Australia Security Clearance and Eligibility Criteria

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In Australia, defence security clearance levels are used to assess the suitability of individuals for employment in the defence industry or for access to classified information. There are four levels of clearance: Baseline, Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2), and Positive Vetting (PV).

Baseline clearance is the lowest level of clearance and is suitable for access to information that is not sensitive. It is generally easier to obtain than the other levels of clearance.

NV1 clearance is required for access to sensitive information that may cause damage to national security if disclosed. It is a more stringent process than Baseline clearance and involves a thorough background check.

NV2 clearance is the highest level of negative vetting clearance and is required for access to information that is highly sensitive and could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if disclosed. It is a more extensive process than NV1 clearance and includes a more detailed background check.

PV clearance is the highest level of clearance and is required for access to information that is classified as top secret. It is a very thorough and lengthy process that includes a detailed background check, interviews with references, and a polygraph examination.

To be eligible for a defence security clearance in Australia, individuals must be an Australian citizen and be able to meet the character requirements for the level of clearance they are seeking. This includes being of good character and having a stable financial and personal background. In addition, individuals must be able to pass a background check that includes a review of their employment history, criminal history, and other relevant factors.

Should you need any further information, contact your application representative; or AGSVA helpdesk.

I have read and understand the eligibility criteria for Australian security clearances.

What is the process in applying for an Australian security clearance?

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The process for applying for an Australian security clearance typically involves the following steps:

Determine your eligibility: To be eligible for a security clearance, you must be an Australian citizen and be able to meet the character requirements for the level of clearance you are seeking. This includes being of good character and having a stable financial and personal background.
To apply for a security clearance, you will need to complete Attachment A and B and provide responses to all questions. Supporting documentation such as proof of citizenship and employment history will be required throughout the application process.
Once your application has been submitted, a background check will be conducted to verify the information you have provided and to assess your suitability for a security clearance. This may include a review of your employment history, criminal history, and other relevant factors.
Depending on the level of clearance you are seeking, you may be required to attend an interview with a security officer. This is an opportunity for the officer to ask you questions about your background and to clarify any issues that may have arisen during the background check.
After all the necessary checks have been completed, a decision will be made on your security clearance. If your clearance is granted, you will receive a notification in writing. If your clearance is denied, you will also be notified in writing and given the opportunity to appeal the decision.

Overall, the process for applying for a security clearance in Australia can be lengthy and may take several months to complete. It is important to be patient and to follow the process carefully to ensure a successful outcome.

Should you need any further information, contact your application representative; or AGSVA helpdesk.

I have read and understand the security clearance application process.

Can you get a security clearance if you have a criminal record?

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Having a criminal record does not necessarily disqualify an individual from obtaining a security clearance in Australia. However, it is important to note that the security clearance process involves a thorough review of an individual’s background, including their criminal history.

The severity and nature of any criminal offenses will be taken into consideration when determining an individual’s suitability for a security clearance. Offenses that may raise concerns include crimes involving dishonesty, violence, or drugs, as well as offenses that indicate a disregard for the law.

If an individual has a criminal record, it is important to be transparent and disclose this information on their security clearance application. Failure to disclose a criminal record may result in the application being denied or the clearance being revoked.

Ultimately, the decision to grant a security clearance to an individual with a criminal record will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the level of risk that the individual poses to national security.

Should you need any further information, contact your application representative; or AGSVA helpdesk.

I have read and understand the guidance regarding criminal records and disclosure.

Security Clearance Fee Schedule — Attachment B

SolStak Security Clearance Fees Schedule – 1 July 2026. Reference: AGSVA fees.

Security clearance requests must be paid in full prior to processing the application.

Process	Cost (Ex GST)	Cost (Inc GST)
Baseline assessment, upgrade and revalidation	$1,060	$1,166
Negative Vetting Level 1 assessment, upgrade and revalidation	$1,974	$2,171
Negative Vetting Level 2 assessment, upgrade and revalidation	$3,695	$4,064
Positive Vetting assessment, upgrade and revalidation	$16,253	$17,878
Baseline cancellation	$655	$720
Negative Vetting 1 cancellation	$1,112	$1,223
Negative Vetting 2 cancellation	$1,972	$2,169
Positive Vetting cancellation at delegation stage	$16,253	$17,878

Security clearance cost includes

Application Request – Processing and administration.
Security Clearance ID maintenance and review.
Manage the corporate security sections of an applicant.
Reporting notifiable information — clearance holders must be monitored for significant behavioural changes.
Sponsorship of Security Clearance*

All fees payable to SolStak Pty Ltd. BSB: 063 464 ACC: 1097 7971

Terms & Conditions

Security Clearance Application Fees are non-refundable.
All applicants must be over 18 years of age and must be an Australian Citizen.
The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) provides a Security Clearance Applicant Guide Book to assist clearance applicants which can be found at agsva.gov.au.
Successful applicants must adhere to SolStak’s Security Policy and as required, must report changes to their circumstances to maintain their security clearance.
As a result of the Espionage and Foreign Interference Act 2018 it has become a federal offence to provide false information during the security clearance process. Providing false information can lead to large pecuniary penalties and a possible prison sentence term of up to five years’ imprisonment.
I declare that any information that I provide to the AGSVA, as a part of my security clearance application will be true and accurate.
*SolStak will withdraw interest in applicant 30 days after clearance is granted. A successful SolStak deployment of the applicant will void this condition.

I acknowledge SolStak’s Security Clearance Fee Schedule and have read and understand the Terms & Conditions.

Security Clearance Request Form — Attachment A

Please provide your details as they appear on your government-issued identification. Fields marked with * are required.

Full Legal Name *

Date *

29 / 07 / 2026

Other Names Used

Date of Birth *

Place of Birth *

State of Birth *

Country of Birth *

Address *

Postcode *

Daytime Phone Number *

Your information is encrypted and secure.

Email Address *

Clearance Required *

Baseline Up to PROTECTED material $1,166 Inc GST Negative Vetting Level 1 Up to SECRET material $2,171 Inc GST Negative Vetting Level 2 Up to TOP SECRET material $4,064 Inc GST Transfer List agency in Q7 (No Fees) No fee

Q7: Have you previously held clearance? (e.g. DFAT, AFP, ONI, ASIO, ASIS)

Gender *

Male Female Unspecified

Australian Citizenship *

Yes No

Other Information

Agency *

Print Name *

Signature * Sign below using your mouse, trackpad, or finger.

Approval Date *

29 / 07 / 2026

Fixed to today — don’t change unless you really have to.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the Terms & Conditions, and declare that the information I provide is true and accurate. *

Payment & Submit

Security clearance requests must be paid in full prior to processing. Complete PayPal checkout below, then submit your application.

Applicant: —
Clearance: —
Amount (Inc GST): —

PayPal is not configured yet. An administrator can add the PayPal Client ID under Admin → Settings. Transfer applications (no fee) can still be submitted.

Application Submitted

Thank you. Your SolStak security clearance request has been received. Please retain your reference number.

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A copy of this request and payment confirmation should also be retained for your records. For follow-up, email securityclearance@solstak.com.au.