Most roles within GCSB and NZSIS require Top Secret Special clearance. There are a number of criteria that need to be met to be eligible for this level of clearance.
Do not discount yourself before applying
We have an online tool that enables you to check your eligibility to hold a TOP SECRET SPECIAL clearance. It only takes a few minutes to complete.
Check your eligibility now on the Protective Security Requirements website
If you have questions about eligibility, you can reach out to psr@protectivesecurity.govt.nz for more information or advice.
Vetting assessments for national security clearances are completed by the NZSIS vetting team.
To get a Top Secret Special clearance, we must be able to perform a 15-year background check, or a background that can be checked back to the age of 18.
This means you have to have lived in countries where the NZSIS vetting team can make checks that are meaningful and reliable.
You can find out more about the process of obtaining and then holding a national security clearance on the Protective Security Requirements website.
Citizenship requirements
To be eligible to work for us, ideally you will have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years.
If you don’t meet this requirement, then you must:
- hold New Zealand Permanent Residency or a current New Zealand Residence Class Visa; and
- have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia for at least 10 years.
We will occasionally consider applicants who have been a citizen of NZ, UK, USA, Canada or Australia for less than 10 years.
Common questions about vetting
Yes! Living overseas or coming from another country does not exclude you. We just need to be able to check your background for up to 15 years.
If you have questions about eligibility reach out to psr@protectivesecurity.govt.nz, or if you've already applied, then talk to your recruiter.
Everyone has different backgrounds and experiences. We'll get a better understanding of your situation during the clearance process. What is most important is that you're open and honest with us. We'll then explore ways to implement additional protections, mitigations and support for you if you're granted a clearance.
To achieve our mission, we need people who can think differently, and people with a wide range of backgrounds who value different perspectives.
In most cases, having a mental health condition, or neurodiversity, will not stop you from getting a clearance. However, it is important that you provide our vetting team with as much information as possible to help us understand your situation. If you're offered a role, we'll work with you to understand how best to support you.