Foreign Service Reappointments
If you are a former career member of the Foreign Service, you could be eligible for reappointment. This would allow you to return to the same grade and career track that you left.
Currently, the Department is processing applications for reappointments during an annual open season. Applications will be accepted between April 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024, for all skill codes at the 02 level and below. Only applications received within this time period will be considered.
Reappointments are not automatic. The Foreign Service Act of 1980 (as amended) authorizes the reappointment of former career members when the reappointment meets the needs of the Foreign Service. Eligibility for reappointment will depend on the current hiring needs of the Department and employee deficits for each grade and skill code.
To apply, send an application form and a current resume to FSReappointments@state.gov.
The reappointment process is similar to the process you went through when you first entered the Foreign Service. Your application package will go through a review and evaluation stage to ensure you meet all requirements for reappointment. If approved, the Office of Talent Acquisition will notify you and initiate medical review and security and suitability clearances. When you have received these clearances, your name will be placed on a register of reappointment candidates. If selected for a reappointment, candidates agree to a directed first assignment in positions designated as hard to fill or otherwise meeting an immediate service need.
Applicants for reappointment must meet the general criteria below to apply for reappointment to the Foreign Service. Additional requirements that are career track-specific will also apply.
In general, applicants for reappointment:
- Must have been tenured before leaving the Service.
- Must have left the State Department’s Foreign Service not longer than eight years prior to their reappointment request.
- Must be willing to accept a directed first assignment anywhere in the world, including domestic, upon reappointment.
- Must meet minimum medical qualifications standard and obtain a Top Secret clearance, and favorable Suitability clearance.
- Must not have previously retired and must be able to enter into service before their 60th birthday or demonstrate veteran’s preference eligibility.
- Have sufficient years and months of prior service in DS as a FP-2501 or GS-1811 Special Agent. The maximum entry age of 37 will be adjusted up for the time served as a DS Special Agent. In order to be reappointed to DS, an applicant must fall below the adjusted maximum age. (For example, a former Special Agent with three years, three months of 2501 and/or 1811 service with DS would have until age 40 and 3 months to be reappointed. The applicant would be eligible for reappointment as long as the applicant could complete the process and enter into duty before the month of reaching this requirement.)
- For DS reappointees, onboarding dates will be aligned to required follow-on training, and these dates are non-negotiable.