I’m looking to hear from anyone who has recently gone through the DIA TS/SCI clearance process, particularly those coming from the private sector.

My case has been in adjudication for about a month, and I’m curious how long others waited before receiving a final determination and/or being cleared to start work.

A little background:
- Dual citizen.
- A few foreign contacts, but nothing I’m aware of that raises any red flags.
- Passed the poli.
- Coming from the private sector rather than another cleared position.
- My case has been in adjudication for approximately one month.

I understand every case is different, and I’m not expecting anyone to predict my outcome. I’m just hoping to get a better sense of real-world timelines from people with similar circumstances.

A few questions:
- How long did your DIA TS/SCI case remain in adjudication before you received a final decision?
- For those who were dual citizens, did that appear to affect your timeline?
- Did anyone coming from the private sector experience a longer wait than someone transferring from another cleared position?
- Once adjudication started, how long did it take to receive an update or final determination?
- Did passing the polygraph have any noticeable relationship to the remaining timeline?

If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d especially appreciate experiences from people whose cases were handled by DIA within the last year or two.

I am currently an IT contractor and was recently selected for a federal position. I have gotten my TJO and completed my drug screening. I am just concerned about the SF-86 and some of my past history. My SF-85P is comparable to the SF-86 with some new details that I would have rather not shared but had to. Basically, I was diagnosed as bipolar disorder when I was a teenager, but I was never diagnosed or hospitalized as an adult. There is also the same drug history listed. I already received a warning letter from the agency before I started as a contractor and wrote a formal commitment to abstain from any further use, and have made good on that. Should I be worried about the future FJO/EOD?

I applied for two jobs in June & July of this year.

The June job I have FJO and transfer in process (EOD accepted for 11/2/26. (This is a GS 6 step 7 I think ?) hybrid title 38 position - transferring from a gs8 step 2 also hybrid title 38 both excepted service) VA to VA transfer.

Friday 10/23 I got a TJO for VBA VSR role (title 5 I believe) competitive service (open to public DHA hiring authority) GS 7 - would be a career ladder either way because it goes 7,9,11 (highest I’ve served is a GS8)

Can I start the new job Nov 2nd and still transfer to VBA when they do the FJO ? Or will VBA yank the firm offer cause they become aware of the other job ? Is there a restriction that would prevent me from transferring again so soon after starting the GS 6 job ? I tried to see on OPM but all I could find was possibly 90 days. FWIW I will have to do 1 yr probation at VBA (wouldn’t have to at the transfer since same job/ role just a step down)

How often does the agency relocate/reassign Diversion Investigators? Does the agency require to sign a mobility agreement for "just in case we need you" scenarios, or do they actively enforce it and routinely relocates Investigators?

I'd just like to know the odds of having to forcibly relocate.

I am still seeing these essays on newer job posts.

Hello, everyone! I’m a registered nurse currently working bedside in the ICU, and I’ve been with the VA for almost four years.

I’m hoping to connect with someone who works at the Phoenix VA Health Care System and can share some insight into whether the facility allows nurses with a BSN to obtain a Nurse III position through an educational waiver, without having to earn an MSN.

I’ve heard that some VA hospitals allow this if the nurse takes on a project that demonstrates Nurse III-level contributions and meets the required performance dimensions. My family and I would seriously consider relocating to Phoenix if this were a realistic possibility, so I’d love to hear from anyone who has firsthand experience with the process at the Phoenix VA.

Thank you in advance for any insight or advice!

Posting this for my wife. She is considering moving from the medical group in the Air Force to a Defense Logistics agency job.

How’s the culture at DLA? Most posts about them make it seem like maybe this isn’t the best time to go over there. She’s more bored and looking to do something else, so if it’s a nightmare over there she’d rather just stay.

GS-9 if it matters.

Returning federal employee/reinstatement. Figured I'd share my timeline since I've been stalking everyone else's while waiting 😂 Got an LOI first in August and just got another one recently in October after I did my fingerprints. Already provided my response less than 24 hrs after receiving it. Been forthright. So now fingers crossed 🤞 Lawd KNOWS I need this job!

CISA Reinstatement → FJO Timeline

TJO received — 7/21/26
Drug test completed — 7/28/26
NBIS/eApp initiated — 9/24/26
eApp completed — 9/25/26
eApp submitted to Security Officer — 9/25/26
Fingerprints + PIV photo — 9/28/26
Credit report pulled — 9/28/26
Financial LOI received — 10/21/26
LOI response submitted — 10/21/26
NBIS: Applicant Submitted / No Action Required — 10/23/26
Security processing — Pending
FJO — Pending
EOD — Pending

Was just offered a PCP physician Jon TJO with a start date of 11/30. Kinda soon. Wondering if this date is just there or I should expect some sort of delayed in the process? Or is it all on HR. Trying to decide between this offer and another offer to determine what I should do. Thanks.

