The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) serves as the central vetting agency for the Australian Government, conducting security clearance assessments for federal, state and territory agencies. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of the security clearance process, from initial application through ongoing maintenance requirements.
Understanding Security Clearance Levels
The Australian Government operates four distinct security clearance levels, each providing specific access to classified resources:
| Clearance Level | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| Baseline | Classified resources up to and including PROTECTED. |
| Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) | Classified resources up to and including SECRET. |
| Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) | Classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET. |
| Positive Vetting (PV) | Classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET, including caveated and code word information. |
Baseline Clearance provides access to classified resources up to and including PROTECTED material. This entry-level clearance handles routine government information requiring basic security protocols.
Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) grants access to classified resources up to and including SECRET information. This clearance involves more thorough background checks and is required for positions dealing with sensitive national security matters.
Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) provides access to classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET material. This clearance requires extensive vetting and is reserved for positions handling highly sensitive government information.
Positive Vetting (PV) represents the highest security clearance level, granting access to classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET, including caveated and code word information. This clearance involves the most comprehensive assessment process and is required for positions dealing with the most sensitive national security information.
Important Update: The Australian Government is transitioning Positive Vetting clearances to a new system. Legislation passed in 2023 will eventually transfer responsibility for the highest-level security clearances (TOP SECRET-Privileged Access) from AGSVA to ASIO. However, this is a phased transition, and AGSVA currently continues to process Positive Vetting clearances. Applicants should check with their sponsoring agency for the most current information about which agency will handle their specific clearance level.
Security Clearance Eligibility and Suitability
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance, you must meet two fundamental requirements:
Australian Citizenship must be determined by the sponsoring entity before requesting a clearance. This is a mandatory requirement that forms the foundation of the security clearance system.
Checkable Background is determined by AGSVA as part of the vetting assessment process. This ensures sufficient verifiable information exists to conduct a thorough security assessment.
In exceptional circumstances, the sponsoring entity can elect to waive one or both of these requirements, though such waivers are rare and require substantial justification.
Suitability Assessment
The security clearance process determines your suitability to hold a security clearance through an assessment of your overall integrity. In the security context, integrity is defined as a range of character traits sufficient for the Australian Government to have confidence in your ability to protect Government resources and information.
The specific character traits assessed are:
- Honesty - Truthfulness in all dealings and communications
- Trustworthiness - Reliability in handling sensitive information
- Maturity - Sound judgement and responsible decision-making
- Tolerance - Respect for diversity and different perspectives
- Resilience - Ability to handle pressure and maintain security standards
- Loyalty - Commitment to Australian national interests
Privacy Considerations
AGSVA recognises and respects your privacy throughout the clearance process. The collection, handling, use and disclosure of your personal information is undertaken in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988.
During the assessment, you may be asked questions that explore personal and sensitive aspects of your life, including your relationships, finances, alcohol and drug use, and social or political views. Whilst you may be uncomfortable with some questions or view them as intrusive, it is essential that you answer all questions openly and honestly.
AGSVA's vetting officers and psychologists are qualified professionals committed to completing vetting assessments in an objective manner. AGSVA staff focus on determining your suitability to access sensitive and classified resources and undertake careful consideration of the whole person.
Important: Past activity or behaviours do not automatically disqualify you from attaining a security clearance. It can be possible for vetting officers to mitigate risk areas where there is sufficient evidence of reform and personal growth.
The Complete Vetting Assessment Process
Clearance Request Phase
The security clearance journey begins when your employer determines that your role requires access to classified information. If your role requires you to hold a security clearance, your employer will notify you and submit a clearance request on your behalf to AGSVA. Individuals cannot sponsor their own security clearance applications.
Security Clearance Application Phase
Once AGSVA receives a request for a new security clearance, they will email you details to access the myClearance portal. You will have up to 20 business days from the time you receive your application to complete and submit your security clearance application, including uploading all required supporting documentation.
You will be provided an individualised list of personal documents required at the end of your clearance application process. You must provide all documents stipulated in this list. If you are unable to provide a required document, you must submit a Statutory Declaration explaining the circumstances.
