Not every clearance investigation is going to be the same, especially if you dive into communities like the ClearanceJobsBlog and read anecdotes from individuals with a wide range of experiences. Not every agency has the same suitability guidelines, and not every applicant has the same experiences, issues to mitigate, or processing timeline.
This is why it is important to take stories with a grain of salt – adjudicators and investigators are human and operate differently as they conduct subject interviews, process poly exams, and more.
Such is the case of this security clearance applicant:
“In October of last year, I filed an SF-86 for Top Secret for a job with the United States Secret Service (USSS). I was fingerprinted and had my interview, but the contingent job offer was rescinded (I don’t know why; the USSS is extremely persnickety so it could have been anything). Fast forward to now – I have a tentative job offer for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). I was contacted for the drug test this week and completed it but I didn’t get a new SF-86. Another new hire found me on Reddit and she said she sent hers in this week and did her drug test.
I am guessing I didn’t get a new form because there’s already a recent one for me? Both USSS and USCIS do their own internal security investigations but it IS the same department so that is my assumption. Am I correct with this? I emailed the Office of Security and Integrity (OSI) on Monday but got no response. In the process for the last job I realized I had missed some information from 15-20 years ago and was hoping I could add clarification to the prior SF-86 or have a new interview to clarify the details, but now I’m wondering if I will get that chance. Do adjudicators from other agencies share their notes with each other? Will my fingerprints already being on file mean I don’t need to do that again either?
I have some anxiety after the soul wrenching experience of having my first federal job offer yanked without explanation so I’m a bit worried. Please help!”
CLEARING UP THE CONFUSION
According to USCIS, here are the steps in the process after being deemed qualified for a role:
- Tentative job offer extended.
- Undergo a security investigation if offer accepted: “You will receive instructions for completing the online security forms and scheduling your drug screening (if applicable) after you accept the position.” This does not note that one should pre date the other.
- Once you pass the security screening, HR will swoop in with the grand job offer!
Refer back to the original communications you received from the agency HR (or security) – this will be your best contact for more insight into the process. A key effort across the security clearance reform processes has been eliminating duplicative efforts and enabling reciprocity. If the applicant successfully filled out an SF-86 recently, that data should be available and they shouldn’t have to complete a new form. Not being asked to fill out a new SF-86 isn’t a red flag in the application process – it should be a sign that it’s moving along as it should.
The applicant is right to query the security office where he’s applying if he needs to update or add information.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” For this reason, we maintain ClearanceJobsBlog.com – a forum where clearance seekers can ask the cleared community for advice on their specific security concerns. Ask CJ explores questions posed on the ClearanceJobs Blog forum, emails received, and comments from this site. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.Â
