including Members of Household (MOHs), and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), working at the U.S. Mission in Canada may receive a compensation package that may include health, separation, and other benefits.
For EFMs, benefits should be discussed with the Human Resources Office.
The pay plan is assigned at the time of the conditional offer letter by the HR Office.
HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.
HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:
AEFM / USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
AEFM / USEFM
FS on LWOP and CS with reemployment rights **
IMPORTANT: Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 ("Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty"), equivalent documentation, or certification. A "certification" is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given.
** This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.