This is an unofficial guide based on student experiences. For the most authoritative, up-to-date information, see the official orientation website.
Before heading to orientation, you will need to complete a substantial list of administrative tasks via the GTM Next portal and as outlined on the official orientation website.
After you accepted your offer e-mail from the Registrar, you should have received a link to create an Okta two-factor authentication account and login details for the Global Talent Management (GTM) Next portal. Through GTM Next, you can securely receive and submit your onboarding paperwork including your final offer letter, proof of identity, and benefits forms. If you have issues with the portal, submit a ticket using the "Contact Us" tab, or call the HR help desk number at (202) 663-2000.
Do not be alarmed if your fellow orientation members receive forms at different times.
Note: Communications from GTM will likely come from GTM as a group (HR Specialist), and not from a specific HR individual.
Pro Tip!
Should you need to email HR with questions, make sure you use the following subject line format:
[First Name] [Last Name] – [Orientation Class Month and Year] – [Cone/Specialization] – [Subject]
Example: "Jane Doe – January 2025 – FSS-SA – Update EFMs"
You will receive documents for electing some benefits, such as health and life insurance, before orientation. For other benefits (notably vision and dental), you will need to register at www.benefeds.com after you begin orientation. You must select your benefits within 60 days of joining State.
Note: Leaving for an overseas post is a qualifying life event (QLE), allowing you to select new or different health insurance options outside of the open enrollment period.
We recommend that you save or print copies of forms submitted through GTM Next (particularly those related to benefits) for your records.
If you are transferring from another position in the State Department, there are some additional administrative tasks you'll need to complete before or soon after you begin orientation.
Badge and Security Clearance
Follow the guidance you receive from your losing bureau about what to do with your current badge. If you retained it, you may turn it in when you get your new badge early on during orientation.
If you have a TS/SCI clearance (“S5” on your badge), e-mail ds_sso@state.gov to schedule and complete a TS/SCI debrief ahead of starting orientation.
NOTE: Orientation staff will set up all badge appointments for the class. You do NOT need to set up a badge appointment yourself.
Account Transfers
Your OpenNet and ClassNet accounts will not automatically transfer from your current office to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI). FSI Orientation will request an account transfer ticket on your behalf once they receive your survey response noting your account name and last day of work. You will need to work with your losing bureau or post to prepare your account for transfer by asking them to remove all roles and memberships and place it in the “transfers OU” (organizational unit) on or after your last workday. Failure to do this can cause delays in accessing your account upon starting Orientation. Follow bureau guidance for any other systems to which you have access. For detailed instructions, visit the Account Transfers page on SharePoint.
Your Time and Attendance (T&A) will not automatically transfer from your current office to FSI. You must liaise with FSI to transfer your account. However, you cannot transfer T&A to FSI until you receive a new SF-50 from GTM/TAC confirming you’ve been transferred to FSI. Once this happens, immediately e-mail fsistudenttimekeeper@state.gov to request the transfer of your T&A account. Be sure to copy your current timekeeper on your e-mail as they will have to release your T&A to FSI.
GAL Profile
Update your GAL profile at https://myprofile-usdos.msappproxy.net/.
If you are transferring from a federal agency besides the State Department, ensure that Department of State HR coordinates a release date with your agency.
Leave
Make sure your in-service date transfers; it affects how leave accrues (this should be calculated using the SF 50(s) you submitted to GTM Next). You will also want to obtain your SF-1150, if possible.
Consult your most recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) and check with your current agency to ensure that your leave transfers to State. Transferring leave from another agency can take an average of 8-10 months.
Contact GTM and your supervisor (when assigned) on individual situations and questions.
Benefits
Starting at DOS is not a qualifying life event (QLE). Therefore, you cannot change your current insurance elections until you have travel orders to go overseas or during the annual open season (November-December).
Save your last Leave and Earning Statement (LES) and contact State HR (with your HR in copy) to ensure allotments, TSP, and FEBH information is transferred over properly and accurately.
Although most of your benefits will automatically transfer over, the following will not:
FEDVIP (vision/dental; contact Benefeds at 1-877-888-3337 to transfer)
FSAFEDS (federal spending account)
FLTCIP (federal long-term care insurance; call 1-877-888-3337 to transfer)
FEGLI (if you previously opted out, you will need to wait for open season to enroll)