The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not require a person to be a U.S. citizen to apply for and hold most positions. Eligibility for employment is determined by an applicant’s legal status and authorization to work within the country. All prospective employees must provide documented proof of their legal eligibility to be employed in the United States. This requirement ensures the workforce complies with federal immigration and employment laws.
Meeting Legal Work Authorization Requirements
The USPS mandates that all applicants must be able to prove their legal eligibility to work in the United States. This verification process involves completing the OMB Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, typically done after a conditional job offer has been extended. The agency accepts a limited number of statuses for employment eligibility.
Permanent Resident Status
A lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) is eligible for appointment to all positions within the Postal Service. This status meets the required employment eligibility. Noncitizens who are permanent residents may be appointed to positions up to EAS-19, though higher-level positions require approval from a regional vice president.
Refugee or Asylee Status
Individuals granted asylum status, refugee status, or conditional permanent resident status are explicitly designated as ineligible for Postal Service employment. While these statuses typically grant general work authorization in the U.S., the USPS maintains a more restrictive policy regarding the specific authorized immigration categories it accepts. The agency’s policy only recognizes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain U.S. territories.
Other Authorized Workers
Beyond U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, the USPS also considers citizens of American Samoa or any other territory owing permanent allegiance to the United States to be eligible for employment. The agency is strict about checking documentation, and a selectee who cannot provide evidence of one of these approved statuses cannot be allowed to work.
Mandatory Qualifications Beyond Immigration Status
All applicants must meet minimum requirements regardless of their immigration status. The general minimum age for appointment is 18, though a person who is 16 may be eligible if they have a high school diploma or an official certification that their formal education has ended. All new hires must also successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening as part of the suitability determination.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System to be eligible for employment. This requirement extends to most male U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens residing in the country, including lawful permanent residents. Failure to provide proof of registration or a legal exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.
For roles that involve operating a vehicle, such as City Carrier Assistant or Rural Carrier Associate, applicants must meet specialized driving requirements. These positions require a valid state driver’s license and a history that demonstrates a safe driving record. The minimum requirement for driving positions often includes two years of documented, unsupervised driving experience within the United States.
Navigating the USPS Application Process
The application process begins with an online application for a specific vacancy posted on the USPS careers website. Depending on the position, applicants may be required to take a specific entrance exam, such as the Virtual Entry Assessment, which tests skills like observation and decision-making. Communication throughout the process, including invitations for exams and background checks, is primarily conducted via email.
After passing required assessments, applicants may be invited for an interview as part of the final selection process. A conditional job offer is typically extended before the most intensive security checks are initiated. The offer is conditional upon the applicant successfully clearing all mandatory screenings.
Fingerprinting is required to conduct a comprehensive background check. The Postal Inspection Service runs this check, which typically involves an inquiry into the applicant’s residential, work, and school history for the preceding five to ten years within the United States. This security measure, which also includes a check against the FBI database, verifies identity and suitability for federal employment.