Lana Oconnell
International students seeking visas to enter the US may be subject to security clearances, which can cause delays of several weeks or even months. Security clearances are usually intended for individuals working in sensitive fields related to US security, such as chemistry, biological sciences, and physics. However, the scope of these clearances can sometimes extend beyond these areas. International students with common Muslim or Latinx names may also experience delays due to false hits in security clearance systems. While security clearances for federal jobs in the US typically require citizenship, international students can still seek employment in other sectors that require security clearances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can obtain a security clearance? | Per Executive Order 12968, only US citizens can obtain security clearance. |
| Exceptions | Limited Access Authorization (LAA) may be granted in rare circumstances where a non-US citizen possesses a unique or unusual skill or expertise that is urgently needed. |
| Security clearance process | The process involves three kinds of security checks: CONDOR clearance, MANTIS clearance, and checks based on the Critical Fields List (CFL) of the Technology Alert List (TAL). |
| Affected individuals | International students and scholars, especially those from certain countries and/or fields (usually STEM). |
| Time taken | Security clearances can take between 4 weeks to 4 months or more. |
| Delays | Delays can occur due to false hits, especially for individuals with common Muslim or Latinx names. |
| Impact on employment | Security clearance is required for sensitive federal jobs, but background checks are routine for most employers. |
| Requirements for LAA | A Letter of Justification (LOJ) must be submitted, including the individual's name, date and place of birth, position title, current citizenship, reason for not employing a cleared US citizen, a statement of the individual's expertise, and more. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa application security clearances
International students applying for 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 the majority of applicants, it is a possibility that should be prepared for. Students can do this by scheduling their visa interview early in their trip and informing their department, faculty, and supervisors in advance.
US consulates or embassies may request security clearances for anyone applying for an initial or extended visa. Security clearances can take from four weeks to four months or more to complete. These additional measures involve three kinds of security checks affecting nonimmigrant visa processing. The first possible check is the CONDOR clearance, which is difficult to anticipate as the criteria are classified. The second possible check is the MANTIS clearance, a “sensitive technology” alert based on whether an applicant is involved in any of the 15 categories found on the Critical Fields List (CFL) of the Technology Alert List (TAL). The TAL includes an expanded list of technologies with potential “dual-use” applications, which may appear benign but are deemed to have potential military applications. The list is very comprehensive and includes almost every possible associated technology or skill involving chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and pharmacology, to name a few.
It is important to note that non-US citizens cannot obtain a security clearance, as Executive Order 12968 stipulates that eligibility to access classified information may only be granted to US citizens. However, there may be exceptions in rare circumstances where a non-US citizen possesses unique or unusual skills or expertise that are urgently needed. In such cases, a Limited Access Authorization (LAA) may be granted. Requests for non-US citizens to obtain access to classified information must include a Letter of Justification (LOJ) and must be endorsed by the program executive officer or official responsible for the contract. The LOJ must contain the individual's name, date and place of birth, position title, and current citizenship, as well as a compelling reason for not employing a cleared or clearable US citizen.
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Security clearance processing times
The time it takes to obtain a security clearance also depends on the specific agency or department involved. For example, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) reported that cases unaffected by technical issues averaged 20 days during the second quarter of the 2024 fiscal year.
Additionally, certain factors can delay the processing of security clearances. For instance, individuals with common Muslim or Latinx names may experience delays due to a high number of false hits in security systems. Similarly, individuals applying for visas in sensitive fields related to U.S. security, such as chemistry, biological sciences, and physics, may face longer processing times, typically ranging from 60 to 90 days, or even longer in some cases.
It is important to note that security clearance processing times can be unpredictable, and intervention from universities or other external parties may not expedite the process. However, interim or preliminary clearances can be obtained within a week, enabling professionals to start their work faster while awaiting full clearance.
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Security clearance for federal jobs
Security clearance is a requirement for many US federal jobs. It is a tiered status that is typically granted to federal employees, those working in federal government agency jobs, and private contractors who work with the government. The security clearance process involves a background check and ensures that an individual can securely access, manage, and protect classified information. It also determines whether an individual's character and conduct are consistent with the national security interests of the United States.
Agencies that often require higher levels of clearance include the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Defense Intelligence Agency, Office of Homeland Security, and more. The security clearance process can be initiated by contacting the relevant agency's facility security officer or human resources office. For federal contracting positions, individuals can contact the DSS Office of Personnel Security and Suitability Customer Service Center for assistance with the security clearance package.
In some cases, hirees may be granted interim security clearance to start their job sooner. During this time, they can perform their job functions while awaiting a final decision on their security clearance.
