can I get security Clearence?

[Hotlatte]

Hi All,

I would appreciate your help in this matter.

I have applied for a role and there is a good chance that I may be offered this position however, the client will want me to undergo security clearence.

The only thing I am concerned about is that I am not a British Citizen yet! I am currently living on a Pakistani passport (I havent been outside country for over 13-14 years) with a settlement stamp on it and my Citizenship application is currently in process.

My question is that can I get a security clearence as I am not a British Citizen British Passport holder? Please advise.

Thanks

[moony1234]

As long as you have lived in the UK for at least 5 years, and have proof of this, you can apply for SC level security clearance. 3 years for BC level and 10 years for DV.

[mocha_01]

I think it depends on the level of security clearance which is required as to whether or not you must be a British citizen.

I am however guessing that the company will know who does and does not meet security clearance criteria. Which means if you do not then you will not be offered the job ... you may not be offered the job even if you do (if it is an agent telling you you may be offered it take it with a pinch of salt because they are full of it).

[Mailman_1]

It depends what level of clearance you require. The best bet is to speak to the vetting agency for the government agency you will be working for. They will give you pointers as to what is required to acheive the level of clearance you are applying for.

[TykeMerc]

It's possible as you've been resident in the UK for so long.

I've seen several people with Southern African passports who are long term residents get clearance.

[Ardesco]

Anybody could possibly get clearance, it depends on how well they can track your movements, check out your background and how confident they can be that you are not a risk.

Being a non-UK national makes it less likely that they can do all the above, but not impossible.

[pzz76077]

Basic info here: http://www.securityclearedjobs.com/h...ty_cleared.asp

Looks like you will be OK.

PZZ

[herman_g]

I held an SC level clearance after being in the UK for only 7 months.

In my case, it was granted for only 1 year ( normally 5 ) due to lack of local credit history.

[Hotlatte]

Friend thanks very so much for your input I was already planning to withdraw from the role given my position with the passport BUT by reading your various comments below I can certainly apply for the role.

However, I need to get a little more clearer about this as you stated that as to what level of clearence one would require. I have lived in the UK since 1996 got clean record, got CRB checked last year, got very good credit history, keep up with my payments, no bankruptcy all trackable and clean as far as I know.

I still need clearification whether It would be worth the hassle (interview, time, travel costs etc) if I am not elligible given not yet a British Citizen.

Can someone share personal experience.

Thank you

[Mailman_1]

You wont get much info out of anyone here. Security Clearance gauges a level of trust between the government agency and the clearee (is that a word?). Telling you information and sharing personal experiences would be a breach of that trust. A breach of trust can lead to loss of the clearance. Your best to speak to the vetting agency who deals with the clearance for the government dept you are applying to for further info as to whether you will pass their vetting procedures. It would be best to clarify the level of clearance you require prior to contacting them.

Good luck.