Janice Lozano
International students seeking visas to enter the US may be subject to security clearances as part of the visa application process. This can result in delays of several weeks or even months. While non-US citizens are generally ineligible for security clearance, there are exceptions in rare circumstances where a non-citizen possesses unique skills or expertise urgently needed. International students with special skills in STEM fields or from specific countries are more likely to undergo administrative processing and security clearances.
Security Clearance Characteristics for International Students
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Security Clearance | CONDOR clearance, MANTIS clearance |
| Security Clearance Criteria | Classified |
| Security Clearance Timeframe | 4 weeks to 4 months or more |
| Affected Individuals | International students and scholars, nonimmigrant visa applicants |
| Factors Impacting Security Clearance | Country of origin, field of study (STEM), special skills, affiliation with designated "foreign terrorist organizations" |
| Additional Considerations | Common names may result in false hits and delays, visa interview scheduling and early department notification recommended |
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What You'll Learn
- International students seeking employment may require security clearance
- Security clearance requirements vary based on citizenship
- Non-US citizens may be granted Limited Access Authorisation (LAA) in rare cases
- International students applying for US visas may face delays due to security clearances
- Security clearances for visas can include CONDOR, MANTIS, and administrative processing
International students seeking employment may require security clearance
International students seeking employment in certain sectors may require security clearance, particularly in sensitive areas such as government jobs or those involving critical technologies. The specific clearance required can vary based on the country, the field of study, and the nature of the position.
In the United States, for instance, international students on F1 visas are generally not eligible for TS/SCI security clearance, which typically requires US citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. However, the issuing agency makes the final determination, and there may be exceptions in certain cases.
Additionally, when applying for visas, international students may undergo security clearances as part of the process. This can include clearances such as CONDOR, MANTIS, or NCIC, which may be required for non-immigrant visas. These clearances can take several weeks to several months to process, and individuals with common names may experience delays due to false hits in the system.
International students with special skills in STEM fields or from countries on the list of state sponsors of terrorism are more likely to undergo administrative processing and security clearances for visas. It is recommended that students have their official transcripts and other relevant documents ready when applying for visas to facilitate the process.
While security clearance requirements can vary by country and industry, international students seeking employment in sensitive areas should be prepared for potential delays and additional requirements. Consulting with an immigration attorney or advisor can provide specific guidance on navigating security clearance processes and eligibility.
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Security clearance requirements vary based on citizenship
Security clearance requirements for international students vary depending on several factors, including citizenship, field of study, and country of origin. Here are some key points to consider:
Citizenship and Legal Status:
Citizenship plays a crucial role in determining security clearance eligibility. In the United States, for instance, certain security clearances may be restricted to citizens or permanent residents (LPRs). International students on visas may face limitations in obtaining certain clearance levels, such as TS/SCI clearances, which are typically reserved for US citizens or LPRs. However, the specific requirements can vary depending on the issuing agency and their discretion.
Field of Study and Special Skills:
International students in certain fields, particularly STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), may be subject to additional security clearance requirements. The US government's Technology Alert List (TAL) includes a comprehensive range of technologies with potential dual-use or military applications. International students with special skills or expertise in these areas may be more likely to undergo administrative processing and security clearances when applying for visas.
Country of Origin and Affiliations:
The country from which an international student originates can also impact security clearance requirements. Applicants from countries on the list of state sponsors of terrorism or those with affiliations or memberships in designated "foreign terrorist organizations" will receive special consular review and enhanced security checks. This can result in delays or additional scrutiny during the visa application process.
Security Clearance Types:
Different types of security clearances may be required for international students, depending on their specific circumstances. For example, the CONDOR clearance is one type that is applied unpredictably, and its criteria are classified. Another is the MANTIS clearance, which pertains to "sensitive technology" and is based on the Critical Fields List (CFL) of the Department of State's Technology Alert List (TAL).
It is important to note that security clearance requirements can vary across countries and institutions. International students should consult with their host country's immigration authorities, their home country's embassy or consulate, and their academic institution for specific guidance on security clearance requirements and how they pertain to their individual circumstances.
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Non-US citizens may be granted Limited Access Authorisation (LAA) in rare cases
International students seeking visas to enter the US may be subject to security clearance procedures, which can cause delays of several weeks or even months. Security clearances may be applied randomly to international students from certain countries or fields of study, particularly those in STEM. The US Embassy or Consulate may request security clearance for anyone applying for an initial or extended visa.
