Are non-U.S. citizen spouses eligible for family member preference in hiring for mission positions?
No. Under the Foreign Service Act of 1980 as amended, only U.S. citizen spouses get preference. Q: Are non-U.S. citizen spouses covered under bilateral work agreements or de facto work arrangements? A: Bilateral work agreements and de facto work arrangements are negotiated individually and therefore must be looked at on a country-by-country basis. However, generally, citizenship is not a criterion for eligibility under an agreement. (There are a few exceptions such as Israel that specify the spouse seeking to work under the agreement must be a citizen of the sending state.) Individuals may consult the Family Liaison Office Employment Program Coordinator, or the Community Liaison Coordinator or HR Officer at post. Q: What if the spouse who wishes to work at post or on the local economy is a citizen of the country to which the employee is assigned? A: During such assignments, the spouse who is a citizen of the country to which the employee is assigned would be subject to local tax, labor
