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Embassy Information

Who May Apply For Positions

All position vacancies list an "OPEN TO" section of the announcement. This section describes limitations to the applicant pool. If the vacancy reads: "OPEN TO: All Interested Candidates" then any applicant who meets one of the following definitions may apply.

  1. Ordinarily Resident (OR): A citizen Japan or a citizen of another country who has shifted the main residency focus to the host country and has the required residency permits for employment in country.

    1. Permanent Residence Status
    2. A child/spouse of the person who is a Permanent Resident
    3. A Long-term Resident
    4. A spouse/child of a Japanese National

    A copy of the visa or other documentation must be submitted with the application. The U.S. Embassy does not sponsor work visas in Japan.

  2. Non-Ordinarily Resident (NOR): Typically NORs are AEFMs and EFMs of FS, GS, and uniform service members who are on the travel orders and under Chief of Mission authority, or other personnel having diplomatic privileges and immunities. This includes family members under Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) status. Please see the following definitions:

    AEFM: A type of EFM that is eligible for direct hire employment on either a Family Member Appointment (FMA) or Temporary Appointment (TEMP) provided s/he meets all of the following criteria:

    • US citizen
    • Spouse or dependent who is at least age 18
    • Listed on the travel orders of a Foreign, Civil Service or Uniformed Service member permanently assigned to or stationed at a US Foreign Service post or establishment abroad with a USG agency that is under COM authority
    • Is resident at the sponsoring employeefs or uniform service memberfs post of assignment abroad, approved safehaven abroad, or alternate safehaven abroad
    • Does not receive a USG annuity or pension based on a career in the US Civil, Foreign, or Uniformed Services.

    EFM: Family Members at least age 18 listed on the travel orders of a Foreign of Civil Service or uniformed service member permanently assigned to or stationed to a US Foreign Service post or establishment abroad with a USG agency that is under COM authority who do not meet the definition of AEFM above.

    FS: United States Foreign Service
    GS: United States Government Service