Foreign Service Employees

Federal rules (5 CFR 315.606) allow certain current and former Foreign Service officers and employees to apply for Federal Government jobs without competing with the general public. Just being eligible doesn't guarantee you the job; you still have to meet job qualifications, go through the selection process, and meet extra requirements like a background check.

Read Full Policy

5 CFR § 315.606: Noncompetitive appointment of certain present and former Foreign Service officers and employees

Eligibility Criteria

You worked in the Foreign Service with an unlimited career appointment.
You worked there for at least 1 year before leaving.
Your departure from the Foreign Service was within 3 years of joining the competitive service.
You'll need to show proof of your eligibility with documents like your Standard Form 50 (SF-50) and, if you qualify for veterans' preference, Standard Form 15 (SF-15). Make sure to send all the required documents with your job application by the closing date.

For more details, check out OPM's competitive hiring website.

Note

If you have veterans' preference or served continuously for 3 years in the Foreign Service before leaving, you don't need to meet the 3-year requirement.

Last Updated: August 11, 2025