The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) serves as the central vetting agency for the Australian Government, conducting security clearance assessments for federal, state and territory agencies. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of the security clearance process, from initial application through ongoing maintenance requirements.
The Australian Government operates four distinct security clearance levels, each providing specific access to classified resources:
| Clearance Level | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| Baseline | Classified resources up to and including PROTECTED. |
| Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) | Classified resources up to and including SECRET. |
| Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) | Classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET. |
| Positive Vetting (PV) | Classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET, including caveated and code word information. |
Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) grants access to classified resources up to and including SECRET information. This clearance involves more thorough background checks and is required for positions dealing with sensitive national security matters.
Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) provides access to classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET material. This clearance requires extensive vetting and is reserved for positions handling highly sensitive government information.
Positive Vetting (PV) represents the highest security clearance level, granting access to classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET, including caveated and code word information. This clearance involves the most comprehensive assessment process and is required for positions dealing with the most sensitive national security information.
Important Update: The Australian Government is transitioning Positive Vetting clearances to a new system. Legislation passed in 2023 will eventually transfer responsibility for the highest-level security clearances (TOP SECRET-Privileged Access) from AGSVA to ASIO. However, this is a phased transition, and AGSVA currently continues to process Positive Vetting clearances. Applicants should check with their sponsoring agency for the most current information about which agency will handle their specific clearance level.
To be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance, you must meet two fundamental requirements:
Australian Citizenship must be determined by the sponsoring entity before requesting a clearance. This is a mandatory requirement that forms the foundation of the security clearance system.
Checkable Background is determined by AGSVA as part of the vetting assessment process. This ensures sufficient verifiable information exists to conduct a thorough security assessment.
In exceptional circumstances, the sponsoring entity can elect to waive one or both of these requirements, though such waivers are rare and require substantial justification.
The security clearance process determines your suitability to hold a security clearance through an assessment of your overall integrity. In the security context, integrity is defined as a range of character traits sufficient for the Australian Government to have confidence in your ability to protect Government resources and information.
The specific character traits assessed are:
AGSVA recognises and respects your privacy throughout the clearance process. The collection, handling, use and disclosure of your personal information is undertaken in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988.
During the assessment, you may be asked questions that explore personal and sensitive aspects of your life, including your relationships, finances, alcohol and drug use, and social or political views. Whilst you may be uncomfortable with some questions or view them as intrusive, it is essential that you answer all questions openly and honestly.
AGSVA's vetting officers and psychologists are qualified professionals committed to completing vetting assessments in an objective manner. AGSVA staff focus on determining your suitability to access sensitive and classified resources and undertake careful consideration of the whole person.
Importantly, past activity or behaviours do not automatically disqualify you from attaining a security clearance. It can be possible for vetting officers to mitigate risk areas where there is sufficient evidence of reform and personal growth.
The security clearance journey begins when your employer determines that your role requires access to classified information. If your role requires you to hold a security clearance, your employer will notify you and submit a clearance request on your behalf to AGSVA. Individuals cannot sponsor their own security clearance applications.
Once AGSVA receives a request for a new security clearance, they will email you details to access the myClearance portal. You will have up to 20 business days from the time you receive your application to complete and submit your security clearance application, including uploading all required supporting documentation.
You will be provided an individualised list of personal documents required at the end of your clearance application process. You must provide all documents stipulated in this list. If you are unable to provide a required document, you must submit a Statutory Declaration explaining the circumstances.
AGSVA will contact you if additional information is required beyond what you initially submitted. Once your Security Clearance Application is submitted, your submission will be assessed for completeness, and any missing information will be requested from you.
Once your Security Clearance application has been accepted as complete, AGSVA's formal vetting assessment begins. The scope and depth of this assessment varies depending on the clearance level requested.
Depending on the clearance level requested, AGSVA may contact you to schedule a psychological assessment. This assessment evaluates your psychological suitability for handling classified information and the stresses associated with security-cleared positions.
