USAJOBS Help Center | Native Americans

What is Indian Preference?

With Indian Preference, you may receive preference over non-Indian applicants when applying to jobs with the Indian Health Service and Indian Affairs (including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education and some positions within the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs.)

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472). If you’re claiming Indian Preference, you must submit Form BIA 4432 Verification of Indian Preference with your application. Indian Preference eligibles not currently employed in federal service may be appointed under the Excepted Service Appointment Authority Schedule A, 213.3112(a)(7). Consideration will be given to non-Indian applicants if there are no qualified Indian Preference eligibles.