There are three types of security checks that can affect non-immigrant visa processing: CONDOR, MANTIS, and NCIC. The criteria for the CONDOR clearance are classified, so it is difficult to determine who will be subject to this check. The MANTIS clearance is related to "sensitive technology" and applies to individuals involved in any of the 15 categories on the Critical Fields List (CFL) of the Department of State's Technology Alert List (TAL). The TAL includes fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and pharmacology. The NCIC clearance can take four to six weeks to process and has resulted in a high number of false hits for individuals with common Muslim or Latinx names.
While it is generally uncommon for non-US citizens to obtain security clearances, in rare cases, they may be granted Limited Access Authorisation (LAA). The specific criteria and eligibility requirements for LAA are not publicly available, and it is determined by the issuing agency on a case-by-case basis. However, it is important to note that certain jobs and positions may require US citizenship as a prerequisite for security clearance.
International students on an F1 visa are typically not eligible for TS/SCI clearance, but there may be exceptions made by the issuing agency in rare circumstances. The specific requirements and eligibility criteria for security clearances are determined by the issuing agency, and seeking advice from an attorney experienced in immigration law is recommended for specific guidance.
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International students applying for US visas may face delays due to security clearances
International students applying for US visas may encounter delays due to security clearances. Security Advisory Opinion (SAO), also known as "security clearance," is a procedure used by the US Department of State and its consulates to determine whether to grant or deny a US visa. This process involves assessing whether a visa applicant poses a potential national security risk.
The security clearance process can cause delays in visa applications, sometimes lasting several weeks or even months. While this does not occur in the majority of cases, students should be prepared for potential delays by scheduling their visa interview early and informing their department and faculty members in advance. International students should also be aware that they may be subject to security clearances as part of the visa application process at US embassies and consulates, even if they are not working in fields directly related to US security.
There are three types of security checks that can cause delays in visa processing: administrative processing, security clearance, and Security Advisory Opinion (SAO). If an application is flagged as a possible security concern, it is sent to the Department of State (DOS) for clearance. This typically occurs when an applicant's name resembles a name on a US watchlist, when their field of study or research involves sensitive technology, or when their course of study could potentially be used for illegal technology transfer or undesirable military applications.
The scope of these security clearances can be broad, encompassing fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, chemical engineering, and pharmacology. While these clearances typically take 60-90 days, they can sometimes extend beyond this timeframe. During this period, students must wait until the clearance is completed before entering the US. To mitigate potential delays, students can inform the Office of International Education (OIE) and work with their academic department to determine the best course of action.
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Security clearances for visas can include CONDOR, MANTIS, and administrative processing
International students and scholars are increasingly being subjected to security clearances as part of the visa application process at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Security clearances for visas can include CONDOR, MANTIS, and administrative processing.
The first possible check is the CONDOR clearance, the criteria for which are classified and therefore difficult to anticipate. Individuals with common Muslim or Latinx names are almost guaranteed to be flagged in the CONDOR clearance. The second possible check is the MANTIS clearance, which is a “sensitive technology” alert. The MANTIS clearance focuses on applicants 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. Having such a broad list means that most research scientists, physicians, academics, and engineers involved in any of these fields could be subject to the MANTIS clearance.
The third possible check involves the NCIC Criminal clearance, which can take four to six weeks to process. Similar to the CONDOR clearance, individuals with common Muslim or Latinx names are almost guaranteed to be flagged in the NCIC clearance. Security clearances can take between 60-90 days, and even longer in some cases. No amount of intervention on the part of the university will speed up the unpredictable security clearance processing time. There are also often increased wait times for visa appointments because United States consulates/embassies may be closed for the holidays.
Administrative processing is another aspect of security clearances for visas. Individuals with special skills in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, etc.) from any country are more likely to undergo administrative processing. Applicants from countries on the list of state sponsors of terrorism receive special consular review. Certain organizations have been designated as "foreign terrorist organizations," and applicants with membership or affiliation with these organizations will also receive special review.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students may need to undergo security clearance as part of the visa application process to enter the US. This may include the CONDOR and MANTIS clearances.
Security clearances can take anywhere from four weeks to four months or more to complete.
Students with common Muslim or Latinx names are more likely to be flagged for security clearance. Additionally, individuals with special skills in STEM fields are also more likely to undergo administrative processing.
No, non-US citizens cannot obtain the same security clearance as US citizens. However, there may be rare exceptions where a non-US citizen with unique skills or expertise may be granted Limited Access Authorisation (LAA).
