Frequently asked questions

How long will the selection process take?
The selection process incorporates extensive security and background checking which can take some time, depending on the individual and some aspects of their personal history. There is no 'average' time we could accurately quote although most appointments take around four months from the date of application to the offer of employment.

Where are your jobs located?
ASIO's Central Office is located adjacent to the Defence Department's Russell Offices in Canberra. ASIO also has offices in all mainland State and Territory capitals. The majority of specialist/professional, management and base grade administrative positions are based in Canberra. Any exceptions will be noted in advertisements. Applicants for our traineeship towards a career as an Intelligence Officer should note that the twelve month traineeship is based in Canberra initially but that subsequent postings are often interstate.

Where can I get more information about ASIO and about a particular job?
You can get general information by reading ASIO's annual Report to Parliament, the ASIO Corporate Plan and the ASIO Act 1979. These documents are in the Publications area of this web site, in major reference libraries and are also for sale in Australian Government Info Shops in each capital city.
ASIO Act.

Our telephone number for recruitment inquiries is (02) 6257 4916.

Can I tell my family and friends about my application to join ASIO?
Yes, but we do suggest it is in your own interests to be discreet and to limit the number of people who are aware of your ASIO application.

Can I transfer to ASIO from my current job in the Defence Forces or Police?
No, there are no special arrangements with the Defence Forces or any of the police services for their members to transfer straight across to ASIO. While Defence Force or police service members are eligible to apply for any advertised vacancy, they will have to compete on merit with other applicants for the position.

I already have a security clearance for my current job. Will that make the recruitment process quicker for me?
Not necessarily. Everyone applying for a job in ASIO is required to go through the same recruitment process which includes extensive security and background checking. The time required to complete the security and background checking part of the process may be reduced if an applicant has held a position requiring a security clearance in the past. Whether this saves us any time, however, depends on the type of clearance previously held, the agency for which the clearance was issued and how recently the clearance was issued or revalidated.

I have dual Australian-foreign citizenship. Will I be required to relinquish my foreign citizenship?
All applicants must have Australian citizenship. Employees of ASIO may have dual Australian-foreign citizenship but it is a condition of employment that you do not use your foreign citizenship (including any foreign passport you may hold) for the period of your employment with ASIO.

Do you employ people under work experience programs?
Unfortunately, no. Because of the high level national security clearance which every ASIO position requires and the time it can take in clearing people for employment, we are unable to offer short-term work experience opportunities.

Do you have any undergraduate traineeships?
No. We do have full-time base grade entry opportunities in the clerical/administrative stream which are open to undergraduates and others to apply for but we do not sponsor people to complete their studies as a full-time student. However, you could continue your studies on a part-time basis while working full-time with ASIO.

How do ASIO terms and conditions compare with other work places?
Staff are employed under the ASIO Act 1979 through contract arrangements between the Director-General and individual employees. Conditions of service in ASIO are similar to those in the Australian Public Service.

Is ASIO work dangerous? Will I be required to carry a firearm?
As a Commonwealth employer, ASIO has the responsibility to ensure that we provide a safe work environment and that hazards and risks of injury are minimised.

ASIO staff do not carry firearms.