AGSVA will contact you if additional information is required beyond what you initially submitted. Once your Security Clearance Application is submitted, your submission will be assessed for completeness, and any missing information will be requested from you.
Vetting Assessment Phase
Once your Security Clearance application has been accepted as complete, AGSVA's formal vetting assessment begins. The scope and depth of this assessment varies depending on the clearance level requested.
Depending on the clearance level requested, AGSVA may contact you to schedule a psychological assessment. This assessment evaluates your psychological suitability for handling classified information and the stresses associated with security-cleared positions.
AGSVA will initiate external checks, which may include verification of your identity, employment history, financial status, criminal history, and other relevant background information. The case will be allocated to a qualified vetting officer who will oversee the entire assessment process.
During the assessment, the vetting officer will contact or conduct interviews with you and your nominated referees. These interviews explore various aspects of your background, character, and suitability for holding a security clearance.
Once all required information has been gathered through interviews, external checks, and document verification, the vetting officer will make a comprehensive recommendation on your suitability to hold a security clearance.
Decision Phase
An authorised decision maker from AGSVA will review the vetting officer's recommendation and supporting evidence to finalise the decision for cases being granted or denied. This decision maker has the authority to approve, deny, or request additional information before making a final determination.
AGSVA will then notify both you and your sponsor of the outcome of your security clearance application. This notification includes the decision and any relevant conditions or requirements.
In the event that your clearance application is denied or an existing clearance revoked, you can ask for a review of the decision. For further information on decision review, please visit the AGSVA website where detailed procedures are outlined.
Vetting Timeframes
Understanding the timeframes involved helps manage expectations throughout the process. The following shows the standard processing periods for each clearance level:
| Clearance Level | AGSVA Issues Application | Applicant Completes Application | AGSVA Completes Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline | 5ā10 business days | 20 business days | 20 business days |
| Negative Vetting Level 1 | 5ā10 business days | 20 business days | 70 business days |
| Negative Vetting Level 2 | 5ā10 business days | 20 business days | 100 business days |
| Positive Vetting | 5ā10 business days | 20 business days | 180 business days |
These timeframes represent standard processing periods. Complex cases or incomplete applications may require additional time beyond these estimates.
Complete Guide to Application Information Requirements
The security clearance application requires extensive personal information spanning different periods depending on the clearance level sought. The following requirements are categorised as either Mandatory for all applicants at that level, or required "If required by AGSVA" based on individual circumstances.
| Information Requirement | Baseline | NV1 | NV2 | PV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Details of partner and parents | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Details of all cohabitants over 18yrs | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Overseas relatives | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Official Foreign Government Contacts | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Basic Financial Information | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Comprehensive Financial Information | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Employment History | 5 years | 10 years | 10 years | Since age 16* |
| Address History | 5 years | 10 years | 10 years | Since age 16* |
| Education History | 5 years | 10 years | 10 years | Since age 16* |
| Overseas Travel | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | Since age 16* |
| Passport and Travel Documents | ā | ā | ā | Since age 16* |
| Social Memberships | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Legal Proceedings | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Security Clearance History | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
*Or 10 years for applicants under 26
Complete Personal Document Requirements
You will be provided an individualised list of personal documents required at the end of your clearance application process. The following provides a comprehensive guide to personal documents that may be required during a security clearance process.
| Document Requirement | Baseline | NV1 | NV2 | PV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Birth Certificate (Born in Australia) | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Full Birth Certificate (Born Overseas) | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Proof of Australian Citizenship | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Current Marriage Certificate | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Divorce Certificate(s) | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Change of Name Certificate(s) | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Certificate of Service or Discharge | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Current Photo Identification | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Current Secondary Identification | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Current Credit or Bank Card | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Proof of Current Address | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Proof of Previous Addresses | One previous | One previous | One previous | All since age 16* |
| Proof of Current Employment | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Proof of Previous Employment | ā | One previous | One previous | All since age 16* |
| Passport(s) | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Financial Statements | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Tax Return | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Notice of Tax Assessment | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Payslip | ā | ā | ā | ā |
*Or 10 years for applicants under 26
Comprehensive Referee Requirements
Referees play an absolutely critical role in the security clearance assessment, helping to support information provided by you and collected during the vetting process. The selection of appropriate referees can significantly impact the success and timeliness of your application.