It is important to note that non-US citizens typically cannot obtain a security clearance. However, there may be exceptions in rare circumstances where a non-US citizen possesses unique skills or expertise urgently needed. Such cases require a Letter of Justification (LOJ) and must be endorsed by the program's executive officer or the responsible contract official.
Overall, the security clearance process for federal jobs involves assessing an individual's suitability, fitness, and eligibility to handle sensitive information and occupy a position within the federal government.
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Security clearance for jobs with sensitive technology
Security clearance is a requirement for many US federal jobs, especially those involving sensitive technology. It is a tiered status, with higher levels of clearance required for jobs involving intelligence, federal law enforcement, diplomacy, and the military.
The process of obtaining security clearance involves a thorough background check, examining a candidate's criminal record, credit history, personal conduct, and other details to confirm their reliability, trustworthiness, good conduct, and loyalty to the United States. The Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) conducts personnel vetting actions and background investigations for the Department of State and other federal agencies.
For jobs involving sensitive technology, the MANTIS clearance is particularly relevant. This is a “sensitive technology” alert that assesses whether 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 an extensive list of technologies with potential “dual-use” applications, which may appear benign but are deemed to have potential military applications. The list covers fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and pharmacology.
The process of obtaining security clearance can be lengthy, taking between 60 to 90 days, or even longer in some cases. Additionally, international students applying for visas to enter the US may experience further delays of several weeks or months due to additional security checks.
It is important to note that security clearance is only valid for the duration of the original job for which it was granted. If an individual wishes to change jobs, they will need to undergo the security clearance process again for the new position.
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Security clearance background checks
International students seeking visas to enter the US should be prepared for potential delays of several weeks or even months due to security clearance procedures. These delays are caused by additional security checks that affect non-immigrant visa processing. While these clearances typically focus on individuals working in sensitive fields related to US security, such as chemistry, biological sciences, and physics, they can sometimes extend beyond these areas.
There are three main types of security checks that may be conducted as part of the visa application process: CONDOR clearance, MANTIS clearance, and Administrative Processing. CONDOR clearance is unpredictable, as the criteria for this check are classified. MANTIS clearance is related to "sensitive technology" and applies to individuals involved in any of the 15 categories listed in the Critical Fields List (CFL) of the Department of State's Technology Alert List (TAL). The TAL includes an extensive list of technologies with potential "dual-use" applications, covering fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, civil engineering, and pharmacology. Administrative Processing may be applied randomly to international students from certain countries and/or fields, particularly those in STEM.
The duration of security clearance processes can vary, typically ranging from four weeks to four months or longer. It is important to note that these procedures can cause delays in obtaining a visa, and the university or institution has no influence over expediting the process. Therefore, it is advisable to schedule visa interviews early and inform the relevant departments, faculty, and supervisors in advance.
While non-US citizens are generally ineligible for security clearances, there may be rare exceptions. Limited Access Authorization (LAA) can be granted in exceptional circumstances where a non-US citizen possesses unique skills or expertise that are urgently needed. However, the government must prove that a current clearance holder is unavailable, and the procedures for LAA are outlined in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and Industrial Security Letter (ISL).
It is important to distinguish between security clearances and background checks. Background checks are routine scans of criminal records conducted by most employers, and they do not prevent international students with F1/OPT status from applying for jobs that require them. However, security clearances are more comprehensive and may include background checks as an integral part of the process.
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Frequently asked questions
The process of getting a security clearance can vary depending on the country and the specific circumstances. In the United States, security clearances are often required for individuals working in sensitive fields related to national security, such as chemistry, biological sciences, and physics. The process typically involves background checks and can take several weeks to months. It is recommended to schedule visa interviews early and inform the relevant departments in advance.
International students in the USA may be eligible for security clearance depending on the specific position and requirements. Government jobs often require US citizenship, but other positions may only require a valid visa and background checks. It is important to carefully review the requirements before applying for any job that requires security clearance.
Several factors can delay the security clearance process for international students. One common reason is Administrative Processing, which may be applied randomly to students from certain countries and/or fields, especially STEM fields. Additionally, individuals with common Muslim or Latinx names may experience delays due to an increased number of false hits in security systems.
There are various types of security clearances that international students may encounter. One example is the CONDOR clearance, which is based on classified criteria. Another is the MANTIS clearance, which is a "sensitive technology" alert for individuals involved in any of the 15 categories found on the Critical Fields List (CFL) of the Technology Alert List (TAL), including fields like chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering.