AGSVA will initiate external checks, which may include verification of your identity, employment history, financial status, criminal history, and other relevant background information. The case will be allocated to a qualified vetting officer who will oversee the entire assessment process.
During the assessment, the vetting officer will contact or conduct interviews with you and your nominated referees. These interviews explore various aspects of your background, character, and suitability for holding a security clearance.
Once all required information has been gathered through interviews, external checks, and document verification, the vetting officer will make a comprehensive recommendation on your suitability to hold a security clearance.
An authorised decision maker from AGSVA will review the vetting officer's recommendation and supporting evidence to finalise the decision for cases being granted or denied. This decision maker has the authority to approve, deny, or request additional information before making a final determination.
AGSVA will then notify both you and your sponsor of the outcome of your security clearance application. This notification includes the decision and any relevant conditions or requirements.
In the event that your clearance application is denied or an existing clearance revoked, you can ask for a review of the decision. For further information on decision review, please visit the AGSVA website where detailed procedures are outlined.
Understanding the timeframes involved helps manage expectations throughout the process. The following shows the standard processing periods for each clearance level:
| Clearance Level | AGSVA Issues Application | Applicant Completes Application | AGSVA Completes Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline | 5–10 business days | 20 business days | 20 business days |
| Negative Vetting Level 1 | 5–10 business days | 20 business days | 70 business days |
| Negative Vetting Level 2 | 5–10 business days | 20 business days | 100 business days |
| Positive Vetting | 5–10 business days | 20 business days | 180 business days |
Baseline Clearance:
Negative Vetting Level 1:
Negative Vetting Level 2:
Positive Vetting:
These timeframes represent standard processing periods. Complex cases or incomplete applications may require additional time beyond these estimates.
The security clearance application requires extensive personal information spanning different periods depending on the clearance level sought. The following requirements are categorised as either Mandatory for all applicants at that level, or required "If required by AGSVA" based on individual circumstances.
| Information Requirement | Baseline | NV1 | NV2 | PV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Details of partner and parents | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Details of all cohabitants over 18yrs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overseas relatives | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Official Foreign Government Contacts | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Basic Financial Information | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Comprehensive Financial Information | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Employment History | 5 years | 10 years | 10 years | Since age 16* |
| Address History | 5 years | 10 years | 10 years | Since age 16* |
| Education History | 5 years | 10 years | 10 years | Since age 16* |
| Overseas Travel | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | Since age 16* |
| Passport and Travel Documents | — | — | ✓ | Since age 16* |
| Social Memberships | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Legal Proceedings | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Security Clearance History | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
*Or 10 years for applicants under 26
All clearance levels require: Full name, date and place of birth, current address, citizenship, current employment details for your partner and parents.
All clearance levels require: This includes siblings and children. You must provide full name, date and place of birth, citizenship, current employment. Details of overseas travel may be required for higher clearance levels.
Required for NV1, NV2, and PV: Full name, relationship, country, citizenship, current address, residence since date, occupation for all overseas relatives.
Required for NV2 and PV: Full name and employment details for any contacts with foreign government officials.
All clearance levels require basic financial information, with requirements expanding significantly for higher levels:
All levels require:
NV1, NV2, and PV additionally require:
The depth of employment history required varies significantly by clearance level:
Baseline: 5 years of employment history including name of employer, position, dates, address NV1 and NV2: 10 years of employment history with the same details Positive Vetting: Complete employment history since age 16, or 10 years for applicants under 26
Baseline: 5 years of address history with full address and dates resided NV1 and NV2: 10 years of address history Positive Vetting: Complete address history since age 16, or 10 years for applicants under 26
Baseline: 5 years of education history including name of institution, years attended, qualification received NV1 and NV2: 10 years of education history Positive Vetting: Complete education history since age 16, or 10 years for applicants under 26
Baseline: 10 years of overseas travel including country, dates and reason for visit NV1 and NV2: 10 years of overseas travel Positive Vetting: Complete overseas travel history since age 16, or 10 years for applicants under 26
NV2 and PV require: Complete details of all passports including issuing country, passport number, type, validity since age 16, or 10 years for applicants under 26.
