State Department Reviews Embassy Staff Hiring Application Forms
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of State wants your thoughts on renewing the job application form for locals and family members applying to work at U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide. This form takes about 15 minutes to fill out, and around 600,000 people use it. You’ve got until January 7, 2026, to share your feedback—no money changes, just making sure the process stays smooth and clear!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
DS-174 Required to Apply Abroad
If you want to apply for a job at a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or Mission, you must use form DS-174. This requirement applies to locals in 175 countries and to family members accompanying their sponsors, and the form is listed as "Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain a Benefit."
Short Time Burden Per Applicant
The Department estimates the DS-174 takes about 15 minutes to complete. The collection covers about 600,000 respondents and a total estimated burden of 150,000 hours.
Most Applications Collected Electronically
Mission recruitments generate about 1 million applications per year, and the majority of DS-174 data are collected electronically using the Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA). HR officials extract ERA data to determine eligibility and selections.
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Key Dates
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