Will My Spouse Need a Background Check for My Clearance? (2024)
If you fill out the SF-86 application for a national security position, you’ll note it asks for your spouse or cohabitant’s name, social security number and place of birth. Depending upon the responses, additional information may be requested.
When an individual applies for a Secret clearance, a spouse or cohabitant is generally not subject to a National Agency Check. Such a check is generally a part of a Top Secret clearance investigation, and in providing information about a spouse or cohabitant one should expect that they may be subject to a basic criminal background check. If your spouse or cohabitant is a foreign national, you may be subject to additional inquiries. It’s also worth noting that many of the questions around foreign involvement or influence also ask about a spouse’s overseas ties and financial obligations.
Does that mean if your spouse has a criminal background your chances of obtaining a clearance are sunk? Hardly. Previous questions have included if a spouse being listed on the sex offender registry for a decade-old arrest or if a jail stint would affect the applicant’s security clearance. Those issues would likely only be an issue of the applicant was involved in some way.
Another common question is if a cohabitant is a foreign national, if that will affect a security clearance. Foreign-born spouses are definitely one of the more common instances of a spouse negatively impacting a security clearance, but it’s worth noting that just because your spouse or cohabitant is from a foreign country doesn’t mean your chances of obtaining a clearance are moot – you’ll just need to do extra work to show that your spouse has more ties to the U.S. than their country of origin. Marrying you is a big step, but shouldn’t be the only tie they have to the U.S.
Other common questions about relatives in the security clearance application is if other family members are cleared, will that make obtaining a clearance easier? No. Or, am I on the hook for financial obligations and investments my spouse makes? Yes.
The main consideration for your spouse or cohabitant shouldn’t be if your background check will land them in legal trouble – in general, only public databases are checked on behalf of a spouse, and unless your spouse is a foreign national, don’t expect an investigator to take a deep dive into any potential issues, including criminal conduct.
As an expert in the field of national security clearances and the associated application process, I can confidently speak to the intricacies and considerations involved in the SF-86 application. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of the security clearance investigation procedures and the nuanced factors that may impact an individual's eligibility.
The SF-86 application for a national security position is a critical step in the clearance process, and the inclusion of information about one's spouse or cohabitant is a notable aspect. The requirement to provide the spouse or cohabitant's name, social security number, and place of birth indicates the thoroughness of the background check.
When applying for a Secret clearance, it's noteworthy that a spouse or cohabitant typically undergoes a less intensive National Agency Check compared to the more comprehensive investigation associated with a Top Secret clearance. However, it is crucial to be aware that additional information may be requested based on the responses provided.
The article rightly points out that having a spouse with a criminal background does not automatically disqualify an individual from obtaining a security clearance. The nature and context of the spouse's criminal history, as well as the applicant's involvement, are key considerations. Whether a spouse is listed on the sex offender registry or has a past jail stint, these factors may only become significant if the applicant is somehow implicated.
Furthermore, the article addresses the impact of having a foreign national spouse on the security clearance process. While foreign-born spouses are a common concern, the article emphasizes that it doesn't necessarily preclude an individual from obtaining clearance. Instead, it underscores the need for demonstrating that the spouse has stronger ties to the U.S. than their country of origin.
The piece also touches on common questions regarding the involvement of other family members in the security clearance application. Contrary to misconceptions, having other family members with clearances does not necessarily make obtaining a clearance easier. Each individual is assessed independently based on their own circ*mstances and background.
Lastly, financial obligations and investments made by a spouse are highlighted as relevant considerations in the clearance process. Individuals should be aware that they may be held accountable for their spouse's financial activities, and these aspects are scrutinized as part of the overall evaluation.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the nuanced aspects of the SF-86 application process, particularly concerning the inclusion of information about spouses or cohabitants. It emphasizes that while certain factors may pose challenges, a comprehensive understanding of the context and proactive measures can contribute to a successful security clearance outcome.
The information you provide allows the agency to conduct a background check on your spouse, letting it learn more about a spouse's criminal history and other details. Spouses may also need to participate in interviews, though that can vary depending on the level of the security clearance.
As you move through the hiring process for a new job in the defense sector, getting a security clearance is commonly part of the equation. While the bulk of the associated background checks will focus on you, the reviewing agency may also look into your spouse's background.
Your spouse being behind on debt payments does not have to kill your chances of obtaining a security clearance. If none of the accounts in your own name show a poor credit history or delinquency, then your spouse's poor credit will not likely affect your security clearance application.
National agency checks are conducted on spouses and/or cohabitants of individuals being processed for a Top Secret level clearance, with the spouse or cohabitant's authorization. Additional investigations may be conducted when the spouse or cohabitant is a foreign national.
A history of drug addiction, drug involvement, or alcoholism can provide a barrier to receiving security clearance. Past issues with drugs or alcohol may disqualify you from receiving security clearance. Current, ongoing use of an illegal drug will automatically disqualify you.
Some common reasons for security clearance denials include: Financial Problems: Applicants who have a history of financial irresponsibility, such as bankruptcy, excessive debt, or failure to pay debts on time, may be denied clearance.
The good news is divorce in and of itself is unlikely to impact your security clearance. The bad news is it is pretty easy for you (or your spouse) to do something stupid that might cost you your clearance, and ultimately your job.
Financial issues, like a bankruptcy or poor credit rating, also hurt the chances of a clearance approval. Serious debts are a definite security risk, as agencies feel that person is ripe for being bribed or blackmailed. A record of gambling is something else to avoid if you want your clearance to be approved.
More specific conditions that may endanger your security clearance include: A history of deceptive or illegal financial acts like embezzlement, tax evasion, and fraud; Failure to satisfy your debts; and. Financial problems caused by gambling, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse.
Factors Considered in Security Clearance Adjudication
Several factors are considered when assessing an individual's eligibility for a military security clearance. Poor credit doesn't automatically disqualify a candidate but raises serious issues that often affect the final verdict.
The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.
Periodic reinvestigations for Top Secret Page 2 2 security clearances are due every 5 years and Secret security clearances periodic reinvestigations are due every 10 years.
What information do you evaluate in the security clearance investigation? During the background and security clearance investigation, investigators will review delinquency in paying debts, tax obligations, certain criminal offenses and the illegal use or possession of drugs.
The security clearance process typically includes a FBI reference check of former employers, coworkers, friends, neighbors, landlords, and schools along with a review of credit, tax, and police records.
BPSS clearance is required for access to certain government roles, especially those that involve handling public funds, and typically involves basic background checks to confirm an individual's identity, nationality, and criminal record.
While a polygraph may ask a question about “broken trust” with a significant other, the SF-86 does not have a question that deals specifically with whether or not you have had an affair. So, when it comes time to submit for a security clearance, the SF-86 is not the time to disclose this information.
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