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HomeEmployment Resources for Family Members Returning to the United States...Foreign Service Family Reserve Corps

# 									Foreign Service Family Reserve Corps							

Global Community Liaison Office

		FSFRC FAQs		

## 								Important							

        -  The FSFRC vacancy window opens quarterly, every January, April, July and October from the 15th to the 28th of the corresponding month. 
        -  Indicate your position as shown on your current SF-50 (found in block 7 or 15) when applying. 
        -  Do not wait to apply using a DS-5137 if currently working at post. The sooner the better! 
        -  Know if you are listed on the *final* version of your sponsor’s OF-126 (Foreign Service Residency and Dependent Report) or the employee sponsor’s agency equivalent for non-DOS employees. This is imperative to FSFRC membership! 
        -  For DOS applicants, the TMFour (Travel Authorization), *not* the TMOne (Assignment Notification), is required for FSFRC purposes. 

## Contents

        - FSFRC Overview
        - How to Apply            - Determine Eligibility
          - Determine When and How to Apply
          - Determine Documentation Needed for the USAJOBS Application
          - Application Process 
        - Maintaining Membership in the FSFRC
        - Overseas FSFRC Reserve Status Urgent Hiring
        - FSFRC Frequently Asked Questions
        - Answers to FSFRC Frequently Asked Questions

## FSFRC Overview

To more quickly mobilize Appointment Eligible Family Members (AEFMs) to fill available positions in missions overseas, the U.S. Department of State developed the Foreign Service Family Reserve Corps (FSFRC). Upon acceptance, AEFMs are appointed into a Family Member Appointment (FMA) without compensation or benefits, allowing the Department of State to improve efficiency in the hiring process when filling positions at posts abroad. GCLO and Talent Services created an informative video to provide an overview of the FSFRC, the advantages of enrolling, and best practices for applying via USAJOBS. For general questions about the FSFRC, email **FSFRC@state.gov**.

Family members who meet eligibility requirements should apply as soon as possible since the application evaluation process averages from three to six months.

## How to Apply

### Determine Eligibility

An individual who meets **all** the following criteria is eligible to be an FSFRC member:
        - Is a U.S. citizen; and
        - Is the spouse or domestic partner (as defined in  3 FAM 1610 ) of a sponsoring employee (i.e., a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member); and
        - Is the spouse or domestic partner (as defined in  3 FAM 1610 ) of a sponsoring employee (i.e., a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member); an           - Is either:             - listed on the  travel orders (TMFOUR)  of a sponsoring employee for a post abroad at a U.S. mission under Chief of Mission authority (to include the American Institute in Taiwan),  or
            - listed on the  GTM/EX approved Form OF-126 , Foreign Service Residence and Dependency Report,  or
            - has a  letter from the sponsoring employee’s agency  stating that they are the spouse or domestic partner of the sponsoring employee and that their sponsor is expected to serve at an overseas post  under Chief of Mission authority  (to include the American Institute in Taiwan) in the next 12 months; and 
        - Is not receiving a U.S. Government retirement annuity or pension from a career in the U.S. Foreign Service or Civil Service; and
        - Is not a Foreign Service Officer in Leave Without Pay (LWOP) status; and
        - Is not a Civil Service employee with re-employment rights to their agency or bureau; and
        - Is not currently a hired and appointed CA-AEFM.  (See Eligibility FAQs  #15  and  #16 )

#### Meet the Criteria Above?

        - Yes:  Determine When and How to Apply
        - No:  Not eligible for FSFRC membership

### Determine When and How to Apply