FBI fingerprinting/background check - how long does it take? Forum

[Anonymous User]

The one where you get your fingerprints taken on this form:



Sometimes electronic, sometimes ink. Sometimes by normal police, sometimes by the FBI or US Marshals. Anyways - how long does it take before your employer gets the results of your "rap" sheet and you get your security clearance (or denied)?

Thanks.

[quickquestionthanks]

Probably not more than a couple of weeks. I've had it done twice, once to work for the Federal government, and I was able to start almost ASAP, within a week, and another time to get a public safety clearance card and that took over 3 months (I think having nothing to do with the background check part, just processing).

[slowdiver]

I've heard people at my school taking months if it's a full FBI background check for a U.S. Attorney's Office or something dealing with criminal stuff. I obtained a federal position in a non-criminal agency, and the background check only took 2 weeks.

[UCLAtransfer]

I had to do this for my 1L summer job at the USAO, and I believe it took about 6 weeks or so from when I sent everything in before I was cleared to start work.

[JOThompson]

I was accepted for the FBI's Honor Internship in undergrad. The background check took around four weeks, including two polygraphs. If I hadn't been weeded out (blood relation to a felon), the process could've gone on even longer.

[Always Credited]

I was accepted for the FBI's Honor Internship in undergrad. The background check took around four weeks, including two polygraphs. If I hadn't been weeded out (blood relation to a felon), the process could've gone on even longer.

That weeds you out? That's absurd.

[bk1]

I was accepted for the FBI's Honor Internship in undergrad. The background check took around four weeks, including two polygraphs. If I hadn't been weeded out (blood relation to a felon), the process could've gone on even longer.

[Rocky Estoppel]

I was accepted for the FBI's Honor Internship in undergrad. The background check took around four weeks, including two polygraphs. If I hadn't been weeded out (blood relation to a felon), the process could've gone on even longer.

That weeds you out? That's absurd.

yeah, how is that even remotely someone's fault?

[jks289]

I've heard people at my school taking months if it's a full FBI background check for a U.S. Attorney's Office or something dealing with criminal stuff. I obtained a federal position in a non-criminal agency, and the background check only took 2 weeks.

To work for USAO (not in the summer, as an actual attorney) can take over six months.

[PoliticalJunkie]

I was accepted for the FBI's Honor Internship in undergrad. The background check took around four weeks, including two polygraphs. If I hadn't been weeded out (blood relation to a felon), the process could've gone on even longer.

That weeds you out? That's absurd.

Not really. Think about if the felon is still involved with criminal activity and his/her associates use that family member as bait for the FBI employee.........

[nol607]

According to John Kroger, you don't get your DOJ badge until after your first, probationary year. You have to settle for a laminate a-la- Dexter.....I really want to be a AUSA...

[JOThompson]

I was accepted for the FBI's Honor Internship in undergrad. The background check took around four weeks, including two polygraphs. If I hadn't been weeded out (blood relation to a felon), the process could've gone on even longer.

That weeds you out? That's absurd.

Not really. Think about if the felon is still involved with criminal activity and his/her associates use that family member as bait for the FBI employee.........

The relative in question had a felony conviction for tax evasion. Not a particularly hardened criminal IMO, but I understand the FBI's logic in shutting me out. Still, it is supremely frustrating to be punished for the actions of others, over which you have no control.