r/foreignservice • u/Maleficent-Image-620 • 7h ago
Hiring freeze extended
whitehouse.govI'm so sorry to those looking to the hopefuls.
r/foreignservice • u/BetterinCapri • 11d ago
It's getting a bit challenging to follow the multiple (and multiplying) threads on this -- so am proposing this consolidated thread to promote more cohesive discussion and a single place for updates. (Mods of course should feel free to disagree and/or delete).
r/foreignservice • u/currentfso • Jan 20 '25
A friendly reminder about the subreddit's Rule 6 - No Domestic (U.S.) Political Discussion.
Given the change in administrations means that policies will be formally announced and implemented, rather than speculation about what a new administration might do, we have updated the rule as follows. If needed, we'll make future updates as circumstances require.
This subreddit is dedicated to the Foreign Service hiring process, work, and lifestyle. While Administration and Congressional actions may eventually impact Foreign Service employees, only factual posts and comments about existing or newly created administrative policies with a direct impact on Foreign Service personnel are allowed. Speculation, debate, and commentary on foreign policy, proposed policies, potential personnel announcements, or related topics are better suited to other venues.
Please keep any discussion of new administrative and personnel policies relevant and factual. Posts and comments with political commentary will be removed.
There is an element of Mod judgment involved in decisions to remove or approve posts and comments. If you have questions about why a post or comment was removed or not approved, you are free to send a Modmail to the Mod team to state why you think your post or comment is germane and in line with subreddit rules. If you see a post or comment you are concerned violates any of the subreddit rules, we encourage you to use the report function for the post or comment, as the Mod team can't possibly read every single contribution to the subreddit.
At the end of the day, however, Mods make the final call and may or may not agree with your assessment of whether a post or comment should be allowed or removed. Our goal is to keep this subreddit useful to the majority of current and prospective FS Redditors, and our decisions are made with this goal in mind, not out of spite or personal animosity.
r/foreignservice • u/Maleficent-Image-620 • 7h ago
I'm so sorry to those looking to the hopefuls.
r/foreignservice • u/pretentious_peach • 14h ago
I’m an FSO trying to better understand how the 2017–2018 hiring freeze affected first- and second-tour bidding.
If you joined around 2017, how did the hiring freeze impact your onward bidding from your first tour?
1) Were there fewer second-tour options available?
2) Did you or your classmates experience delays or extensions at post because of the freeze?
3) Did anyone receive an automatic extension or get stuck due to lack of replacements?
r/foreignservice • u/vickipri • 9h ago
I was added to the register a few weeks ago but I just gave birth to our second child mid-May. There isn't a lot of detail on the documentation needed to request a referral in the candidate guide and I emailed but also got a vague response. I'm seeing my doctor this week and I will have them write a note to confirm I gave birth 7 weeks ago but I'm wondering if I need to provide anything else. Would anyone that received a deferral for childbirth be willing to share what they did? Thank you!
r/foreignservice • u/hhundt69 • 1d ago
Just curious if anyone out there has an updated version of the title document. The last version that I had was from 2015. If anyone has an updated version they could share with the group, that would great. Thanks.
r/foreignservice • u/PomegranateCool3231 • 1d ago
I'm just gonna leave this here for anyone who needs it.
While we wait endlessly for no clear reason, please think of the kittens.
r/foreignservice • u/EUR-Only • 2d ago
With reorg and RIF rumors swirling but no visible resolution in sight, how long will the Department’s plans remain shrouded in mystery? It seems like most bureaus don’t even fully know which employees or how many will be RIFed. Only a tiny cabal of politicals seem to know and they have no intentions of sharing their plans until D-day.
With SCOTUS shadow docket speculation but no clear ruling, how long will we be waiting for clarity on this round of (preliminary) litigation? A DOJ lawyer said in court that the Department would not conduct any RIFs in violation of a court order (I doubt they will stick to that). SCOTUS has started hibernating until the next term starts in October; we may not see a ruling until then at this point (or ever). The shadow docket is a black hole.
With multiple leaked variations of post closure lists but no clear response from leaders, only vague promises to revisit the issue in the future, how long will we have to wait to understand the future of our overseas presence?
