Common mistakes when applying for a security …

1 Version 2: 7 February 2017 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT security VETTING AGENCY Common mistakes when applying for a security clearance Given the significant responsibilities that come with a Commonwealth Government security clearance , the application process is necessarily detailed. Applicants are required to answer questions in an online security clearance questionnaire (ePack), sign and submit a number of forms, and provide documents to confirm identity and background. With the amount of work involved, it is not surprising that mistakes are sometimes made. mistakes , however, can lead to delays. This list has been compiled to help you avoid mistakes and to minimise delays. 1. Incorrect or incomplete names entered in the ePack questionnaire, for example: names being misspelled other given names ( middle names) and former names ( maiden name) not provided all other name variations which may be shown on identity documents not provided this includes shortened versions of names, nicknames, spelling variations ( Anne, Ann) etc.

2 2. Failure to supply evidence of Australian Citizenship for applicants born on or after 20 Aug 1986: applicants born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986 need to provide additional documentation to prove their citizenship (please see the AGSVA fact sheet Citizenship requirements for people born after 20 August 1986 for further information). 3. Not providing all supporting documents listed in the Schedule of Requirements form: this form is available from your ePack when you have submitted your ePack questionnaire. It lists the documents you need to provide to confirm your identity and background. The most Common documents people forget are: evidence of current or previous address evidence of current or previous employment 4. Not providing all mandatory ePack forms: the following forms are available from your ePack when you have submitted your ePack questionnaire. These forms must be completed and submitted to the AGSVA: SVA021 security clearance Informed Consent and Official Secrecy Acknowledgement SVA084 or SVA084-1 National Police Checking Service (NPCS) Application SVA041 Statutory Declaration 5.

3 Incomplete or incorrect documents/forms supplied: the most Common mistakes are: evidence of current employment not matching the data entered into the ePack evidence of current address not matching the data entered into the ePack the mandatory ePack forms not signed and/or witnessed correctly 6. Illegible documentation: not providing complete, clear and legible documentation all photo identification and documentation needs to be complete, clear and legible. 7. Not meeting the requirements for translated documents: copies of both your original untranslated document(s) and the translated document(s) need to be provided. We do not require original documents. 8. Photo identification not supplied or incorrect: the photo identification must be current and be complete, and include a clear photograph and signature. 9. Passport style photos not supplied: the submission of passport style photos is a mandatory requirement for all Positive Vetting (PV) applications.

4 For more information please refer to the FAQs and other fact sheets on the AGSVA website ( ). AGSVA contacts: t. 1800 640 450, Mon Fri, 8:30am-5pm (AEST), e.