General Referee Selection Criteria
When selecting your referees, you must consider the following mandatory requirements:
Preferred Citizenship: Where possible, referees should be Australian Citizens or permanent residents. Where this is not possible, referees should be citizens of the USA, Canada, the UK, or New Zealand. Referees from other countries may be considered, however additional coverage may be required to compensate.
Relationship Requirements: A referee must know you in either a personal or professional capacity. They cannot be related to you, nor can they be a partner or ex-partner. This ensures independence and objectivity in their assessment.
Contact Requirements: A referee must have had regular contact with you over an extended period of time. Sporadic or infrequent contact is insufficient for the purposes of security clearance assessment.
Multiple Referee Coverage: You may nominate multiple referees to cover different time periods over the checkable period where individual referees have not had continuous contact with you. This ensures comprehensive coverage of your background.
Availability: Please ensure your referees are available to be part of the process. One of the most common causes of delays during a security clearance process is the availability and responsiveness of referees. Brief your referees on their role and ensure they understand the importance of timely responses.
Specific Referee Requirements by Clearance Level
| Clearance Level | Minimum Referee Requirement |
|---|---|
| Baseline | 1 referee, including 1 supervisor who can account for a period of at least 3 months |
| Negative Vetting Level 1 | 2 referees, including 1 supervisor who can account for a period of at least 3 months, and 1 or more personal referees to cover every period of your life for the past 10 years |
| Negative Vetting Level 2 | 2 referees, including 1 supervisor who can account for a period of at least 3 months, and 1 or more personal referees to cover every period of your life for the past 10 years |
| Positive Vetting (PV) | 5 referees, including 1ā2 supervisors, and 3-4 personal referees to cover every period of your life since the age of 16, or for the past 10 years (whichever is greater) |
Maintaining Your Security Clearance
Obtaining a security clearance creates ongoing obligations and responsibilities that extend throughout the entire validity period of your authorisation.
Reporting Changes in Circumstance
In order to maintain your Australian Government security clearance, you have a personal obligation to inform AGSVA of any significant changes to your personal circumstances. This is not optional - it is a mandatory requirement that applies to all security clearance holders.
You can report changes in personal circumstances to AGSVA by completing a Change of Circumstance notification via the myClearance portal. This system provides a secure and confidential method for reporting changes.
Visit the AGSVA website for a comprehensive list of reportable changes. The website provides detailed guidance on what constitutes a reportable change and the timeframes for reporting.
Warning: Failure to report significant changes in circumstances can result in suspension or revocation of your security clearance, regardless of the nature of the change itself.
Periodic Revalidations
All security clearances are required to be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure continued suitability. AGSVA will advise you when your security clearance is due for review, and you must participate in this process to maintain your clearance.
The revalidation intervals are as follows:
| Clearance Level | Revalidation Interval |
|---|---|
| Baseline | 15 Years |
| Negative Vetting Level 1 | 10 Years |
| Negative Vetting Level 2 | 7 Years |
| Positive Vetting | 7 Years |
The revalidation process follows similar procedures to initial clearance applications and may require updated documentation, interviews, and referee contacts.
Further Information and Support
- Website: https://www.agsva.gov.au
- Clearance Support Team: 1800 640 450
- Email: securityclearances@defence.gov.au
The AGSVA website provides comprehensive information, downloadable forms, frequently asked questions, and detailed guidance on all aspects of the security clearance process. The Clearance Support Team is available during business hours to assist with queries and provide guidance throughout your application.
This guide provides complete coverage of the Australian Government security clearance process as outlined in the official AGSVA Security Clearance Applicant Guide Book (Reference: SEG:001-11/22). All information reflects current AGSVA requirements and procedures for security clearance applications and maintenance.