How long does the FBI process take?
Asked by: Hertha Satterfield IV | Last update: December 11, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (22 votes)
The special agent application process generally takes at least one year and often longer, depending upon annual federal funding levels and hiring goals. The Special Agent Selection System (SASS) — Phase I and Phase II Testing — is based on an applicant's individual competitiveness.
How long is the FBI application process?
The application process is a lengthy one: On average, Phase 1 takes about 23 weeks to complete, and Phase II, including the background check and field training, may take more than a year.
What percentage of FBI applicants are accepted?
How Does the FBI Hire Agents? The FBI accepts fewer than 20% of applicants, making jobs within the bureau highly competitive. Applicants typically begin their candidacy through one of the FBI's various entry programs, all of which are tailored to specific FBI career tracks.
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.
How long does an FBI background investigation take?
Background Investigative Procedure
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 Do FBI Investigations Take? - CountyOffice.org
What shows up on FBI 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.
How much time do you get for lying to the FBI?
The price you might pay for a single false statement made to the FBI can be steep. This offense is a federal crime and a felony, meaning a conviction could haunt you for the rest of your life. If you are convicted of making a false statement, you could face up to five years in federal prison.
How long do feds have to indict you?
Q: Statute of Limitations: How long do the feds have to indict you? A: The federal statute of limitations is five years or “otherwise provided by law. This means that the federal government must charge a defendant within five years of the last date of any action in furtherance of the federal offense.
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.
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.
What GPA does the FBI look for?
Have and maintain a 2.95 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and through graduation. Not be a current, permanent FBI employee. Pass all of the FBI employment background investigation requirements and be able to receive a Top Secret Clearance.
How old is the youngest FBI agent?
The film is loosely based on the story of Richard Wershe Jr., who in the 1980s became the youngest FBI informant ever at the age of 14. Richard Wershe Jr. White Boy Rick premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2018, and was released in the United States on September 14, 2018, by Sony Pictures Releasing.
Is FBI higher than police?
If a crime is committed that is a violation of local, state, and federal laws, does the FBI “take over” the investigation? No. State and local law enforcement agencies are not subordinate to the FBI, and the FBI does not supervise or take over their investigations.
Do FBI agents get paid well?
Average Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent yearly pay in the United States is approximately $107,212, which meets the national average.
Can FBI agents have tattoos?
Tattoos/Body Art/Branding:
Tattoos, brands, and body markings are prohibited on the head, face, neck, tongue, lips, and scalp. Hand tattoos are limited to one ring tattoo on one finger on each hand.
What does the FBI look for in applicants?
FBI special agents must: Adhere to standards of conduct and maintain honesty and integrity. Undergo a background investigation, credit checks and a polygraph test in order to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance. Achieve and maintain required fitness levels.
How long do FBI investigations take?
It depends. Depending on the scope of the investigation and the evidence that is available, an investigation could lead to an arrest and arraignment in a matter of days, or it could be weeks or months until federal prosecutors decide that they are ready to pursue (or drop) charges.
How to tell if the feds are watching you?
When the feds decide to target you for an investigation involving federal contracts, they are common signs to watch out for ( see below). The most common signs of being under investigation include talking to your friends, employees acting abnormally, and even an investigator leaving a business card on your door.
How do I know if I've been indicted?
When a person is indicted, they are given formal notice that it is believed that they committed a crime. The indictment contains the basic information that informs the person of the charges against them.
How long does it take for the feds to pick up a case?
They will take months and even years to investigate a case and ensure that they have sufficient evidence against a person before proceeding to arrest/indict them.
How long do investigations take on average?
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 happens when you report someone to the FBI?
The FBI will ask you to provide as much information as possible about the perpetrator and details of the threat you have experienced. The FBI will ask for your contact information to follow‐up with you if needed. The FBI will attempt to protect your identity and confidentiality.
Do you have to answer the door for FBI?
The FBI need a warrant to ARREST you, or to search your premises. But to simply knock on your door and ask to speak with you? They don't need a warrant, and YOU don't need to say anything to them beyond “I do not wish to speak with you, please leave my property”.
Is lying to the feds a felony?
The federal false statements statute, 18 USC § 1001, makes it a felony to lie to a federal agency. ' Since the enactment of its pred- ecessor in 1934,2 § 1001 has been used to prosecute a wide variety of defendants.