The US Immigration Services Officer (ISO) plays a crucial role in the United States immigration system. These officers work within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Their primary responsibility is to review immigration applications, conduct interviews, enforce immigration laws, and ensure that the immigration process is fair, legal, and efficient.
In 2025, salaries for Immigration Services Officers remain highly attractive, especially given the federal employment benefits, stable career paths, and opportunities for advancement. Salaries are determined by the federal General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which assigns pay grades based on job complexity, qualifications, and years of service.
This comprehensive guide covers the US Immigration Services Officer salary by grade in 2025, including monthly and annual pay, allowances, benefits, factors influencing salaries, career progression, and frequently asked questions.
If you are considering a career with USCIS, this article will give you all the insights you need.
Salary Structure Overview for Immigration Services Officers (2025)
The salaries of Immigration Services Officers are structured under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. The GS system has 15 grades (GS-1 to GS-15), and each grade has 10 steps that represent pay increases based on tenure and performance.
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Entry-level ISOs typically start at GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9, depending on their qualifications.
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Mid-level ISOs often occupy GS-11 and GS-12 positions.
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Supervisory ISOs and specialized officers can advance to GS-13 and higher.
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Salaries also include locality pay adjustments, which vary by geographic location.
In 2025, the average annual salary of an Immigration Services Officer ranges from $42,000 to over $120,000, depending on grade, step, and locality.
Summary Table: US Immigration Services Officer Salary by Grade (2025)
Below is an estimated salary table (base pay before locality adjustments) for Immigration Services Officers in 2025:
| Grade | Step 1 Monthly | Step 1 Annual | Step 10 Monthly | Step 10 Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $3,100 | $37,200 | $4,030 | $48,360 |
| GS-7 | $3,600 | $43,200 | $4,670 | $56,040 |
| GS-9 | $4,400 | $52,800 | $5,730 | $68,760 |
| GS-11 | $5,300 | $63,600 | $6,900 | $82,800 |
| GS-12 | $6,400 | $76,800 | $8,300 | $99,600 |
| GS-13 | $7,600 | $91,200 | $9,900 | $118,800 |
| GS-14 | $9,000 | $108,000 | $11,700 | $140,400 |
| GS-15 | $10,500 | $126,000 | $13,600 | $163,200 |
Note: Salaries increase with locality pay adjustments, which can add between 15% to 30% to base salaries depending on the city or region.
How the Salary Structure Works for Immigration Services Officers
The salary of an ISO is influenced by:
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Pay Grade (GS level): Higher grades mean more responsibility and higher pay.
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Step Increases: Each grade has 10 steps, with regular pay increases based on performance and tenure.
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Locality Pay: Salaries are adjusted to reflect the cost of living in different regions of the USA. For example, an ISO in New York City earns more than one in Oklahoma.
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Overtime and Premium Pay: Officers may receive extra pay for overtime, night shifts, Sundays, or federal holidays.
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Promotions: Career growth opportunities allow ISOs to advance to higher grades, leading to significant salary jumps.
Detailed Salary Breakdown by Grade
GS-5 Immigration Services Officer Salary (2025)
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Monthly Salary: $3,100 – $4,030
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Annual Salary: $37,200 – $48,360
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Entry-level officers, usually with a bachelor’s degree, start here. Duties involve assisting with case processing and learning immigration laws.
GS-7 Immigration Services Officer Salary (2025)
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Monthly Salary: $3,600 – $4,670
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Annual Salary: $43,200 – $56,040
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Officers at this grade conduct initial applicant reviews and interviews under supervision.
GS-9 Immigration Services Officer Salary (2025)
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Monthly Salary: $4,400 – $5,730
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Annual Salary: $52,800 – $68,760
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Mid-level officers with advanced experience. Often involved in adjudicating complex applications.
GS-11 Immigration Services Officer Salary (2025)
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Monthly Salary: $5,300 – $6,900
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Annual Salary: $63,600 – $82,800
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Officers independently adjudicate cases, conduct interviews, and issue decisions.
