If an applicant is previously linked to national security threats, what occurs during their review process?

In cases where an applicant has been previously linked to national security threats, elevated scrutiny is implemented during the review process. This means that the applicant's case will undergo a more thorough examination compared to standard processing. The purpose of this heightened level of scrutiny is to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of any potential risks associated with the applicant, especially concerning issues related to national security.

Elevated scrutiny may involve additional background checks, interviews, and an in-depth review of documentation to identify any potential red flags. This approach is vital for safeguarding national security interests and ensuring that all applicants meet the required standards for approval without compromising public safety.

Standard processing, mandatory interviews, and expedited approval do not align with the needs of a situation involving national security concerns. Standard processing typically applies to applicants without such risks, while mandatory interviews may be a requirement in certain scenarios, they are not specifically triggered by past links to security threats. Expedited approval would be counterproductive in this context as it aims to fast-track cases, which is not suitable for applicants that warrant careful scrutiny due to their background.