Lori Meadows
International students seeking visas to enter the U.S. may be subject to security clearance procedures, which can cause delays of several weeks or even months. This typically involves assessing an individual's background and eligibility for accessing classified information or occupying sensitive positions. While non-U.S. citizens generally cannot obtain security clearance, exceptions may be made in rare circumstances where they possess unique skills or expertise urgently needed, but this is limited to the Secret level or below. The criteria for security clearance can vary, including the CONDOR clearance, MANTIS clearance for sensitive technology, and specific fields listed in the Critical Fields List (CFL) and Technology Alert List (TAL).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students obtain DoD clearance? | No, non-U.S. citizens cannot obtain security clearance. |
| Exceptions | Limited Access Authorization (LAA) may be granted in rare circumstances where a non-U.S. citizen possesses a unique skill or expertise that is urgently needed. |
| Requirements for LAA | Letter of Justification (LOJ), passport, copy of disclosure determination or export license, and foreign security clearance certificate (if available). |
| Security checks for international students | CONDOR clearance, MANTIS clearance, and Administrative Processing/Security Clearance. |
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What You'll Learn
Non-US citizens and security clearances
Non-US citizens are generally unable to obtain a US security clearance. Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, states that only US citizens are eligible to access classified information. However, there are exceptions for rare situations. A non-US citizen with a unique skill or urgent expertise may be granted Limited Access Authorisation (LAA) in specific circumstances. The National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and Industrial Security Letter (ISL) outline the procedures for LAA, which can only be issued at the Secret level or below.
To apply for LAA, a Letter of Justification (LOJ) must be submitted, endorsed by the program's executive officer or the official responsible for the contract. The LOJ must be accompanied by proof of foreign citizenship (a passport), a copy of the disclosure determination or export license, and a foreign security clearance certificate (if available).
International students and scholars travelling to the US may be subject to security clearances as part of the visa application process. This can cause delays of several weeks, or even months, in processing times. There are three types of security checks that may be applied to non-immigrant visa applications: CONDOR clearance, MANTIS clearance, and security clearances requested by the Department of State (DOS).
The criteria for CONDOR clearance are classified, so it is difficult to anticipate who will be subject to this check. MANTIS clearance is a "sensitive technology" alert, which applies to applicants involved in any of the 15 categories on the Critical Fields List (CFL) of the DOS' Technology Alert List (TAL). This list includes fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, civil engineering, and pharmacology, and most research scientists, physicians, academics, and engineers could potentially be subject to this clearance.
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Visa applications and security clearances
International students applying for a visa to enter the US may be subject to security clearance procedures, which can cause delays of several weeks or even months. Security clearances are required for non-immigrant visa processing and are requested by the Department of State (DOS) if the application is flagged as a possible security concern.
There are three types of security checks that may be carried out: CONDOR clearance, MANTIS clearance, and NCIC clearance. The criteria for the CONDOR clearance are classified, so it is difficult to anticipate if an individual will be subject to this check. The MANTIS clearance is a "sensitive technology" alert, which applies to applicants involved in any of the 15 categories on the Critical Fields List (CFL) of the DOS' Technology Alert List (TAL). The TAL includes an extensive list of technologies with potential "dual-use" applications, including fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and pharmacology. The NCIC clearance can take between four to six weeks to process and often results in false hits for individuals with common Muslim or Latinx names.
It is important to note that non-US citizens typically cannot obtain a security clearance, as eligibility is restricted to US citizens according to Executive Order 12968. However, there may be exceptions in rare circumstances where a non-US citizen possesses unique skills or expertise that are urgently needed, and a Limited Access Authorization (LAA) may be granted.
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The CONDOR clearance
International students seeking a visa to enter the US should be prepared for potential delays of several weeks or even months due to security clearance procedures. While this may not be the case for most individuals, it is a possibility that should be anticipated. The security clearance process involves three types of security checks that affect nonimmigrant visa processing.
The first possible check is the CONDOR clearance. The criteria for this security clearance are classified, making it difficult to determine whether an individual will be subject to this specific check. However, it is known that individuals with common Muslim or Latinx names are more likely to encounter delays due to false hits in the CONDOR system.
The second type of security check is the MANTIS clearance, which pertains to "sensitive technology." This clearance is based on whether an applicant is involved in any of the 15 categories listed in the Critical Fields List (CFL) of the Department of State's (DOS) Technology Alert List (TAL). The TAL encompasses a comprehensive range of technologies, including those with potential military applications, such as chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and pharmacology.
The third aspect of the security clearance process involves the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and the Industrial Security Letter (ISL), which outline the procedures for Limited Access Authorization (LAA). LAA is a rare exception that allows non-U.S. citizens with unique skills or expertise urgently needed by the government to obtain access to classified information at the Secret level or below. To obtain LAA, a Letter of Justification (LOJ), endorsed by the program executive, must be submitted along with proof of foreign citizenship and other relevant documents.
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The MANTIS clearance
While the MANTIS clearance is an important aspect of the visa application process for certain individuals, it is just one component of the overall security assessment. The U.S. government considers a range of factors when evaluating visa applications, including the applicant's background, qualifications, and potential risks associated with their field of expertise. The MANTIS clearance is a tool used to enhance the security of the visa issuance process and ensure that individuals with access to sensitive technology do not pose a threat to the United States.
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The personnel vetting process
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is responsible for conducting security clearance investigations and providing continuous vetting for all Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, including service members, civilians, and contractors. The specific steps and requirements for the personnel vetting process can vary depending on the level of clearance being sought and the individual's circumstances.
For US citizens, the personnel vetting process typically involves completing a comprehensive background investigation, which includes verifying identity, conducting interviews, reviewing financial and medical records, and evaluating any relevant criminal history or security concerns. The process aims to ensure that individuals with access to sensitive information or positions of trust meet the necessary standards of loyalty, character, trustworthiness, and reliability.
In the case of non-US citizens, obtaining a security clearance is generally more challenging. Executive Order 12968 stipulates that eligibility to access classified information is typically restricted to US citizens. However, there may be rare exceptions under specific circumstances. Non-US citizens with unique skills or expertise urgently needed may be considered for a Limited Access Authorization (LAA) at the Secret level or below. To initiate this process, a Letter of Justification (LOJ) must be submitted, along with proof of foreign citizenship, disclosure determination, and any available foreign security clearance certificates.
International students seeking visas to enter the US may also undergo security clearance checks as part of the visa application process. These checks can include CONDOR and MANTIS clearances, which aim to identify potential security concerns or sensitive technology alerts. While most individuals may not experience delays, scheduling visa interviews early and allowing for potential delays of several weeks or months is recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-U.S. citizens, including international students, cannot obtain DoD clearance unless they have a unique skill set or expertise that is urgently needed.
In rare circumstances, a non-U.S. citizen with a unique skill set or expertise may be granted Limited Access Authorisation (LAA). This is only issued at the Secret level or below.
To apply for LAA, you must submit a Letter of Justification (LOJ), along with proof of foreign citizenship, a copy of the disclosure determination or export license, and a foreign security clearance certificate (if available).
The process for security clearance involves assessing an individual's background using the SEAD 4: National Security Adjudicative Guidelines. The DSS considers all available information about a person, both past and present, favourable and unfavourable, to determine national security eligibility.
