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Consular Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RFCSR

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Princeton, NJ · On-site

Fellows are expected to be in residence at Princeton or in the local vicinity for the entire ... The position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing; other ...

Houston Methodist

We welcome inquiries from graduating fellows and early-career hematologists with a strong interest ... Home to the third-largest consular corps in the nation, Houston is a mecca of diversity, giving ...

Houston Methodist

Fellowship: Completion of an accredited Nephrology fellowship * Licensure: Valid medical license to ... Home to the third-largest consular corps in the nation, Houston is a mecca of diversity, giving ...

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Consular Fellow information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do consular fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for consular fellow in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a consular fellow?

Consular Fellows are professionals hired by the U.S. Department of State to serve in U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, primarily providing consular services such as visa processing, American citizen services, and emergency assistance. They are typically employed under limited, non-career appointments, often with a focus on language proficiency in critical-need languages. Consular Fellows play a vital role in representing the United States and supporting U.S. citizens overseas. Their work helps ensure the safety, security, and lawful travel of people to and from the United States.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a consular fellow, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Consular Fellow, you need strong language proficiency (typically in a designated foreign language), a bachelor’s degree, and a solid understanding of U.S. policies and international relations. Familiarity with consular management systems, visa processing tools, and relevant security protocols is essential. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to manage stressful situations set top candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for providing effective citizen services, ensuring the integrity of consular operations, and representing the U.S. abroad.

What are some common challenges faced by consular fellows, and how can they effectively manage them?

Consular Fellows often encounter challenges such as handling high volumes of visa applications, navigating complex immigration laws, and assisting citizens in distress abroad. Effective time management, strong attention to detail, and adaptability are crucial for meeting tight deadlines and ensuring accuracy. Collaborating with experienced Consular Officers and relying on thorough training helps fellows develop problem-solving strategies and resilience when facing difficult or emotionally charged situations.

What is the difference between Consular Fellow vs Consular Officer?

AspectConsular FellowConsular Officer
Required credentialsBachelor's degree; sometimes advanced degrees; relevant experienceBachelor's degree; often requires experience in consular services or related fields
Work environmentEmbassy or consulate; temporary or rotational assignmentsEmbassy or consulate; permanent or long-term positions
Employer and industry usageU.S. Department of State; diplomatic missionsU.S. Department of State; diplomatic missions
Common search and comparison intentYesYes

Consular Fellows are typically entry-level professionals with relevant educational backgrounds working temporarily at U.S. embassies or consulates. Consular Officers usually hold more permanent roles with additional experience, handling a broader range of consular services. Both roles serve in diplomatic missions but differ mainly in tenure, experience requirements, and responsibilities.

How hard is it to become a consular fellow?

Becoming a consular fellow typically requires a competitive application process, including relevant educational background, professional experience, and strong communication skills. Candidates often need to pass written exams, interviews, and background checks, with some positions requiring proficiency in foreign languages or specialized knowledge of international affairs.

How much does a consular fellow make?

A consular fellow's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific agency. The position often includes benefits such as health insurance and paid leave, and may require security clearances and language skills.

What are popular job titles related to Consular Fellow jobs?

For Consular Fellow jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Consular Fellow job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Foreign Service Consular Fellow - Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and/or Spanish Proficiency

Remote

Department of State Headquarters
See more jobs at Department of State Headquartersexternal

