Interim clearance
Interim clearance, also commonly called interim eligibility, is restricted, temporary security clearance granted to an individual. Interim clearance is generally approved for an individual prior to the completion of a full security check investigation. There are two types of interim clearance: secret and top secret. Interim secret clearances are usually approved quickly, while approval for interim top secret clearances can take up to three months. Interim clearance can be denied if the individual applying for security clearance is deemed an unacceptable security risk.
The Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO) is responsible for interim security clearances. Applications for interim clearance, either secret or top secret, are submitted to DISCO. DISCO will make the final determination as to whether or not an individual can receive interim clearance. Interim clearance can be denied based on information submitted in the application or any information that arises during the course of the full security clearance investigation. If interim clearance is denied, the individual may be in jeopardy of having his or her full security clearance denied as well.
When an individual is denied interim security clearance, he or she may want to seek the expert advice of a skilled and qualified lawyer. A lawyer can help the individual understand the security clearance guidelines used by DISCO as well as the Department of Defense (DoD) in general. Since denied interim clearance may lead to denied full security clearance, having the assistance of a lawyer experienced in security clearance issues will be invaluable.