Limited Non-Career Appointments (LNAs)

In an effort to supplement the work of career Foreign Service employees serving abroad, the U.S. Department of State offers LNA opportunities ranging from 15 months to 60 months, depending on the specific program.

The U.S. Department of State currently supports the following programs, and may expand its offering based on the needs of the Foreign Service:

• Consular Fellows Program
• PEPFAR Country Coordinators (PEPFAR)
• Healthcare

While these appointments are generally limited to a maximum of five years, the recruitment, selection and hiring processes use similar standards to those of the full-time Foreign Service Officer or Specialist positions. Additionally, all LNA candidates must pass medical, security, and final suitability clearance processes. All LNAs are members of the Foreign Service and have the same obligations and standard of conduct expectations as all Foreign Service employees. Those hired for the LNA programs listed above are eligible for many of the same Foreign Service benefits, with a few exceptions that includes the Language Incentive Pay program, if language is a hiring prerequisite, and the Student Loan Repayment Program.