Can you reapply for security clearance after being denied?

Most government agencies allow an individual who has been denied a clearance or had their clearance revoked to reapply for a security clearance after 12 months from the date of the final decision. Some agencies require a wait of 24 months and others of 36 months.

How do I get a secret clearance again?

An applicant must obtain sponsorship for a security clearance, and the reapplication request for a security clearance must be made initially by that sponsoring company or organization. This step typically begins with the sponsoring company requesting the applicant complete an updated security clearance application.

How hard is it to reactivate a security clearance?

Even after it has expired, a security clearance can be re-activated up to 24 months after its lapse date without having to go through the application process again. If a veteran has an active or inactive security clearance, he is still “cleared” and will not have to undergo any more background investigations.

How do I appeal a security clearance denial?

Any applicant may appeal a clearance denial or revocation to the federal agency's three-member Personnel Security Appeals Board (PSAB). PSAB decisions are made by a majority vote. Industrial applicants are limited to submitting a written appeal, but the PSAB will not consider any new evidence.

Can you apply for security clearance twice?

Federal contractors, civilian government employees and military personnel can reapply for a security clearance after a period of one year. Don't be discouraged by a previous denial. It's no big deal to reapply; it happens successfully all of the time.

Security Clearance News Update: Why Your Clearance Was Denied

What happens if I'm denied security clearance?

Options After a Denial

If the denial is upheld, applicants are barred from applying for security clearance for one year. A previous denial doesn't mean you're destined to be denied a future security clearance, though.

How often do people fail security clearance?

myth #1: Many security clearances are denied.

Less than 1% of security clearances investigations result in denial. Individuals may not be eligible for an interim clearance, and they may have significant issues that need to be mitigated.

How long does it take to reinstate a clearance?

It has been estimated that the average wait time for final clearance is 4-6 months. However, some will be granted quicker and some will take longer. It is really a case by case situation.

What disqualifies you from a security clearance?

You were dishonorably discharged from the military. You are currently involved in illegal drug use. You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional. You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.

Which security clearance is easiest?

Confidential: This security clearance level is the easiest of the three to obtain. This offers access to the lowest level of classified information.

How much does it cost to renew a secret clearance?

The average cost to process a SECRET clearance can run from several hundred dollars to $3,000, depending upon individual factors. The average cost to process a TOP SECRET clearance is between $3,000 and about $15,000, depending upon individual factors.

How much is a secret clearance worth?

As of Feb 10, 2023, the average annual pay for a Secret Clearance in the United States is $99,125 a year.

What are red flags for security clearance?

A criminal arrest, financial bankruptcy, unreported foreign travel, drug abuse, mishandling of classified information, serious mental health disease, etc., could result in removal from access, if the government knew.

How much debt is too much for a security clearance?

Is There a Debt Limit to Obtain a Security Clearance? No branch of the military has a set amount of debt that is the breaking point for security clearance. You could owe $5,000 or $50,000 and be granted or denied clearance. It's all a matter of how you deal with the debt.

Why would I fail SC clearance?

Incomplete Application Or Missing Information

This is a more common reason to fail a security clearance than you may think. You also need to include any documents they ask for, such as birth certificate, utility bills, or anything else that proves your identity.

Can two companies hold my clearance?

Yes and it's very common. The first employer will hold control over your clearance and the second employer will just verify it's active. As a federal contractor it's common to work for two even three employers with one clearance. The only exception use to be DOE who had their own classification for clearances (L,P,Q).

Why would a security clearance be suspended?

General rule-breaking behavior, untrustworthiness and associated with known criminals can all result in revocation. Financial considerations: If you are not trustworthy with your finances, you will likely not be considered trustworthy with national security.

How do I check my clearance status?

To determine the current status of your security clearance, please contact the agency's personnel security office that granted your clearance. If you are a contract employee, your company's facility security officer may also be able to assist you.

What credit score is needed for a security clearance?

There is no specific credit score needed for security clearance.

Can family members affect security clearance?

Hardly. Previous questions have included if a spouse being listed on the sex offender registry for a decade-old arrest or if a jail stint would affect the applicant's security clearance. Those issues would likely only be an issue of the applicant was involved in some way.

Does security clearance check social media?

Security clearance holders should know that comments made publicly can be used against them in the security clearance process. The best step to take to ensure information doesn't come back to bite is to keep your accounts locked down and private.

Does anxiety affect security clearance?

Security clearances are not denied for seeking help. Pro-actively seeking counseling is a positive indicator and often mitigates security concerns. Less than 1% of security clearances are denied or revoked due to psychological concerns.

Can you tell someone you have a security clearance?

The fact that you have a security clearance is not classified, so there's no reason you can't tell someone you have a security clearance. In fact, the State Department and other government agencies advise applicants who have a clearance to include this information on their resumes.

What shows up on a security clearance background check?

Credit and criminal history checks will be conducted on all applicants. For a Top Secret security clearance, the background investigation includes additional record checks which can verify citizenship for the applicant and family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history.

Does a security clearance increase your salary?

Based on survey data, on average, a security clearance generates 10-20% salary premium with higher clearances commanding the largest increases.