Overview of AGSVA Security Clearances
Everything you need to know about Baseline, NV1, and NV2 clearances
Security clearances are essential for individuals working in roles that require access to classified government information. Managed by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA), these clearances ensure that only trustworthy and reliable individuals can access sensitive material that impacts national security.
This comprehensive guide covers the three levels of security clearance in Australia, eligibility requirements, application processes, fees, and timelines.
Overview of Security Clearances
The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) manages three levels of security clearance, each corresponding to different classification levels of information:
- Baseline Security Clearance: Access to information classified as PROTECTED
- NV1 (Negative Vetting Level 1): Access to information classified up to SECRET
- NV2 (Negative Vetting Level 2): Access to information classified up to TOP SECRET
Key Points About All Clearances
- You cannot apply independently — you must be sponsored by an authorised government department or organisation
- Australian citizenship is mandatory for all clearance levels
- All applicants must complete pre-application employment screening checks
- AGSVA conducts thorough background checks to verify identity, employment history, residential addresses, and financial stability
- Clearance holders must report significant changes in personal circumstances throughout the validity period
Baseline Security Clearance
A Baseline Security Clearance is the entry-level security clearance required for individuals who need access to information classified up to PROTECTED. It is essential for those working in government roles or for organisations involved in handling sensitive government materials.
Eligibility Criteria
- Australian Citizenship: Must be verified by your employer or sponsoring entity
- Checkable Background: AGSVA must be able to verify your background, including employment history and residential addresses
- Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by a government department or authorised organisation
Pre-Application Employment Screening
Before the application process begins, you must complete:
- 100-point ID check
- National Police Clearance
- Right to Work in Australia verification
Documents Required
- Full Birth Certificate: Must include at least one parent's details
- Proof of Australian Citizenship: If born overseas, citizenship certificate required
- Current Photo Identification: Government-issued ID such as driving licence or passport
- Employment History: Records covering the past 5 years
- Residential Address History: Records for the past 5 years
- Financial Information: May be required in some cases (less common for Baseline)
Baseline Fee: AUD $884 (inclusive of GST)
This fee covers only the AGSVA charge. Additional costs including sponsorship fees, employment screening checks, and application handling fees may apply and are charged separately by your sponsoring specialist.
Timeline
Please note: These timelines are indicative only. Actual processing times may be significantly longer depending on the complexity of your background, the completeness of your application, AGSVA's current workload and backlog, and other factors beyond your or your sponsor's control.
- 5–10 business days: AGSVA issues the security clearance application
- 20 business days: Time to complete and submit your application
- 20 business days: AGSVA completes the vetting process
- Average total time: 5–10 weeks from start to decision
Validity Period
Once granted, a Baseline Security Clearance remains valid for 15 years unless revoked. You must inform AGSVA of any significant changes to your personal circumstances.
NV1 Security Clearance
An NV1 (Negative Vetting Level 1) Security Clearance allows individuals access to information classified up to SECRET. This clearance is required for roles that involve handling more sensitive government information than a Baseline clearance.
Eligibility Criteria
- Australian Citizenship: Must be verified before application
- Checkable Background: AGSVA must verify your background covering the last 10 years
- Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by a government department or authorised organisation
Pre-Application Employment Screening
- 100-point ID check
- National Police Clearance
- Right to Work in Australia verification
Documents Required
- Full Birth Certificate: Must include at least one parent's details
- Proof of Australian Citizenship: If born overseas, citizenship certificate required
- Current Photo Identification: Government-issued ID
- Employment History: Records covering the past 10 years
- Residential Address History: Records for the past 10 years
- Financial Information: Details of debts, loans, and financial obligations required
NV1 Fee: AUD $1,355 (inclusive of GST)
This fee covers only the AGSVA charge. Additional costs including sponsorship fees, employment screening checks, and application handling fees may apply and are charged separately by your sponsoring specialist.
Timeline
Please note: These timelines are indicative only. Actual processing times may be significantly longer depending on the complexity of your background, the completeness of your application, AGSVA's current workload and backlog, and other factors beyond your or your sponsor's control.
