Clearance Timeline Expectations
What to expect during the security clearance process and typical timeframes.
Timeline Overview
Security clearance timelines vary significantly based on clearance level, complexity of your background, and current government backlog. While the government has made progress reducing wait times, expect the process to take several months. Do not make major life decisions based on expected clearance dates.
Typical Timeframes
Public Trust: 1-3 months. Secret Clearance: 2-6 months (average 3-4 months). Top Secret: 4-12 months (average 6-8 months). TS/SCI: 6-18 months. These are estimates - your timeline may be shorter or longer depending on your specific circumstances.
Key Points
- Respond quickly to requests to avoid delays
- Complex backgrounds take longer
- Foreign connections often add time
- Backlogs can affect timelines
Interim Clearances
In many cases, you may receive an interim clearance while your full investigation is pending. This allows you to start work on some projects while awaiting final adjudication. Interim clearances are granted based on initial checks and can be granted within weeks. Not all positions or contracts accept interim clearances.
Factors That Add Time
Several factors can extend your timeline: Extensive foreign travel or contacts, multiple addresses or employers, financial issues requiring documentation, legal history requiring court records, gaps in history requiring explanation, unresponsive references, and complex family situations.
Checking Your Status
Your employer/sponsor can check the status of your investigation through DISS (Defense Information System for Security). You can also check your status by contacting DCSA directly, though information provided may be limited. Do not repeatedly contact about status - this does not speed up the process.