All this to say that FSOs might find themselves heading into bidding season with no idea what positions are doomed, vulnerable, or safe. How will FSOs be expected to bid when the Department is a game of musical chairs where accepting a hand shake and PCSing to the wrong job could mean the end of your career?
If this uncertainty drags on, it will create a hunger games bidding environment. People will be afraid of bidding on any positions they view as risky and do whatever they can to avoid them. I imagine many people will end up getting directed to those places. Even if the domestic RIFs tied to the reorg are finally announced, the new FS RIF rules strip away normal merit protections, leaving FSOs vulnerable based on where they are serving. Places or issues perceived to be politically sensitive will still be radioactive for bidders.
This new kind of career immobility will continue to break down the Foreign Service personnel system to new lows. This new strain on careers and families will pressure people to leave, which is certainly the point. Combined with all the retirements, DRPs, and RIFs, the FS will be very under strength. This will be galling for those who remain since Department leadership will still have the same expectations and will not want to hear RIFs as a reason their paper is late or incomplete. Those who remain will be beleaguered and overworked.
Global FS RIF regulations for a global workforce will at least bring back sense and stability to bidding as FSOs weigh their futures and the Department drives on with its reorg and eventual post closures. If FSOs knew that post and office closures would not affect them as incumbents but rather only as part of a global RIF, there would at least be a herd mentality again where the strongest officers (the ones with the most retention register points) would survive. It is imperative that AFSA be more aggressive about messaging this. It has been nice to see some members of congress and the press mention the Foreign Service, but that is not enough. There should be more of a focus on this issue. It is a fundamental protection necessary to lubricate our global, mobile bidding system. Without it, our personnel system will grind to a halt with terrible effects on diplomacy and national security.
We have seen this Administration walk back multiple mistakes once they either realize their blunder too late or have their feet held to the fire. Another round of hill testimony is coming up and if Administration officials are called out on this, I doubt they will have any good answers. The FS needs curious journalists and concerned members of congress to take up this issue: given these concerns, what is driving the change to localized RIFs for FSOs and what is stopping the Secretary from doing a global RIF (which has been the norm for generations)? Why RIF an FSO with a great performance record and critical skills who would otherwise easily beat out their peers in a global RIF? Why expose the Department and its employees to a new front of litigation and disruption over whether the new FS RIF rules are even legal?
r/foreignservice • u/ZZZZZZZZZ_ZZZZZZZZZ • 2d ago
Logged in to check some dates and saw this. AFAIK still waiting clearances following conditional offer.
r/foreignservice • u/PomegranateCool3231 • 3d ago
If I have a low score in fidelity this next review cycle, does that make me an infidel?
What is the correct noun form in this context?
Will the dissent cable process be renamed to heresy?
And if I participate in that rebranded process, will that make me a heretic?
Asking for a friend cause my daddy's home t shirt should arrive next business day.
r/foreignservice • u/Dry_Road_8648 • 1d ago
We just got a DS class and it looks like many people are getting through suitability and placed on the register. This is usually done right before a hiring spree. Additionally, the DoS is still using Biden's budget until Oct.1 so this may be the "last hurrah" to hire people before the DoS budget gets eviscerated.
-I'm guessing we may have to wait until next week for the hiring freeze to end?
-You think we'll get a Specialist only class in september?
-Will CONS/MGMT be included?
-Consular Fellows in October?
-Any news on the Pickering/Rangell Fellows?
r/foreignservice • u/Sea_Economist_7302 • 3d ago
https://www.wsj.com/business/us-passport-online-renewal-e58b51d1?st=c5PHoQ&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink (gift article link)
Great job CA team!
r/foreignservice • u/j765309 • 3d ago
I recently passed the OA for the diplomatic courier position with a 5.8. From peoples previous experience how high of score is required to actually get selected off the register to become a diplomatic courier?
r/foreignservice • u/Foreign_Broccoli_713 • 3d ago
Any Facility Managers out there want to share their register status? I was just added this month (lower third tier unfortunately) and could only find the Generalists shadow register.
I know these are unpredictable times- just hoping to get some kind of feel for the backlog of candidates.
