Both the SF-86 and SF-85P ask questions relating to dual/multiple citizenship and foreign passport information. Country of origin matters here and is a bit grayer… what is black and white is if you hide information regarding these subjects before you even gain access to classified information.
“Hi, everyone. I’m an existing clearance holder, but my partner is filling out her SF85P for a full-time Moderate Risk Public Trust position with a non-defense related Federal agency. The question we have is whether she should add EVERY single foreign passport she’s had even since birth/childhood? She is a US Permanent Resident who has both Belgian and French passports, and has since birth, but obviously many of them are expired and she only has one each of unexpired/current ones. In the Foreign Passport Information section #10, if she were to list EVERY single passport including the expired ones there would be multiple dozens of countries traveled in there. The question asks, “Have you EVER [not my emphasis] been issued a passport (or identity card for travel) by a country other than the U.S.?” and not, “List EVERY passport…” Since the later foreign travel section #19 only covers the past 7 years, it is my opinion that she should list only her most recent passports that cover those 7 years of travel, and not any earlier ones (including earlier adult years and childhood travel), but instead I think she should add a comment about having expired ones and can furnish copies on-demand. What do you think?”
The answer is pretty straight forward: They need to list ALL of their foreign passports, no matter how tedious it might seem.
HOW TO LIST FOREIGN PASSPORTS ON YOUR SECURITY CLEARANCE APPLICATION
Listing foreign passports for security clearance is a crucial step in the process of obtaining certain levels of security clearance within the United States. This process ensures transparency and helps to assess any potential security risks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to properly listing foreign passports when applying for security clearance:
- Gather All Relevant Documents: Start by collecting all the foreign passports you have held or currently hold. This includes expired passports, as well as any valid ones. Make sure to have all the necessary details such as passport numbers, issue dates, expiration dates, and the name of the issuing country.
- Complete the Security Clearance Form: When filling out the Standard Form 86 (SF-86) or any other relevant security clearance application form, you will encounter sections dedicated to foreign associations and foreign contacts. Provide detailed information about each foreign passport you have held in the appropriate sections. Be thorough and honest, as omissions or inaccuracies can jeopardize your clearance application.
- Explain the Circumstances: In addition to listing the foreign passports, it is essential to provide context. Clarify why you obtained or held a foreign passport. Common reasons include dual citizenship, birth in a foreign country, or family heritage. If you have used the passport for travel, indicate the countries visited and the purpose of those visits. If you have renounced the foreign passport, mention the date and provide any supporting documentation.
By following these steps and being transparent about your foreign passports, you demonstrate integrity and cooperation, which are critical factors in the security clearance process. Always ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date to avoid any complications or delays.
More on foreign passports and dual citizenship here.
This question was posed from a subscriber at ClearanceJobsBlog.com, where you can read and discuss government security clearance process, how to get a security clearance job, and background investigations issues.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” This case-by-case system is meant to consider the whole person, increase process security, and allow the lowest-risk/highest-need candidates to complete the process. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
