How problematic is it for Intel to have a large number of business contacts with foreign nations (mostly Indian and Chinese)?
Anyone have any guesses based on their experiences in the clearance process?
There are several ways to answer this, let me do the easy one first: the SF86. The related question is as follows --
"Have you ever had any contact with a foreign government, its establishments (embassies or consulates), or its representatives, whether inside or outside the U.S., other than on official U.S. Government business? (Does not include routine visa applications and border crossing contacts.)"
Obviously a yes is going to require some explaining.
However, having relationships and knowledge with both countries could be useful. This means being upfront and forthright with your recruiter, interview, and investigator.
The other two relevant questions on the SF86 are:
a Do you have any foreign property, business connections, or financial interests?
b Are you now or have you ever been employed by or acted as a consultant for a foreign government, firm, or agency?
You have to be careful and most important TRUTHFUL in answering these questions.
It all depends on the nature of your relationship, nonetheless you will have to disclose it. Working for a large corporation that does business in these two countries is not an automatic rejection.
-N