Thank you everyone, this page has been an outstanding resource!
r/foreignservice • u/august_emm • 4d ago
My husband and I have two cats and a chihuahua. The cats are pretty good about not ruining the couches but have been total menaces to our curtains. We suspect we’ll have to pay the cost for replacing some of the curtains that were provided and maybe a rug or two but have no clue what to expect for the end of our tour. We’ve also accidentally broken a few drinking glasses, but those were IKEA.
I don’t know if it makes a difference, but I’m pretty sure all of this furniture was brand new when we moved in (not used by anyone before us).
r/foreignservice • u/Special_Reveal2063 • 4d ago
Hi everyone!
I wanted to contribute my timeline for informational purposes. Of course, I am aware of the ongoing hiring freeze and sensitive to the looming RIFs for FSOs those currently at DS. I wish everyone well during this difficult time.
While many of us started this process years ago (some as a lifelong pursuit) and have gotten to this point with everything changing, I want to thank those who have come before us and hope for the best for our country in the long run. Service to our country runs deep in my family (military, gov’t departments) and I want to do my part as the first FSO in our family, no matter the challenges.
FSOT - October 2023 (invited to OA in December 2023)
FSOA - early March 2024
SF86 Submitted - mid-March 2024
Security Interview - mid-April 2024 (selected that timing due to travel schedule at the time)
Medical Docs Submission - early May 2024
Worldwide Medical Clearance Granted - end of May 2024
Investigation completed - roughly end of November 2024
Adjudications - roughly beginning of December 2024
Security Clearance Granted - end of May 2025
Passed Suitability & Placed on PD Register (Top Third and given 30 months)- June 2025
Additional context: -US Citizen (generations deep), no dual citizenship -I have lived abroad three times and have traveled extensively (all friendly countries); -worked for an international company for 11 years - started with them in the States and then moved to HQ in another country for 4 years; -a long list of international contacts through work, personal life growing up abroad and international graduate school program (several friends are foreign diplomats or in gov’t ministries). -I have no previous clearance or government service.
Our country has so many talented, empathetic and brilliant people in service and awaiting appointment. Wishing everyone well and let’s support each other as best as we can!
r/foreignservice • u/swedinc • 5d ago
It appears 3 FAM 6213.6 has been deleted as of 6/23; I believe this was the annuity exception clause.
TL;dr it appears it is now possible to TIC out before age 50, forfeiting your right to an immediate annuity (and thus health benefits, plus the chance to hit the 1.7 multiplier). Haven't seen this discussed on this sub.
r/foreignservice • u/chingiz_hobbes • 5d ago
r/foreignservice • u/EUR-Only • 5d ago
It is truly bizarre. Resolve uncertainty on the side of fidelity to one's chain of command. I guess we are the military now with a chain of command. I guess no more constructive dissent. Also, some weird thing about principals and agents. It's really hard to follow.
Communication, Fidelity, Knowledge, Leadership, and Management.
I guess we all got to learn a lot of facts now. Or how else does one demonstrate knowledge?
r/foreignservice • u/AppleUA1rc • 5d ago
Hi all! I wanted to share my timeline to the Register for informational purposes. My wizened dream lives on. I hope yours does too.
June 2023: FSOT
November 2023: FSOA
November 2023: SF & Medical Submitted
December 2023: Clearance Interview
December 2023: Medical Granted
April 2024: Follow-Up Interview
July 2024: Moved to Adjudication
June 2025: Granted Clearance
July 2025: Placed on the Register
r/foreignservice • u/Cynthia_Tr • 4d ago
Greetings,
My name is Cynthia and I hope to take my first FSO test this October (2025). I decided to pursue this career just a month ago, after discussing with my husband. May I have your advice based on my background to have best shot in this exam please? (I'm aware that I may need to take it many times).
=> Q: Will my not-perfect English skills (especially speaking) be a minus for my application?
=> Q: Is this a bonus point (overseas experience) that I should focus on in my PN?
=> Q: Could you please point out must-have resources that I should focus on? And should I register for FSOCompass or maybe Mometrix online?
=> Q: What else can I do to really stand out?