NIH / HHS (Tier 2)

Applied 07/03/2026
Closed 07/07/2026
Interview Request 08/19/2026
Interview 08/24/2026
TJO 08/25/2026
FJO 10/21/2026

NPS / DOI (Tier 1)

Applied 07/12/2026
Closed 07/13/2026
Interview Request 07/31/2026
Interview 8/21/2026
Reference Check Late August 2026
TJO 09/09/2026
FJO Withdraw

- Applied about 60 positions since Feb. 2026.
- Modified and tailored resume for every single position.
- Recently discharged veteran.
- Referred about 30 positions, interviewed 7.

I almost gave up and felt I’m useless, but didn’t give up.
I know the rule “apply and forget,” but this was tough.
I hope this information helps.

I applied for a federal position on USAJOBS that closes once it receives 100 applications, even though the original closing date is later.

For those who have experience with federal hiring or HR, I have a few questions:

If the announcement closes early because it reaches the 100-applicant limit, does HR begin reviewing applications shortly after it closes, or do they wait until the original closing date?

If applicants have to complete an assessment, does the assessment deadline change when the announcement closes early, or does it remain tied to the original closing date?

Does the review process generally start once the announcement officially closes, or can it take several days or weeks before HR begins reviewing applications?

I’m trying to understand how this process works when a job closes early due to the application cap. Any insight from HR staff or people who have been through this process would be appreciated. Thank you!

Is there a right answer they are looking for? I recently had an interview to go back to a job I held for 7 years. After the interview I’m wondering if how I answered was the wrong answer. I had to make up a ‘story’ because the scenario they asked about hadn’t happened to me and I’m wondering if I went the wrong way for what they wanted. Anyone know? Anyone that has sat on an interview panel able to chime in? I really want/need to go back to my old job as the one I’m in has no where to promote to and is a small agency.

So I'm very confused about the degree requirements

I think i have been reading the requirements

and I think I remember some education requirements says completed 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree

Does a one-year master's degree satisfy? I got TJO in GS-6 in PA in DLA, and really want to work my up fast.

I am planning to work while getting my online master's, or maybe another bachelor's degree would help me more to get into a student program (I have a low GPA in my sociology degree currently ) any advices would appreciated

my miltary is in logistic specialist so I am looking for in inventory/logsitic area in USAJOBS

Hi, so this is my first federal app for a 13/14 position. I qualify (over 10 yrs experience in the civilian equivalent) but about 10 days ago received an email that, in summary, I was tentatively eligible, but after review by SME, not sent for consideration.

Yesterday an email says I am tentatively eligible based on my self rating of my qualifications and that I have been referred to the hiring manager for consideration (for both 13 and 14).

So first no, then yes to be referred? And why in the most recent email do they say "tentatively eligible for this series/grade combination based on your self-rating of your qualifications.". Do they not think I'm qualified based on what they see in the resume? A little confusing, but still hoping to get a call.

What stage would they call/email my references?

Thank you for advice/answers. Got another civilian job to apply to as a friend just sent me a referral...apply and forget.

I’m considering applying for a GS-13 Program Manager position within the Asylum Division and wanted to hear about people’s experiences.

Would love to hear any honest feedback, good or bad, from anyone familiar with the position or asylum operations. Thanks!

I recently received an interview invitation for an Immigration Officer position with FDNS. The email mentioned that supervisory feedback would be requested as part of the selection process.

I'm curious how much weight that feedback actually carries when making hiring decisions. Is it factored into an overall score along with the interview, or is it primarily used as an additional reference?

The feedback includes written responses and numerical ratings, so I'm wondering if those are formally scored or simply reviewed by the selecting official.

If anyone has experience with the FDNS hiring process or has served on a selection panel, I'd love to hear how the different components are evaluated.

Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you!

veteran finishing up sociology degree

I currently have a TJO for GS-6

I see people recommended me to apply for an Air Force logistics specialist recent grad program

I am planning once start my GS-6, I will use my gi bill to apply for an 1 year online master's degree then apply for this program

But does anyone in this program is it hard to get in?

Just got and accepted a TJO for a DoD GS-13 spot, and I’m trying to figure out if my HR rep is about to accidentally nuke my offer.

Quick rundown:

Hiring Path: Direct Hire Authority (DHA) — Open to the Public.

My Status: Active duty, separating (ETS, not retiring).

Timeline: Just over 180 days out from terminal leave, which is when I plan to EOD. I laid all my dates out on the table during the interview and the hiring panel was totally cool with waiting for me.

The Problem: I talked to HR on the phone and she specifically asked if I was within 120 days of separating. Then after I accepted the TJO and replied with my step/leave negotiation requests, she emailed back saying she would pass my requests to management, but asked me to send over my military documents to make sure I'm actually “eligible to move forward.”

Am I crazy, or is she running on autopilot thinking of the VOW Act 120-day rule?

From everything I’ve read, the 120-day Statement of Service rule only exists so active duty folks can claim Veterans' Preference or VEOA before getting a DD-214. Since this was a DHA/Public announcement, Vet Preference doesn't even exist on this cert. And since I'm separating (not retiring), the 180-day DoD cooling-off period doesn't apply either.

Has anyone else dealt with HR referencing the 120-day rule on a Direct Hire/Public announcement? How did you keep them from pulling the TJO?

