A security clearance assessment is conducted by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) in order to evaluate a security clearance application.
Communication
AGSVA will send clearance applicants important information and instructions regarding the security clearance assessment via email.
Text messages will be sent to clearance applicants when:
- a security clearance application has been initiated
- additional information or documentation is required
- the security clearance assessment has been finalised.
Clearance applicants may also be contacted directly by an AGSVA representative via email or phone if necessary.
Application
Once a security clearance application has been initiated by a sponsor, clearance applicants will have 20 business days to provide information and documents via AGSVA’s online security clearance portal - myClearance.
Accessing myClearance online using the Australian Government’s Digital Identity app myGovID, provides a secure and streamlined method to complete a security clearance application.
If clearance applicants are unable to provide a required document, a Statutory Declaration must be submitted.
If clearance applicants do not provide the required information and documents, the security clearance assessment may be delayed or cancelled.
If a clearance applicant is unable to use myGovID, AGSVA provides an alternate method for the completion of a security clearance application.
The alternate method involves completing a security clearance application that will be sent to the clearance applicant. This method is less secure and will take longer for AGSVA to process due to additional handling requirements.
To discuss the alternate method in completing security clearance requirements, please contact AGSVA Customer Service Team on 1800 640 450 or email: securityclearances@defence.gov.au with the subject heading: Alternate Method.
Privacy and consent
Clearance applicants must provide their consent to participate in the security clearance assessment as per the AGSVA privacy statement.
Truthfulness
The security clearance assessment explores personal and sensitive aspects of the clearance applicant’s life, such as relationships, criminal offences, legal history, finances, illegal substance use, and associations.
Clearance applicants are required to provide truthful information. Withholding information or being untruthful may cast doubt on the clearance applicant’s suitability and therefore affect the outcome.
Identity documents
AGSVA requires identity documents such as birth, marriage, divorce and Australian citizenship certificates to be uploaded. These documents will need to be requested from the issuing authority if not in the clearance applicant’s possession.
Personnel security checks
AGSVA may conduct personnel security checks as part of the security clearance assessment, including:
- identity verification
- personal information and document assessment
- citizenship status
- referee checks
- travel history check
- digital footprint check
- national police check
- security assessment interview
- ASIO assessment
- financial questionnaire
- financial probity check
- psychological assessment.
Additional checks and interviews may be conducted during the security clearance assessment as required.
Assessment outcome
Once the security clearance assessment has been finalised, clearance applicants and sponsors are notified of the outcome.