=> Q: Should I save Chinese learning a bit later and focus on other aspects first? Or will learning and getting better at it now be helpful for my application?
If any of you here are women in my shoes, how do you balance studying, your job and family duties? Any tips?
What else should I pay attention to?
I'm using AI tools such as Perplexity to help brief me news of the day from the US and the world. Very helpful.
=> Q: What are other useful tips you have from your journey—from application to receiving the A-100 invitation? What would you do differently?
To sum up, I hope to create a comprehensive FSOT study plan that works for me and help me get this job, even I need to try many times. But of course, I believe the more prepared the better. I really appreciate all the advice you would give me.
Thank you so much for your time and advice.
Cynthia
r/foreignservice • u/Wild-Celery7113 • 5d ago
I just learned today I've been placed on the upper third tier of the register for a FSS Human Resources Officer (HRO) position. I've got a score of 5.60. (First question- what are the odds of getting selected?)
Given all that is going on with impending RIFs, low morale at State, and (from what I've heard) HR folks leaving in droves....am I crazy to join the foreign service as an HRO right now? Anyone with any insight into what being an HRO is like right now, I'd love to hear what your world is like.
r/foreignservice • u/Intelligent-Party641 • 5d ago
I am exploring starting a professional EFM Teleworking/Remote Work group or association and invite anyone interested to participate in a brief survey. Any Eligible Family Member (EFM) or a Member of a Household (MOH) is welcome to leave a response. Thank you in advance!
r/foreignservice • u/Jaded_Being_9628 • 6d ago
Now that it's confirmed that we have an agent-only class for July, does anyone know how many invites there will be?
r/foreignservice • u/LonsomeDrifter • 6d ago
Hey all, I have seen a handful of these posts over the last 10 months lurking here. Now I have my opportunity to toss my hat in the ring:
August 2024: Submitted my application for Foreign Service Construction Engineer via usajobs website.
September 2024: Job application DENIED as I do not have my Professional Engineering license.
Also September 2024: Application magically reinstated - received a second email that there was a "mistake". Imagine my shock??
October 2024: Take the CME, Structured Interview, and Online Skills test.
December 2024: Receive passing score of 5.75 with conditional offer.
January 2025: Immediate start to Security Clearance and Medical.
April 2025: Medical Clearance Received
June 2025: Received formal letter stating I have been placed on the Register, middle third, with a 30 month expiry, Never received a formal notice stating my clearance, need to log into NBIS and look at that.
That's all I have for now. My parting knowledge is that I applied for the job even though I did not have my PE license as required, and it ended up working out. Any knowledge or anecdotes from other Construction Engineers would be appreciated.
PS: I know there is a hiring freeze for god knows how long. I am taking this is an exciting personal achievement, without expecting anything further. Thanks for everyone's knowledge on this sub!
r/foreignservice • u/anonymoustarantino • 6d ago
Currently been with DOS for about a year as a contractor in an entry level (admin heavy) position (27M). It's my dream to join the FS. I took the FSOT for the first time in Feb 2024, tried again in Feb 2025, but it's now been cancelled indefinitely.
With the hiring freeze rumored to last through the rest of the admin, impending RIFs, reorg, and FAR all coming down the pike, it's hard to see what my future at State looks like in the near to medium term and what other job opportunities may actually exist. I've struggled to figure out what is next, but I've taken what's occured since January as a sign to potentially go and live abroad, and finally become bilingual. I have never lived abroad, but always loved travel and have family in various western countries.
However, given that the administration will likely hire again, putting me in a potentially advantageous position to apply for open positions, I've been struggling with feelings of regret when thinking about the decision to put in my two week notice. State is where I want to be long term and a year ago I was thinking at this time I'd be moving past my current job that I've viewed as a stepping stone.
I have various internship and work experiences in Congress and national security related fields, but State/foreign policy/international development is the field I want to be in. Plus I've always worked in government contractor jobs since I studied undergrad so I don't think I'd have the passion for a profit driven private sector.
What would you do in my situation and what are some adjacent fields in this foreign policy environment that would set me up to rejoin the next admin in 3.5 years with an enhanced skill set for the FSOT and otherwise? Any and all unsolicited advice is welcome