TL;DR: Accepted a DHA GS-13 TJO ~6 months out from terminal leave. Hiring manager knows my timeline and wants to wait, but HR is asking for military docs to verify "120-day eligibility" even though Vet Preference wasn't used. Sanity check?

I am attempting to apply for a job listing at Madigan Hospital on USA jobs but when you select “continue to agency” I keep getting an error message that says:

“We are not able to display the page requested at this time.
Please try refreshing the page. If you continue to receive the error, please provide your
Agency's USA Staffing Office Administrator with the steps taken before the message was
received as well as the Reference # identified below.
Thank you for your patience.”

I have tried so many different things, put in help tickets for USAJobs and CHRA portal. USA jobs got back to me and said the problem is not on their end. The application window closes in 5 days so I guess I’m just SOL. I put in a help ticket 2 days ago and haven’t heard anything.

Good afternoon,

I recently attended a hiring event for vets and it was fantastic. Super friendly people and hiring managers on site and a verbal TJO same day.

This may not be the case for all events but I was impressed and enjoyed my time there. I was looking for the 2210 series which there were a few different opening for but had three interview and accepted a TJO.

I was hesitant at first but I am glad I attended and highly recommend. Again this was specifically targeting veterans but was fantastic.

I wanted to share my Indian Health Service hiring timeline for anyone currently navigating the process. When researching, I mostly found estimates ranging from “a few weeks to several months,” which wasn’t particularly helpful when planning employment and relocation. As a brief history I was looking to leave retail as Pharmacy Manger.

Hopefully, these dates provide a more concrete reference.

Position: Pharmacist, Full-Time

Hiring Timeline
June 5: Application submitted
June 16: Contacted for interview
June 23: Interview completed
July 22: Tentative job offer (TJO) received and accepted
August 2: Personnel Security forms and NBIS completed
August 6: Fingerprint cards arranged to be mailed to me
August 27: Personnel Security received fingerprints
October 22: Final job offer (FJO) received
December 14: Scheduled start date
All dates are from 2026.

Processing Time
Application → TJO: 47 days
TJO → FJO: 92 days
NBIS completion → FJO: 81 days
Fingerprints received → FJO: 56 days
Application → FJO: 4.5 months

My Experience
The initial hiring process moved relatively quickly. Most of the waiting occurred during personnel security and background processing.

My hiring manager was consistently responsive and helpful throughout. However, communication with the individual handling my background clearance was challenging just to ensure they even received my manual fingerprints. Email and phone call went unanswered, requiring supervisor involvement.
The biggest challenge was the uncertainty, especially while coordinating existing employment and an interstate relocation.

Timelines will certainly vary by position, facility, and individual circumstances, but I hope this gives others a useful reference.
Feel free to share your own IHS hiring timelines to help future applicants!

FINALLY! After countless applications and never hearing a word, I have an interview on Monday for a GS12 as a 2210 series for the DOJ! I was starting to feel hopeless as I’ve been referred more times than I can count.

I’ve had a lot of interviews in my life but most have been in the military as I progressed through the ranks. I always did well during those but this will be my first federal interview. My current federal job just hired me because they knew me so any tips for interviews would be welcomed. Thanks!

I recently accepted a TJO for a federal position designated as High Risk/Sensitive and am curious about other people’s experiences with background investigation timelines.

For context, I am currently a DoD contractor with an active Secret and previous Top Secret. My TS was no longer needed when I transitioned into my current position.

My hiring timeline so far:

• 07/07 – Application submitted
• 09/16 – Panel interview
• 10/02 – TJO received and accepted

I am currently waiting for instructions to complete the eApp/background investigation paperwork. I have not received a fingerprinting appointment.

A few questions for anyone who has been through something similar:

1. How long did it take to receive your eApp invitation after accepting your TJO?
2. Did having an active Secret or previously held TS clearance help speed things up?
3. Based on my timeline, is a November or December start date realistic, or should I anticipate this extending into 2027?

I realize every agency and investigation is different, but I would appreciate hearing recent experiences or predictions from anyone who has gone through a similar process.

Edited for formatting error.

Not sure when it opened.
Applied: 8/30
Application “received” notification: 8/30
Posting Closed 9/8
Notice of results and referral: 9/9
Call to schedule interview: 9/22
Interview:9/23
TJO: 10/8
Onboarding: 10/9-10/22 (took longer because one email was lost in sending which delayed everything)
FJO- 10/22
EOD: 11/15

This was probably the fastest hiring process I’ve been through. Probably by sheer luck.

Interview: Sept 2
Intent to hire letter: Sept 3

I was hired through DHA where they offered me a verbal offer during the interview, and I got the intent to hire letter the next day. I am still awaiting TJO though. I was told 4-6 weeks for HR to send out actions, but today is the end of week 7. Are there any HR people here that can confirm if HR is really that back logged?
I’ve been trying to do my best to not stress over it, but I keep seeing posts of people giving their timeline updates and it seems almost all of them quickly received their TJO shortly after the interview.

TIA