Janice Lozano
International students applying for visas to enter the US may be subject to security clearance procedures, which can cause delays of several weeks or even months. Security clearance requirements vary depending on the nature of the work and the level of clearance needed. For example, government jobs typically require US citizenship. In rare cases, non-US citizens with unique skills or expertise may be granted Limited Access Authorization (LAA) at the Secret level or below. To obtain clearance, non-US citizens must submit a Letter of Justification (LOJ) with specific personal information and proof of foreign citizenship. International students with common Muslim or Latinx names may also face increased scrutiny and delays due to false hits in security clearance systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can obtain a security clearance? | Only US citizens can obtain a security clearance. |
| Exceptions | Limited Access Authorization (LAA) may be granted to non-US citizens with unique skills or expertise that are urgently needed. |
| Security clearance for international students | International students seeking visas may be subject to security clearances, which can cause delays of several weeks to months. |
| Types of security clearances | CONDOR, MANTIS, NCIC |
| Factors influencing security clearance | Field of study (e.g. STEM), country of origin, name |
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What You'll Learn
- International students on an F1 visa are generally ineligible for TS/SCI clearance
- Security clearance depends on the position and whether US citizenship is required
- False hits are common for names like Kim, Mohammad, and Latinx names
- Security clearances may cause delays of several weeks or months for international students
- Limited Access Authorization (LAA) is granted in rare cases where non-US citizens have unique skills
International students on an F1 visa are generally ineligible for TS/SCI clearance
The specific type of security clearance required depends on the individual case. One possible check is the CONDOR clearance, the criteria for which are classified and therefore difficult to anticipate. Another is the MANTIS clearance, which relates to "sensitive technology" and is based on whether an applicant is 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, immunology, and civil engineering, among others.
Even for those with a spotless immigration record, false hits in security clearance checks can cause unexpected delays. This is especially true for individuals with common Muslim or Latinx names, who are almost guaranteed to be flagged in certain security clearance systems.
While it is generally uncommon for international students on an F1 visa to obtain TS/SCI clearance, there may be exceptions in specific situations. Limited Access Authorization (LAA) may be granted in rare cases where a non-U.S. citizen possesses unique skills or expertise that are urgently needed. However, the need must be specific, and the government must prove that a current clearance holder is unavailable.
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Security clearance depends on the position and whether US citizenship is required
Security clearance for international students seeking visas to enter the US can be a complex and lengthy process. While there is no definitive answer to whether international students can obtain secret security clearance, it appears that it depends on the specific position and whether US citizenship or residency is required.
In general, security clearance requirements are determined by the position and the level of sensitivity of the information that needs to be accessed. For instance, government jobs in the US typically require citizenship. However, in rare circumstances, non-US citizens with unique or specialised skills may be granted Limited Access Authorization (LAA) at the Secret level or below. This requires a thorough process, including a Letter of Justification (LOJ) and endorsement by the program executive officer.
International students applying for visas may encounter security clearances as part of the application process. This can result in potential delays of several weeks or even months. There are three main types of security checks that may be conducted: CONDOR, MANTIS, and NCIC. The criteria for these checks are not always transparent, and individuals with common names may experience increased delays due to false hits in the system.
It is important to note that each issuing agency may have its own specific requirements and discretion in granting security clearance. Therefore, it is advisable for international students to carefully review all the requirements of the position they are applying for, including necessary clearances and background checks, before initiating the application process.
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False hits are common for names like Kim, Mohammad, and Latinx names
International students seeking visas to enter the US may face potential delays of several weeks or even months due to security clearance requirements. While this may not be a common issue for most individuals, those with common names like Kim, Mohammad, and Latinx names are more likely to experience false hits, resulting in delays.
The Berkeley International Office has observed an increasing number of international students facing security clearances as part of their visa application process. One of the security checks is the CONDOR clearance, whose criteria is classified, making it challenging to anticipate who will be subjected to this scrutiny. Another security check is the MANTIS clearance, which focuses on "sensitive technology" and involves a comprehensive list of technologies and skills, including chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, and engineering.
Names like Kim, Mohammad, and Latinx names are common and widely used globally. For example, about 20% of South Koreans have the surname Kim, and "Mohammad" is a popular name among Muslims, who often name their children after the Prophet Muhammad. Similarly, Latinx names are prevalent, and approximately half of the seven million names in the NCIC system are Latinx, leading to a high rate of false hits for individuals with these names.
