Learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA and using noncompetitive eligibility by visiting AmeriCorps VISTA on LinkedIn

FOR VISTA ALUMNI: USING NONCOMPETITIVE 

ELIGIBILITY FOR A FEDERAL JOB

Noncompetitive eligibility lasts for 12 months

Make the case to extend noncompetitive eligibility for 

up to three years after the close of service date for 

military service, higher education, or other hiring 

agency approved activity.

Highlight your hiring status

• Log into My.AmeriCorps.gov

• Click on “My Service Letter” (on the left)

• Select the appropriate “Service Term” from the first 

drop down menu

• Select “Verification of Service” from “Letter Type” 

drop down

• Enter recipient or leave blank

• Print or save as a PDF

If you have any difficulties accessing your letter, 

contact the AmeriCorps Hotline, 800-942-2677.

Find noncompetitive eligibility jobs

• usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/

unique-hiring-paths/peace-corps/

• LinkedIn: AmeriCorps VISTA

PROGRAM ALUMNI QUALIFY FOR 

NONCOMPETITIVE ELIGIBILITY AFTER 

COMPLETING ONE YEAR OF SERVICE

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR 

NONCOMPETITIVE ELIGIBILITY 

ADVANTAGE

Noncompetitive eligibility allows U.S. federal government 

agencies to hire AmeriCorps VISTA alumni without 

having to go through the competitive hiring process.

After successfully serving 12 months in AmeriCorps 

VISTA, this hiring status allows you to fast track into 

federal government service.

This status does not guarantee you a job within the 

federal government. You must still apply and meet 

qualification standards and additional requirements, 

such as a background investigation.

“After my year of service, I was able to successfully 

leverage my noncompetitive eligibility to join my agency. 

There are so many agencies that use noncompetitive 

eligibility to hire VISTA alumni outside of the formal 

competitive job announcement process.”

Anne Otih

VISTA 2015-16
Learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA and using noncompetitive eligibility by visiting AmeriCorps.gov/VISTABenefits

FOR EMPLOYERS: USING NONCOMPETITIVE 

ELIGIBILITY TO HIRE VISTA ALUMNI

This hiring status grants noncompetitive eligibility for 

12 months upon successful completion of AmeriCorps 

VISTA service. 

Federal agencies may extend the noncompetitive 

eligibility period for up to three years. Reasons for 

extension can include military service, higher education, 

or another agency activity that, in the hiring agency’s 

view, warrants an extension. Additional information 

can be found in 5 CFR § 315.605.

TAP INTO A TALENT PIPELINE ALUMNI QUALIFY FOR NONCOMPETITIVE 

ELIGIBILITY AFTER COMPLETING ONE 

What is AmeriCorps VISTA? YEAR OF SERVICE

AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program that 

places individuals with nonprofit organizations, public 

agencies, and tribal governments to make sustainable 

change and alleviate the impact of poverty. Through 

fundraising, volunteer recruitment, program development, 

and more, AmeriCorps members gain experience and 

leadership skills that put them on track for a lifetime of 

service in the public, private or nonprofit sectors. 

Why hire alumni from AmeriCorps VISTA

using noncompetitive eligibility?

• Bring employees on board who have valuable 

experience, interpersonal skills, and a passion 

for public service

• Tap into a diverse candidate pool

• Hassle-free hiring

Become an Employer of National Service

Employers of National Service connects AmeriCorps 

and Peace Corps alumni with employers from the 

private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

“When I am looking to hire staff that will be 

engaged in the workplace, VISTA hires have 

been a godsend because they come hardwired 

with a desire to work in the public interest.”

Carol Keller, Chief of Staff

US Citizenship and Immigration Services

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