The security clearance process is a long and arduous one, with the 136-pages of the SF-86 for applicants to complete. Some candidates who are applying for clearance may also have only a number of days to complete it. Is it true that there is a deadline for completing the infamous security clearance application, or eAPP?
User ‘random’ on the ClearanceJobsBlog wrote:
“So, I just got an email shortly after accepting my offer. To my surprise, it’s my [eAPP} invite for my Secret clearance. I figured they would wait until my background check came back and all that first. But what has me in a panic is at the top it says I only have 5 business days to complete the security clearance application. I’m in the middle of midterms and honestly the idea of filling out a 136-page form, collecting references, getting fingerprinted, going to a notary to do citizenship application. This is all on top of work and school. Is this normal? I honestly wasn’t expecting to get my [eAPP] so soon and with such a short deadline.”
SECURITY CLEARANCE APPLICATION TIMELINES
One user commented for ‘random’ to reach out to their Facility Security Officer (FSO) and not make assumptions. Communication with your FSO throughout this process will only help – they want to ensure that they are taking a chance on the best candidate and not being strung along by someone just to obtain security clearance.
Marko Hakamaa, ClearanceJobsBlog moderator notes that, “Once someone at a company or agency initiates an [application] the clock starts ticking, they set their own timelines as to when they want you to get it done.” Along with wanting to get the process moving and not continue to leave a cleared billet vacant, they want to continue with the process at a steady pace as opposed to waiting to see if a security clearance applicant has some disqualifying information preventing them from obtaining clearance. This would be cause for the company to withdraw your offer, move on, and find another candidate.
Hakamaa says that 5 days is generally on the shorter end of timelines and that companies usually give candidates 10-14 days.
However, if you really are a motivated candidate who wants a cleared career in the Department of Defense or Intelligence Community, you will meet the sponsoring company/agency timelines and complete the eAPP thoroughly and accurately. If you don’t, there are plenty of other clearance-eligible candidates.