GS-12 Immigration Services Officer Salary (2025)
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Monthly Salary: $6,400 – $8,300
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Annual Salary: $76,800 – $99,600
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Senior ISOs handling complex immigration cases. Often considered “journey-level” officers.
GS-13 Immigration Services Officer Salary (2025)
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Monthly Salary: $7,600 – $9,900
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Annual Salary: $91,200 – $118,800
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Supervisory or highly specialized officers, overseeing teams or managing sensitive cases.
GS-14 & GS-15 Senior Immigration Services Officer Salary (2025)
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GS-14 Monthly: $9,000 – $11,700 | Annual: $108,000 – $140,400
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GS-15 Monthly: $10,500 – $13,600 | Annual: $126,000 – $163,200
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Reserved for senior management, policy advisors, and directors.
Allowances and Benefits for Immigration Services Officers
In addition to salary, ISOs enjoy a comprehensive federal employee benefits package:
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Health Insurance: Multiple plan options with government contributions.
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Retirement Plan: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): 401(k)-style savings with agency matching.
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Paid Leave: 13–26 vacation days per year plus 11 federal holidays.
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Sick Leave: Unlimited accrual.
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Student Loan Repayment: Available for eligible officers.
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Training & Education Support: Paid training and tuition assistance.
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Job Security: Stable federal employment with union protections.
Comparison with Other Federal Agencies
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TSA Officer: $35,000 – $55,000 (lower than ISO).
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FBI Agent: $55,000 – $120,000 (slightly higher at senior levels).
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CBP Officer: $50,000 – $95,000 (comparable to mid-level ISO).
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US Marshals: $60,000 – $120,000 (similar to GS-11 and above ISO).
This shows that Immigration Services Officers have a competitive salary with strong benefits compared to other federal law enforcement and service roles.
Key Factors Influencing ISO Salary in 2025
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Experience and Step Level
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Locality Pay Adjustments
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Promotions and Career Path
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Education and Specialized Skills
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Overtime Opportunities
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Federal Pay Adjustments (annual increases)
Career Progression for Immigration Services Officers
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GS-5 → GS-7 → GS-9: Entry-level officers.
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GS-11 → GS-12: Journey-level, independent decision-makers.
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GS-13 → GS-15: Supervisory, policy-making, and senior management roles.
Promotion typically occurs every 1–3 years, depending on performance, tenure, and available openings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the starting salary for an Immigration Services Officer?
Starting salary in 2025 is about $37,200 (GS-5 Step 1) annually.
2. How much can an experienced ISO earn?
Senior ISOs (GS-15) can earn up to $163,200 annually before locality pay.
3. Do Immigration Services Officers get overtime pay?
Yes, ISOs may receive overtime and premium pay for Sundays and holidays.
4. How does location affect salary?
Locality pay can add 15%–30% to base salary depending on the region.
5. What benefits do ISOs receive?
Health insurance, retirement plans, TSP, paid leave, sick leave, and student loan repayment.
6. How long does it take to get promoted?
On average, every 1–3 years, depending on performance.
7. Is the job secure?
Yes, it is a federal government job with strong job security.
8. Do ISOs work overtime often?
Some assignments may require overtime, especially during immigration surges.
9. Can ISOs work remotely?
Some administrative tasks can be remote, but interviews and adjudications often require physical presence.
10. Is the career rewarding?
Yes. ISOs directly impact immigration policies and individual lives while receiving competitive compensation.
Conclusion
The US Immigration Services Officer salary by grade in 2025 demonstrates a well-structured and rewarding pay scale. From entry-level GS-5 officers earning around $37,200 annually to senior GS-15 officers earning over $160,000 annually, the career offers stability, advancement, and excellent benefits.
For those seeking a federal career that combines job security, competitive pay, and meaningful public service, becoming an Immigration Services Officer is an excellent path in 2025 and beyond.