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.
