Relocating Back to the U.S. After Living Overseas

Returning to the United States from an overseas assignment comes with a lot of moving parts. Whether you’re relocating to the U.S. for a routine PCS, deployment return, temporary duty assignment or emergency, you have support.

In this guide, learn about key steps and free essential resources for an OCONUS to CONUS move — including relocation logistics, reintegration resources and support services to help you and your family move with confidence, navigate the transition and feel settled stateside.

From shipping your personal property to understanding your moving allowances, use these steps to start planning your move back to the U.S.

Returning to the U.S. means rebuilding routines, reconnecting with community and readjusting to life back in the states. Give yourself time to settle in, and rely on these resources to help you feel at home.

Re-establishing stability at home

• The Plan My Deployment Checklists tool helps you keep track of key reintegration steps, like updating records, reviewing benefits and reconnecting with support services.
• Financial counselors can help you navigate new housing costs, allowances, banking needs and budgeting after a military move.
• Connect with a fellow service member or military spouse through peer-to-peer support to get practical advice and firsthand guidance for settling in to your new community.

Coordinating spouse employment

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, or SECO, provides career coaching and resources to assist military spouses with:

• Job searching
• License transfer
• Resume updates
• Staying on track with education or career goals
• Networking

Helping children settle in

Moving to the U.S. from overseas can be a major transition for children of any age. Use these resources to support your child’s emotional, social and educational well-being.

• School liaisons support a smooth educational transition for school-aged children, youth and teens by helping with school selection, registration and enrollment, credit transfers and more.
• Military teens can connect with a peer at their new location through the Youth Sponsorship Program and have someone to answer questions, introduce them to local youth programs and help them feel welcomed.
• The Exceptional Family Member Program offers support for families with special medical or educational needs, to ensure continuity of care before, during and after a military move.
• Child and youth behavioral counselors provide tools to help children and teens build healthy coping skills, strategies for handling change and support for managing emotional challenges that may come with a big move.

Navigating parenting and family changes

• The New Parent Support Program offers optional home visits, parenting education, playgroups and referrals to local services.
• Find licensed, affordable child care options in your new location — including hourly care, in-home support, before- and after-school care and more.

Pro tip: Reverse culture shock can happen — and it’s okay. Treat it as part of the process. Feel the grief for what you miss, embrace the things you love and take time to rebuild and readjust.

From excitement and relief to uncertainty and stress, returning to the U.S. from overseas can bring a mix of emotions. That’s normal — and you are not alone. Here’s where to find support.

Counseling and mental health resources

• Military and Family Life Counselors offer free, confidential support to help with stress management, adjustment challenges and other emotional impacts that come with a relocation. Find in-person counseling on or near installations.
• Military OneSource counseling offers free, short-term support over the phone to help you manage stress, navigate relationship challenges and cope with change.
• If stress turns into a crisis, immediate help is available 24/7 from the Military Crisis Line. Call 988 and press 1, text 838255 or start an online chat to connect to support.

If you’re being repatriated due to a natural disaster, health emergency, civil unrest or unsafe conditions, you may be dealing with quicker timelines and evolving information — plus a lot of uncertainty and increased stress. Use these resources to help you find safety and support.

Preparing for emergencies

Learn how to pack and plan ahead for a disaster, build a supply kit and find essential emergency contacts with the Disaster Preparedness MilLife Guide.

Navigating an evacuation

If you or your family members are being evacuated from your OCONUS location, reference our guide for Navigating an OCONUS Evacuation to find essential resources and specialized relocation steps.

From getting your orders to resettling in the United States, repatriation can feel overwhelming at any stage. Whatever your path looks like, you’ve got support every step of the way.

Log in 24/7 to start a secure live chat with a Military OneSource consultant and get connected to support that best fits your situation.