Usually, the company/agency hiring you would sponsor your clearance and they'd ask you to start if they're interested in you. Once it starts, expect it to take

Usually, the company/agency hiring you would sponsor your clearance and they'd ask you to start if they're interested in you. Once it starts, expect it to take 5 months to a year. edit: see http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/sf86.pdf http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/sf86.pdf