Couples

Can I serve with my unmarried partner?

Yes. The Peace Corps accepts unmarried couples in committed domestic partnerships. We have observed that couples who have been in a committed relationship for a year or more before they begin service are better able to adapt to the challenges of the Peace Corps than couples who have been together less than a year. Unmarried couples seeking to serve as a couple must attest to their committed domestic partner relationship as part of their applications.

DECLARATION OF DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP

To my knowledge, my partner and I:

1. are each other’s domestic partner and intend to remain committed to one another indefinitely,
2. share responsibility for a significant measure of each other’s common welfare and financial obligations,
3. are not married to, joined in civil union with, or domestic partners with anyone else,
4. are not related in a way that would prohibit legal marriage in the state in which we reside,
5. agree to notify the Peace Corps of any dissolution of the domestic partnership not later than 15 days after the date of dissolution of the domestic partnership,
6. understand that falsification of information within this declaration may constitute a criminal violation under 18 U.S.C. 1001 and may lead to disciplinary action, and
   1. have a common residence, and intend to continue the arrangement or
   2. would have a common residence, but are prevented from having one.

For safety reasons, couples in a domestic partnership may be encouraged to present themselves as married based on the country’s cultural expectations. Some countries require couples be legally married to avoid conflicts.

Can I bring my spouse who is not serving as a Volunteer?

No. The Peace Corps cannot support spouses who are not serving as Volunteers. Volunteers typically serve in rural areas, where it is difficult for a spouse to find a job. The Peace Corps strongly discourages serving in a country where your spouse may already live and work, because it makes it difficult to focus on the necessary community integration.

If someone in my or my spouse/partner’s immediate family has a medical emergency or passes away will I be able to take leave?

Emergency leave may be authorized if a member of your immediate family (a parent, spouse, sibling, child, or grandchild related to you by blood, marriage/civil union/domestic partnership, or adoption) has a terminal illness or dies while you are in service. A country director may authorize a Volunteer partner/spouse to accompany the Volunteer whose family member is affected.

I want to serve with my spouse/partner. How do we apply?

Placement options and application time may differ from individual applicants. In order to place a couple, the Peace Corps identifies which communities have project needs that necessitate two Volunteers with the skills that match those of the applicants. As such, there is a smaller supply of viable work sites for couples, as it is more difficult to find assignments, and placement generally takes longer for couples than for individuals. Additionally, due to local laws, some countries may not be able to safely accommodate same-sex couples.

• Peace Corps Volunteer: Couples should search for openings in the same country that match both of their skill sets and that accept couples. Couples need to submit individual applications and, in the application, indicate that they are applying to serve with their spouse/ partner. Couples must submit their applications at the same time.
• Peace Corps Response: Couples can serve together, but must apply to individual job postings separately. Notify your Recruitment and Placement Specialist if you have interest in serving as a couple. You will receive their contact information upon application.

Contact a recruiter for more information.