- 5–10 business days: AGSVA issues the security clearance application
- 20 business days: Time to complete and submit your application
- 70 business days: AGSVA completes the vetting process
- Average total time: 3–4 months from start to decision
Validity Period
Once granted, an NV1 Security Clearance remains valid for 10 years unless revoked. You must report any significant changes in personal circumstances, including financial status, relationships, or long-term travel.
NV2 Security Clearance
An NV2 (Negative Vetting Level 2) Security Clearance is required for individuals who need access to highly sensitive government information classified up to TOP SECRET. This clearance is necessary for roles involving significant national security responsibilities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Australian Citizenship: Must be verified before application
- Checkable Background: AGSVA must verify your background covering the last 10 years or since age 16, whichever is shorter
- Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by a government department or authorised organisation
Pre-Application Employment Screening
- 100-point ID check
- National Police Clearance
- Right to Work in Australia verification
Documents Required
- Full Birth Certificate: Must include at least one parent's details
- Proof of Australian Citizenship: If born overseas, citizenship certificate required
- Current Photo Identification: Government-issued ID
- Employment History: Records covering the past 10 years
- Residential Address History: Records for the past 10 years or since age 16
- Financial Information: Comprehensive financial status required, including debts and obligations
NV2 Fee: AUD $2,395 (inclusive of GST)
This fee covers only the AGSVA charge. Additional costs including sponsorship fees, employment screening checks, and application handling fees may apply and are charged separately by your sponsoring specialist.
Timeline
Please note: These timelines are indicative only. Actual processing times may be significantly longer depending on the complexity of your background, the completeness of your application, AGSVA's current workload and backlog, and other factors beyond your or your sponsor's control.
- 5–10 business days: AGSVA issues the security clearance application
- 20 business days: Time to complete and submit your application
- 100 business days: AGSVA completes the vetting process
- Average total time: 5–6 months from start to decision
Validity Period
Once granted, an NV2 Security Clearance remains valid for 7 years unless revoked. You must report any significant changes in personal circumstances, including financial status, relationships, or extensive travel.
Clearance Comparison
| Feature | Baseline | NV1 | NV2 |
|---|
| Classification Level | PROTECTED | SECRET | TOP SECRET |
| Background Check Period | 5 years | 10 years | 10 years / since age 16 |
| AGSVA Fee | $884 | $1,355 | $2,395 |
| Processing Time* | 5–10 weeks | 3–4 months | 5–6 months |
| Validity Period | 15 years | 10 years | 7 years |
| Financial Checks | May be required | Required | Comprehensive required |
*Processing times are indicative only and may vary significantly based on individual circumstances and AGSVA workload.
The Application Process
Regardless of clearance level, the application process follows these general steps:
- Sponsorship Request: Your employer or sponsoring entity submits a request to AGSVA on your behalf. You cannot apply independently.
- Access to myClearance Portal: After the request is submitted, you receive access to the myClearance portal to complete your application and upload documents.
- Application Submission: You have 20 business days to complete and submit your application. Gather all documentation in advance to avoid delays.
- Vetting Assessment: AGSVA conducts background checks, which may include contacting referees and conducting interviews.
- Decision: A decision-maker at AGSVA approves or denies the clearance. You're notified through your employer or sponsoring entity.
What if Your Clearance is Delayed or Denied?
Clearances may take longer or be denied for various reasons, including:
- Incomplete documentation
- Issues with background checks
- Delayed responses from referees
- Financial instability or legal issues
If your clearance is denied, you have the right to request a review of the decision. Your employer or sponsoring entity will guide you through the review process.
Maintaining Your Clearance
Once you receive your security clearance, you must:
- Report any significant changes to personal circumstances
- Complete mandatory annual security awareness training (as required by AGSVA)
- Maintain financial stability
- Report extensive overseas travel
- Notify AGSVA of changes in relationships or employment
Apply Now for your Security Clearance
Visit AGSVA for more information
Have questions? Email us at support@ausclear.com.au