Government jobs are often stable, with good health insurance and retirement plans. Who can apply depends on which government: federal, state, county, city or school district.
Federal jobs are listed on usajobs.gov.
Most federal jobs, called the competitive service, are open only to US citizens and US nationals. A green card alone is usually not enough.
In rare cases, an agency may hire a non-citizen when no qualified citizen is available, if the law allows it.
Some agencies and job types follow other hiring rules, but yearly spending laws still limit hiring non-citizens.
Some jobs also need a security clearance, which normally needs citizenship.
Each job post has a "Who may apply" section and a "Requirements" section. Read both before you start.
Since late 2025, a federal resume may be two pages at most. USAJOBS will not let you save a longer one, and a longer resume can make you ineligible.
For each job, list the employer, your job title, start and end dates (month and year) and hours per week.
Use the words from the job post to show you meet each requirement.
A PDF with clear, simple formatting is safest.
State, county and city jobs
State and local governments set their own rules. Many jobs are open to green card holders and to others with work authorization, such as people with an EAD. Police officer and some other jobs may need citizenship. This differs by state; see In your state below.
Look on your state's job website, your county and city "careers" pages, and transit, water and library systems.
Public schools and universities
Public school districts hire teachers, aides, bus drivers, cafeteria staff and office workers. Many accept any person with work authorization. Teachers need a state teaching license.
Public universities often hire people on visas, including H-1B, and may sponsor some roles. F-1 students can work on campus within student work rules.
Decide which level fits your status: federal (citizens mostly), or state, local and school jobs.
Make an account on the job site and set alerts.
Read "Who may apply" first.
Prepare your resume to the site's rules.
Apply before the closing date. Government jobs close on time, sometimes after a set number of applications.
Never claim citizenship falsely
Never tick "US citizen" on a job application or on Form I-9 if you are not one, even if someone tells you to. A false claim to US citizenship can lead to a permanent bar from a green card and from entering the US, and it is a federal crime. If you are unsure of your status, ask before you apply.
Applying for federal jobs that say "US citizens" when you have a green card.
Sending a three-page resume to USAJOBS.
Skipping city and school jobs, which often hire newcomers.