The consequences of false hits can be significant for unsuspecting visa applicants, even those with clean immigration records and minor infractions like traffic violations. These delays can impact travel plans and cause inconvenience and stress for international students and scholars. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals with common names to be aware of the possibility of security clearances and potential delays when applying for visas to enter certain countries.
To mitigate the impact of potential delays, visa applicants with common names can schedule their visa interviews early in their trip and inform their departments, faculties, and supervisors in advance. Being proactive and allowing for extra time in the visa application process can help reduce the stress associated with unexpected delays caused by false hits during security clearances.
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Security clearances may cause delays of several weeks or months for international students
International students seeking visas to enter the US may encounter delays of several weeks or months due to security clearance checks. These checks are carried out by the US Department of State and its consulates to assess possible national security risks. The process involves sending a request to the Department of State headquarters in Washington, DC, for further investigation into the visa applicant's case.
There are three types of security checks that can cause delays for international students: CONDOR clearance, MANTIS clearance, and NCIC clearance. The criteria for these checks are classified, but they often involve students and scholars in "sensitive/critical fields" or those from specific countries. For example, students from China, India, Israel, Pakistan, and Russia may encounter delays if their field of study involves sensitive technologies.
Additionally, common names can also cause delays in security clearances. Names like Smith, Kim, or Mohammad have a high likelihood of resulting in false hits in the CONDOR or NCIC systems, leading to increased processing times of up to four to six weeks. These delays can impact the timely return of students to the US, and universities typically cannot intervene to expedite the process.
To mitigate potential delays, international students are advised to schedule their visa interviews early and inform their academic departments, faculty, and supervisors. Being transparent about the nature of their research during the visa interview can also help, as providing clear and concise information is essential for a successful application. While security clearances can cause delays, being proactive and prepared can help international students navigate this process more smoothly.
It is important to note that security clearances are beyond the control of universities, and they should not be a deterrent to international travel. However, students should consider the possibility of delays and consult with their academic advisers before making travel plans. By staying informed and allowing for potential delays, international students can better manage their expectations and ensure a smoother transition during their studies abroad.
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Limited Access Authorization (LAA) is granted in rare cases where non-US citizens have unique skills
International students seeking visas to enter the US may be subject to security clearance checks, which can cause delays of several weeks or even months. While the majority of people may not experience such delays, it is a possibility that visa applicants should be prepared for. Security clearances are typically required when an application is flagged as a potential security concern.
There are three types of security checks that can affect nonimmigrant visa processing. The first is the CONDOR clearance, the criteria for which are classified and therefore difficult to anticipate. The second is the MANTIS clearance, which is related to "sensitive technology". This clearance is required if an applicant is involved in any of the 15 categories found on the Critical Fields List (CFL) of the Department of State's Technology Alert List (TAL). The TAL includes a broad range of technologies with potential military applications, including fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, engineering, and pharmacology. The third type of security check is not mentioned explicitly, but it is likely the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) clearance, which can result in delays for individuals with common Latinx or Muslim names.
In rare cases, non-US citizens with unique or unusual skills or expertise that are urgently needed may be granted Limited Access Authorization (LAA). This authorization is only issued at the Secret level or below, and the need for such skills must be specific. The government must also prove that a current clearance holder with the required skills is not available. The procedures for LAA are outlined in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and Industrial Security Letter (ISL). Requests for non-US citizens to obtain access to classified information under LAA must include a Letter of Justification (LOJ) and be endorsed by the relevant program executive officer or official. The LOJ must contain the individual's name, date and place of birth, position title, and current citizenship.
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Frequently asked questions
Generally, non-U.S. citizens cannot obtain security clearance. However, there are exceptions. A Limited Access Authorization (LAA) may be granted if the non-U.S. citizen possesses a unique skill or expertise that is urgently needed.
Requests for non-U.S. citizens to obtain access to classified information must include a Letter of Justification (LOJ) and be endorsed by the program executive officer or official responsible for the contract. The LOJ must be sent to the DSS along with proof of foreign citizenship, a copy of the disclosure determination or export license, and a foreign security clearance certificate (if available).
The issuing agency makes the final determination on whether an individual can get security clearance.
