How long does an FBI background investigation take?
Asked by: Violette Friesen | Last update: May 16, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (18 votes)
You must successfully pass the background investigation to be cleared for hire. The background investigation can take 6 to 8 months or longer; that timeline depends on the complexity of your background, the number of places lived, overseas travel, and other factors.
How long does the FBI background check take?
How long does an FBI background check take? In general, the FBI background check process takes 2-3 weeks. However, the processing time may be longer for more complex background checks or if the FBI is investigating your background.
How long does a typical FBI investigation take?
They typically last weeks or months, and even years for the more complex and complicated cases. In fact, the investigations can last for the length of time of the statute of limitations. For most federal cases, the statute of limitations is five years.
What does the FBI investigate in a background check?
The FBI background check will include a comprehensive criminal record check against the FBI's national database, which will include arrest and conviction history, as well as traffic violations and even parking tickets.
Why would the FBI delay a background check?
The delay on background checks was originally created to allow the FBI more time, if they see something about a person's record that needs further research. For instance, conflicting information.
How Long Does An FBI Background Check Take? - CountyOffice.org
Should I be worried if my background check is taking a long time?
Delays in the background check process can be caused by multiple factors but are rarely cause for concern. Background checks are usually completed within 1-5 days; however, you shouldn't be alarmed if you don't hear back within this timeframe.
What pops up on a FBI background check?
An FBI background check typically shows the following information: Criminal charges, convictions, and incarceration. Bankruptcies. Outstanding warrants.
What disqualifies you from a federal background check?
INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.
What is a red flag on a background check?
A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.
What is the difference between a background check and a FBI background check?
As a result, FBI checks can reveal a more detailed criminal history, including federal crimes, compared to state-level BCI checks, which are likely to focus only on records within the respective state.
What are the stages of the FBI investigation?
The General Crimes Guidelines authorize three graduated levels of investigative activity. These activities are the checking of initial leads, preliminary inquiries, and full investigations.
How to find out if the FBI is investigating you?
- Receiving a Target Letter. ...
- Federal investigators Showing Up at Your Home or Work. ...
- Having Your Phone Calls Monitored. ...
- Unusual Activity from Financial Institutions. ...
- Unexplained Grand Jury Subpoenas for Documents, Emails, or Other Records. ...
- Criminal Indictments Issued by the U.S Attorney.
How long is the investigation process?
Most investigations take a few months - that is, generally speaking. If the evidence is particularly strong, police may be ready to make an arrest within days of the initial report coming in.
What is the fastest way to get a FBI background check?
- Visit edo.cjis.gov.
- Follow the steps under the “Obtaining Your Identity History Summary” section. ...
- Complete the Applicant Information Form. ...
- Get Your Fingerprints. ...
- Pay. ...
- Review Everything.
Does the FBI require a polygraph?
You will complete a background investigation, including a polygraph, to receive an FBI Top Secret security clearance.
How long does a level 2 background check take?
Since Level 2 background checks are more thorough than Level 1 checks, they can take longer to process and deliver results. That said, the overall process should only take three to seven business days.
How do I know if I failed my background check?
If the potential employer decides not to hire you based on the results from the background check, they must provide you with a notice of "adverse action" and a copy of the background report, along with a summary of your rights under the FCRA.
What is the orange flag on a background check?
Orange not a Red Flag? A bad reference is not always a red flag, requiring immediate rejection, but it is often an orange flag deserving investigation. For example, the most common reason that people are fired is for poor performance/not meeting targets after employee evaluation.
Who makes the final decision after a background check?
After a background check is complete, employers use the information they find through the process to make informed decisions about whether they would like to invite you to be a part of their organization.
How far back does a FBI background check go?
Criminal background checks typically go back 7 to 10 years, but this can vary based on state laws and the type of job. For instance: In states like California, criminal background checks go back seven years.
What would make you fail a federal background check?
Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...
What federal jobs can a felon get?
- Military Service - U.S. Navy Reserve, Construction. ...
- Military Service - U.S. Air National Guard, Aircrew Flight Equipment. ...
- Transporation Security Officer. ...
- Warehouse Clerk. ...
- Federal Air Marshal. ...
- What are your desired job types? ...
- Conductor Trainee - Primary Recall - Alliance, TX.
What makes the FBI investigate you?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) enforces federal law, and investigates a variety of criminal activity including terrorism, cybercrime, white collar crimes, public corruption, civil rights violations, and other major crimes.
Can I run an FBI background check on myself?
In the process of applying for a job, some candidates may wonder, “Where can I get a federal background check on myself?” Like employers, candidates can conduct a personal federal background check using the PACER system. Users can search for federal criminal cases by setting up an online account.
What are disqualifiers for the FBI?
The FBI Special Agent Employment Disqualifiers are: Non U.S. citizenship. Conviction of a felony, sex crime and/or a domestic violence misdemeanor. Having knowingly or willfully engaged in acts designed to overthrow the U.S. government.