Social Memberships: If applicable for all levels - name of club/association, purpose, dates of membership Legal Proceedings: If applicable for all levels - type, description, location, outcome Security Clearance History: If applicable for all levels - details of clearance issued by AGSVA or other government department
You will be provided an individualised list of personal documents required at the end of your clearance application process. The following provides a comprehensive guide to personal documents that may be required during a security clearance process.
| Document Requirement | Baseline | NV1 | NV2 | PV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Birth Certificate (Born in Australia) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full Birth Certificate (Born Overseas) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Proof of Australian Citizenship | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Current Marriage Certificate | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Divorce Certificate(s) | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Change of Name Certificate(s) | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Certificate of Service or Discharge | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable | If applicable |
| Current Photo Identification | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Current Secondary Identification | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Current Credit or Bank Card | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Proof of Current Address | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Proof of Previous Addresses | One previous | One previous | One previous | All since age 16* |
| Proof of Current Employment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Proof of Previous Employment | — | One previous | One previous | All since age 16* |
| Passport(s) | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Financial Statements | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tax Return | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Notice of Tax Assessment | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payslip | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
*Or 10 years for applicants under 26
Full Birth Certificate (Born in Australia) - Mandatory for all levels: Must contain a minimum of one parent's details. An extract is not acceptable under any circumstances. If you were born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986, refer to Proof of Australian Citizenship requirements below.
Full Birth Certificate (Born Overseas) - Mandatory for all levels: If your birth certificate is in a language other than English, you must also provide a translation from a translator accredited by NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters).
Born overseas: Australian citizenship certificate is mandatory for all clearance levels.
Born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986: Additional documentation is required as proof of Australian Citizenship. This may include your Australian passport, parent's full birth certificate showing parent was born in Australia before 20 August 1986, parent's Australian passport issued on or after 20 August 1986 issued before your birth, or parent's Australian citizenship certificate issued before your birth.
Current Marriage Certificate: If applicable - must be issued by the Registrar of Birth, Deaths and Marriages Divorce Certificate(s): If applicable - Decree nisi or decree absolute for all previous divorces Change of Name Certificate(s): If applicable - Legal name change document or deed poll
Certificate of Service or Discharge: If applicable - Military service record for previous service in the Defence Forces of any country
Current Photo Identification - Mandatory for all levels: Must contain a clear identification photograph and legible signature (e.g. driver's licence)
Current Secondary Identification - Mandatory for all levels: Current Medicare card OR Identity card issued by Australian Defence Force
Current Credit or Bank Card - Mandatory for all levels: Must be issued by a Financial Institution
Proof of Current Address - Mandatory for all levels: Driver's licence, utility bill, rates notice, bank statement
Proof of Previous Addresses:
Proof of Current Employment - Mandatory for all levels: Pay slips, payment summary, statement of service, letter of offer for proposed employment
Proof of Previous Employment:
Passport(s) - Required for NV2 and PV: Details page and all stamped pages for each current, expired or cancelled passport
Financial Statements - Required for NV2 and PV: Past 3 months for all bank accounts, credit cards
Tax Return - Required for NV2 and PV: Your last Tax Return
Notice of Tax Assessment - Required for NV2 and PV: Your last Notice of Assessment
Payslip - Required for NV2 and PV: Your most recent from all current employers
Referees play an absolutely critical role in the security clearance assessment, helping to support information provided by you and collected during the vetting process. The selection of appropriate referees can significantly impact the success and timeliness of your application.
When selecting your referees, you must consider the following mandatory requirements:
Preferred Citizenship: Where possible, referees should be Australian Citizens or permanent residents. Where this is not possible, referees should be citizens of the USA, Canada, the UK, or New Zealand. Referees from other countries may be considered, however additional coverage may be required to compensate.
