Patent Examiner Hiring Status

This chart shows the Patent Examiner hiring steps and typical timing. Your timeline may vary as your application is reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR), the Patents organization, and executive leadership. We aim to update you in about 10 weeks, but some cut-off periods may take longer. Qualified applicants are considered until the vacancy closes.

START	STAGE 1	STAGE 2	STAGE 3
The process begins after the cutoff date for which you applied. 2026 dates: April 26 June 4	"Application Received" Candidates may be invited to a first-round on demand virtual interview. Note: if you do not complete the first-round on demand virtual interview you will not receive further consideration. The USPTO reviews your application and first-round interview for basic qualifications.	"Eligible or Eligible Referred" You may be invited to a second-round interview with a Patents hiring official. Hiring officials make selections. Note: if you do not schedule and complete the second-round interview you will not receive further consideration. You will stay in the pool until you are selected or the job closes and you are not selected. You will receive notice of your status.	"Selected" HR makes offers by issuing a written Tentative Job Offer.
		"Ineligible or Not Referred" You were not referred to a hiring official and you have not been selected for this position. You will receive notice of your status.	"Not Selected" You have not been selected for this position. You will receive notice of your status at the close of the announcement.

START

STAGE 1

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

The process begins after the cutoff date for which you applied.

2026 dates:

April 26
June 4

"Application Received"

Candidates may be invited to a first-round on demand virtual interview.
- Note: if you do not complete the first-round on demand virtual interview you will not receive further consideration.
The USPTO reviews your application and first-round interview for basic qualifications.

"Eligible or Eligible Referred"

You may be invited to a second-round interview with a Patents hiring official.
Hiring officials make selections.
- Note: if you do not schedule and complete the second-round interview you will not receive further consideration.
You will stay in the pool until you are selected or the job closes and you are not selected.
You will receive notice of your status.

"Selected"

HR makes offers by issuing a written Tentative Job Offer.

"Ineligible or Not Referred"

You were not referred to a hiring official and you have not been selected for this position.
You will receive notice of your status.

"Not Selected"

You have not been selected for this position.
You will receive notice of your status at the close of the announcement.