What is non-competitive eligibility status and how does it apply to VISTAs?
Former VISTAs who have successfully completed their VISTA service attain a status – commonly referred to as “non-competitive eligibility” – for one year following their completion of VISTA service. As set forth in federal law, such individuals “shall be eligible for appointment in Federal competitive service in the same manner as Peace Corps Volunteers.” What that means is that VISTAs who successfully completely at least one full year of VISTA service are awarded a status that makes them eligible (1) for appointment by a federal agency into the federal competitive service and (2) to compete for certain federal employment jobs that only federal employees are also eligible to compete for. This one year non-competitive eligibility status is a benefit only available starting from the date of completion of service, and expires after one year following a VISTA’s successful completion of a year of service. VISTAs who have completed less than one year of service (including training time) will
Related Questions
- The job application asks for my grade and series to verify my non-competitive eligibility status. How do I prove non-competitive eligibility without filling in a grade and series on the application?
- Can non-competitive eligibility be "used up" prior to the end of the one year of non-competitive status?
- What is non-competitive eligibility status and how does it apply to VISTAs?
