How to Speed Up the Security Clearance Process: 6 Insider Hacks

Tired of Waiting for Your Clearance? You’re Not Alone.

You got the job offer. The agency or contractor wants you. But now everything is stuck in one place: waiting on your security clearance.

It’s frustrating. You’re checking for updates daily, fielding vague answers like “It’s processing,” and watching your career and income stay frozen. Meanwhile, your future is on hold—and no one can tell you how long it will last.

At National Security Law Firm, we’ve helped thousands of clients move through the clearance system faster and smarter. We know how slow the process can be. But we also know where delays happen—and how to avoid them.

In this post, we’ll share six real-world strategies to help you avoid unnecessary delays and accelerate your path to a granted clearance.

6 Insider Hacks to Speed Up Your Security Clearance

1. Get Your SF-86 Right the First Time

The SF-86 is the foundation of your entire investigation. Even one mistake—like forgetting a job, omitting a foreign contact, or rounding dates incorrectly—can trigger delays, RFIs (Requests for Information), or worse, a denial for false statements under Adjudicative Guideline E.

Hack: Have an experienced attorney review your SF-86 before submitting it. We catch the red flags before investigators do.

Hypothetical Example:
A young analyst leaves off a short-term unpaid internship from five years ago because it “didn’t seem relevant.” The omission triggers a discrepancy when the employer shows up in a public records check, adding months to the investigation. A pre-submission review would have caught it instantly.

2. Gather Mitigating Documentation Up Front

If you know there’s a potential issue—like past debt, therapy, foreign ties, or an old arrest—don’t wait for the government to ask. Proactively collect documentation and be prepared to disclose and explain it with context and mitigation evidence.

Hack: Create a mitigation binder with letters of support, treatment records, payment plans, and positive performance reviews ready to go.

Hypothetical Example:
An Army officer with past delinquent debt submits recent credit reports, a repayment plan, and a letter from a financial advisor along with the SF-86. The investigator marks the concern as mitigated—no delays or escalation needed.

3. Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) Immediately

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) may reach out for clarification via RFIs. Delays in responding—even a few days—can add weeks to your processing time.

Hack: Check your email regularly and assign a secure personal email address that you monitor daily for clearance communications.

4. Prepare Thoroughly for the Clearance Interview

Your clearance interview isn’t just a formality—it’s a critical part of the adjudication process. A poor interview can result in additional inquiries, delays, or credibility concerns.

Hack: Work with an attorney to prepare for common interview questions and how to explain sensitive issues without appearing evasive or defensive.

Hypothetical Example:
A contractor discloses therapy sessions but stumbles during the interview. With coaching, he would have explained it clearly, showing mental fitness and no ongoing risk—helping avoid a full review under Guideline I.

5. Avoid Submitting While Major Issues Are Pending

Timing matters. If you just filed for bankruptcy, had a recent arrest, or are dealing with significant life instability, you may want to delay submitting the SF-86 until you’ve stabilized the situation and can show improvement.

Hack: Consult with a clearance attorney before submitting if you have any recent adverse events on your record.

6. Hire an Attorney at the First Sign of Trouble

If you receive a Letter of Interrogatory (LOI) or Statement of Reasons (SOR)—don’t try to respond alone. Most delays at this stage come from poorly written responses, weak mitigation packages, or missed deadlines. A strong legal response can resolve concerns before a hearing is ever needed.

Hack: Don’t wait for an appeal to get help—legal strategy early in the process can actually prevent escalation.

Our Flat-Fee Pricing and Legal Financing

We offer flat-fee legal services tailored to every stage of the security clearance process, so you’ll always know what you’re paying for—no surprises, no billable hours.

Need help but worried about cost? We offer flexible legal financing through Pay Later by Affirm, allowing you to break payments into manageable 3 to 24-month installments—with no impact to your credit score just to check eligibility.

Why Choose National Security Law Firm?

At NSLF, we do one thing exceptionally well: federal and military law. Our attorneys aren’t generalists—they’re former federal prosecutors, clearance adjudicators, and military JAG officers with unmatched experience in security clearance matters.

Here’s why clients trust us with their careers:

✅ Hundreds of 5-star Google reviews
✅ Experience with every major agency, including DCSA, DOE, CIA, and more
✅ Weekly “Attorney Review Board” on complex cases
✅ Representation nationwide—for military, contractors, and federal employees
✅ Founded by veterans, built for people who serve
✅ Flat pricing, fast response times, and winning strategies

📣 National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.

Additional Resources

Want more insight into the clearance process?

Explore our Security Clearance Practice Area Page to find:

• Top mistakes that slow down your clearance

• How to win a clearance appeal

• What to say—and not say—in your SF-86

• Defense strategies for every adjudicative guideline

• How to vet the right lawyer to handle your case

We’ve created this content hub to empower and equip you at every step.

Let’s Get You Cleared—Faster, Smarter, and With Confidence

Waiting on your clearance doesn’t have to be a black hole. With the right strategy and legal support, you can speed up the process, avoid critical delays, and move forward with peace of mind.

We’ll show you exactly what to do next. The sooner you take action, the sooner you’ll be back to work, getting paid, and moving forward.

✨ The consultation is free. The legal plan is customized. And the relief starts now.

👉 Book your free consultation today
We’re ready to help you get cleared—and get on with your life.