Relationship Requirements: A referee must know you in either a personal or professional capacity. They cannot be related to you, nor can they be a partner or ex-partner. This ensures independence and objectivity in their assessment.
Contact Requirements: A referee must have had regular contact with you over an extended period of time. Sporadic or infrequent contact is insufficient for the purposes of security clearance assessment.
Multiple Referee Coverage: You may nominate multiple referees to cover different time periods over the checkable period where individual referees have not had continuous contact with you. This ensures comprehensive coverage of your background.
Availability: Please ensure your referees are available to be part of the process. One of the most common causes of delays during a security clearance process is the availability and responsiveness of referees. Brief your referees on their role and ensure they understand the importance of timely responses.
| Clearance Level | Minimum Referee Requirement |
|---|---|
| Baseline | 1 referee, including 1 supervisor who can account for a period of at least 3 months |
| Negative Vetting Level 1 | 2 referees, including 1 supervisor who can account for a period of at least 3 months, and 1 or more personal referees to cover every period of your life for the past 10 years |
| Negative Vetting Level 2 | 2 referees, including 1 supervisor who can account for a period of at least 3 months, and 1 or more personal referees to cover every period of your life for the past 10 years |
| Positive Vetting (PV) | 5 referees, including 1–2 supervisors, and 3-4 personal referees to cover every period of your life since the age of 16, or for the past 10 years (whichever is greater) |
Baseline Clearance: Minimum requirement: 1 referee, including 1 supervisor who can account for a period of at least 3 months
Negative Vetting Level 1: Minimum requirement: 2 referees, including 1 supervisor who can account for a period of at least 3 months, and 1 or more personal referees to cover every period of your life for the past 10 years
Negative Vetting Level 2: Minimum requirement: 2 referees, including 1 supervisor who can account for a period of at least 3 months, and 1 or more personal referees to cover every period of your life for the past 10 years
Positive Vetting (PV): Minimum requirement: 5 referees, including 1–2 supervisors, and 3-4 personal referees to cover every period of your life since the age of 16, or for the past 10 years (whichever is greater)
Obtaining a security clearance creates ongoing obligations and responsibilities that extend throughout the entire validity period of your authorisation.
In order to maintain your Australian Government security clearance, you have a personal obligation to inform AGSVA of any significant changes to your personal circumstances. This is not optional - it is a mandatory requirement that applies to all security clearance holders.
You can report changes in personal circumstances to AGSVA by completing a Change of Circumstance notification via the myClearance portal. This system provides a secure and confidential method for reporting changes.
Visit the AGSVA website at https://www.agsva.gov.au for a comprehensive list of reportable changes. The website provides detailed guidance on what constitutes a reportable change and the timeframes for reporting.
Failure to report significant changes in circumstances can result in suspension or revocation of your security clearance, regardless of the nature of the change itself.
All security clearances are required to be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure continued suitability. AGSVA will advise you when your security clearance is due for review, and you must participate in this process to maintain your clearance.
The revalidation intervals are as follows:
| Clearance Level | Revalidation Interval |
|---|---|
| Baseline | 15 Years |
| Negative Vetting Level 1 | 10 Years |
| Negative Vetting Level 2 | 7 Years |
| Positive Vetting | 7 Years |
The revalidation process follows similar procedures to initial clearance applications and may require updated documentation, interviews, and referee contacts.
Website: https://www.agsva.gov.au Clearance Support Team: 1800 640 450 Email: securityclearances@defence.gov.au
The AGSVA website provides comprehensive information, downloadable forms, frequently asked questions, and detailed guidance on all aspects of the security clearance process. The Clearance Support Team is available during business hours to assist with queries and provide guidance throughout your application.
This guide provides complete coverage of the Australian Government security clearance process as outlined in the official AGSVA Security Clearance Applicant Guide Book (Reference: SEG:001-11/22). All information reflects current AGSVA requirements and procedures for security clearance applications and maintenance.