$59K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Summary
The U.S. Department of State, our country's lead foreign policy agency, provides a rich international experience. A Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA) in the Foreign Service is a distinct opportunity to serve your country for up to 60 months and offers candidates considering a career in the Foreign Service first-hand insights and exploration of potential Foreign Service career paths.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
Please visit the Department's Career Site for more details on the duties and responsibilities of a Consular Fellow.
Special Circumstances
This Consular Fellow Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA) is up to 60 months, but the Department may terminate the appointment at any time based on the needs of the Service. The Department assigns a Consular Fellow to a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas with the expectation that the appointment and potential extensions will permit completion of a standard two-year tour of duty. Upon completion of the first tour of duty, the Department may assign the Consular Fellow to a different overseas post. Consular Fellows are full professional members of embassy and consulate teams. Consular Fellow appointments, however, do not provide expedited, alternate, or otherwise special access or a pathway into the Department of State Foreign Service. These appointments do not lead to onward employment with the Department of State or with the U.S. government. Consular Fellows may apply to become career Foreign Service Specialists or Officers, as well as Civil Service employees, but they must meet all applicable qualifications and complete the standard application and assessment processes. Consular Fellows who subsequently enter the career Foreign Service as Entry Level Officers are still required to fulfill the consular service requirement. Consular Fellows must also complete 24 months of service as a Consular Fellow before joining the career Foreign Service, if after completing the standard application process they are offered such a position.
The Department hires candidates applying for the Portuguese and Chinese language programs primarily for service in Brazil and China. Per the Foreign Affairs Manual (3 FAM 2424.5), the Department does not permit assignment of U.S. employees to posts in countries of which they are nationals. Additionally, candidates and their family members should be aware that, in general, countries do not extend diplomatic privileges and immunities to family members who are dual nationals.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
Conditions of Employment
The U.S. Department of State maintains a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for LNA Consular Fellow positions. To learn more about the Department of State and the Consular Fellows Program visit the Department of State's Careers website at https://careers.state.gov and careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/consular-fellows.
Qualifications for Employment:
  • Be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain authorization to work in country or countries of assignment. (Note: Candidates with dual nationality are ineligible for assignment within their country of dual nationality. Recruitment for Portuguese and Chinese languages is targeted for service in Brazil and China, and candidates who are nationals of these countries are unable to meet this qualification).
  • Be able to obtain a Top-Secret Security Clearance.
  • Be able to obtain a medical clearance to serve abroad at the post of assignment.
  • Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.
  • Be at least 20 years old at the time of application; at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
  • E-Verify: Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
  • Must speak an eligible foreign language at the 2 level (current eligible languages are Arabic, Chinese-Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish).

For more details on language proficiency, review information at Language Tests - Careers (state.gov).
The Consular Fellow LNA continues for up to 60 months but may be terminated at any time, with 30 days' notice, by either the Consular Fellow or the Department. The Department assigns a Consular Fellow overseas to a U.S. embassy or consulate with the expectation that the appointment and potential extensions will permit completion of a standard two-year tour of duty. Upon completion of the first tour of duty, the Department may assign a Consular Fellow to a different overseas post for the remainder of the 60-month LNA.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
General knowledge of the United States, including customs and culture, society, trends, history, economy, government, political system, and the Constitution.
Skill in written and oral communication, including English grammar and usage, techniques for effective interpersonal communication, techniques for handling interviews, complaints, sources of information, and public speaking ability.
General skills in computers, including computer operations, common office software programs (e.g., Microsoft), e-mail systems, internet. The Department will provide successful applicants with training on specialized Consular software applications.
General subject matter, including psychology and human behavior, interacting with individuals undergoing stress. Basic mathematics.
Required language fluency as outlined above.
Education
There is no minimum education requirement for this position.
Additional information
Other Information: *The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and its standards are described in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: Home Page : Foreign Affairs Manual (fam.state.gov). **Please visit the Department of State's Careers website for more information about Veteran's Preference and how it is applied in the FS Selection Process.
E-Verify: EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) - *EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) Verification of employment eligibility in the U.S. is required.
U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States - either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency uses E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee's information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.
No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections 607, 608, or 610 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.
Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 2302(b)(2) from soliciting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of public officials may not be appointed, employed, promoted, or advanced in or to a position if such employment is advocated by their relative.
It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.
The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to qualified candidates with disabilities. Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodations in advance. See here for more information.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Benefits include optional participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program as well as participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Overseas benefits may include paid housing at post, paid education allowance for eligible dependent children between K-12, ability to earn Non-Competitive Eligibility to apply for civil service positions in the federal government after 48 months of continuous service as a Consular Fellow, recruitment bonus of up to 10% of initial salary depending on language ability at the time of appointment as well as needs of the Service, and eligibility to apply for the Student Loan Repayment Program.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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