US hubs

Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA): Who Qualifies and What You Get

Learn how the Veterans Recruitment Appointment helps eligible veterans secure federal employment through non-competitive hiring authority.

The Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) is a program that allows certain veterans to bypass the standard competitive hiring process when applying for specific federal jobs.

Who it's for

This program is designed for eligible veterans who are actively seeking employment within the federal government.

What you get

If you qualify, you receive non-competitive hiring authority. This means you can be appointed to a federal position without having to go through the usual, lengthy competitive examination process used for most other applicants.

What it costs you

There is no monetary cost to use this program. However, you must provide your DD-214, which is your official discharge paper, to prove your service and eligibility.

The catch to know

This authority is not universal for all government work; it only applies to specific federal job series. You must ensure the position you are interested in is one that accepts VRA hiring.

How to apply

  1. Identify federal job openings that specifically list VRA authority as an option.
  2. Gather your official DD-214 discharge documentation.
  3. Submit your application through the appropriate federal job portal, ensuring your veteran status is clearly documented.