Title 22 — Foreign Relations and IntercourseRelease 119-73
§3947 Entry levels for Foreign Service officer candidates
Title 22 › Chapter CHAPTER 52— - FOREIGN SERVICE › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER III— - APPOINTMENTS › § 3947
Summary
Career candidates for Foreign Service officer jobs must not start at a salary higher than class 4 under section 3964. An exception is allowed if the Secretary finds the candidate’s skills and experience (including foreign language) and Service needs justify it, or if the person already has a career appointment and is earning at least the minimum pay for class 4.
Full Legal Text
Title 22, §3947
Foreign Relations and Intercourse — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
A career candidate for appointment as a Foreign Service officer may not be initially assigned under section 3964 of this title to a salary class higher than class 4 in the Foreign Service Schedule unless—
(1)the Secretary determines in an individual case that assignment to a higher salary class is warranted because of the qualifications (including foreign language competence) and experience of the candidate and the needs of the Service; or
(2)at the time such initial assignment is made, the candidate is serving under a career appointment in the Service and is receiving a salary at a rate equal to or higher than the minimum rate payable for class 4 in the Foreign Service Schedule.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
22 U.S.C. § 3947
Title 22 — Foreign Relations and Intercourse
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73