Can my spouse affect my security clearance?

Some people applying for security clearances may have worries that their application will not be approved due to their spouse having poor credit history. While it is certainly not impossible that a spouse’s poor credit will affect a security clearance application, it is not automatic.

Who can get active secret clearance?

Security clearances only apply to positions that fall under the purview of the federal government. Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, provides that security clearances are only granted to persons employed by, detailed or assigned to, or working on behalf of the federal government.

Does a divorce affect security clearance?

The security clearance process will include disclosing present and past divorces. A divorce will not prevent you from obtaining a security clearance. After all, you are human too. Your security clearance is important for you to keep your job, support yourself and your children.

Does adultery affect security clearance?

Absent the potential for coercion, adultery or an isolated incident involving use of a prostitute usually does not result in the denial of a security clearance under Guideline D. Under certain circumstances adultery in the military can also be a criminal offense.

Can a husband get a top secret clearance?

If you are processed for a Top Secret level clearance, a national agency check will be run on your husband or wife; however, this check would be conducted with their permission.

How does your spouse or partner affect your security clearance?

If you have a federal security clearance or need one for the course of your duties, you need to make your spouse aware that his or her actions have a direct effect on your employability.

How long does it take to get top secret clearance?

If that is the case a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Programs (SAP) is required for clearance. Top-secret clearance takes four to eight months to complete (sometimes closer to a year depending on the applicant). Finally, a periodic reinvestigation (PR) is required every five years for top-secret security clearance.

How is a security clearance disqualifier different from a top secret clearance?

The major difference is that some areas of your record may not get scrutinized as closely as someone applying for top-secret security clearance. Confidential security clearance disqualifiers include careful examinations of the following:

Is it bad to let your spouse manage your security clearance?

If you have a security clearance and you let your spouse manage all of your finances, you should have a very high degree of trust about his or her ability to spend responsibly. A federal contract employee and E-7 military retiree learned the hard way that it’s a bad idea to turn a blind eye to the outflow of family money.

How long does it take to get a secret security clearance?

Security clearances are active only for the time when an individual occupies the original job for which the clearance was designated. A clearance holder may be re-investigated at any time, but a formal review is required after 5 years for a Top Secret clearance, 10 years for a Secret clearance, and 15 years for a Confidential clearance.

Do you have to have a security clearance to get a job?

Depending on the job, the requirements may include having a current or active clearance. You can’t apply for a security clearance on your own. Applicants must be sponsored by the federal government or a company with a contract requiring classified work.