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RCFL Internship FAQs
Internship Update: As a result of new initiatives, the FBI is not accepting applications for the 2010 FBI Intern Program. Recruitment for the 2011 Intern Program resumes in the Fall of 2010. Because the RCFL Program falls under the prevue of the FBI's Intern Program, these same rules apply for all 16 RCFLs. For more information, visit the FBI's Student Center webpage.
Below are some frequently asked questions about the RCFL internships — Send all inquiries about RCFL internships to internships@rcfl.gov.
Q: Who is eligible to become an FBI intern at an RCFL?
A: Only students at the graduate and undergraduate level in good standing with their respective schools are eligible to become HIP interns. Anyone who is not a student, but simply interested in working at an RCFL—even in an unpaid capacity—is not eligible for this program.
Q: Are foreign students eligible?
A: No. All interns must be United States citizens. If you are a U.S. citizen and hold dual citizenship with another country, the FBI Security Division will have to review your file to make a determination if you are eligible for employment with the FBI.
Q: Are U.S. citizens who have traveled or lived abroad eligible?
A: Yes. Many of the positions at the FBI are internationally oriented, and experience living or traveling abroad is often viewed as a positive experience. However, there are cases where national security concerns may arise. Additionally, extensive foreign experience may delay the background investigation process if there is difficulty verifying information on the application.
Q: How do I apply for an FBI internship at an RCFL?
A: Interested students must apply through the FBI's Honors Internship Program (HIP). The application is on-line at www.fbijobs.gov/231.asp. Note: The FBI periodically updates the online application, which makes it temporarily unavailable during that time. Interested applicants should check back until the updates are completed and apply at that time. During the application process, you will be given the option to note your preference for work at an RCFL.
Once you have completed the online application, you will be directed to fill out and fax back the following forms along with a fax cover sheet that will be provided at the end of the application. The documents that you fax in are automatically being photocopied into the computer along with your application.
- Transcripts - All students are required to fax a copy of their official transcripts to the fax number provided. If your school is unable to provide you with an official transcript, then an unofficial transcript can be faxed instead. However, an official transcript will be needed if you are selected for an interview by the Field Office Recruiter.
- FD-956 School Certificate Form - This form can be faxed by you or your school's registrar or admissions office to verify your current status and GPA. If a school is unwilling to fill out the FD-956 form, a letter or any other document the school provides verifying current status and GPA will be acceptable.
- Letter of Reference - A letter of reference must be faxed in from the Dean or Department Head. Only if the Dean is unable to provide a statement, a letter of reference from a professor will be acceptable.
- Program Term Acknowledgement - The Program Term Acknowledgement form will only required if you are contacted by the Field Office for an interview. Therefore, only those students selected to participate in the program will be required to fill out a Program Term Acknowledgment Form.
- DD-214 - If you have ever served in the military, please obtain and fill out a DD-214 and fax a copy to the number provided. The DD-214 is a document of the United States Department of Defense issued upon a military service member's retirement, separation or discharge from active-duty military. The FBI does not provide a copy of this form.
Q: Should applicants send their resumes directly to the RCFL National Program Office or to the RCFL of their choice?
A: No, the RCFL National Program Office will not evaluate resumes. Everyone must apply through the FBI's HIP.
Q: Are these paid internships?
A: The Honors Internship Program is a paid internship and is only available during the summer. This program falls under the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) guidelines for the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). The STEP is a temporary employment program that grants temporary employment to students. Students participating in any FBI internship program are hired at either the GS-5, GS-6, or GS-7 level – as determined by OPM.
Listed below are the grade qualifications for HIP interns:
- GS-5 – Completion of two (2) full years of post-high school education leading to a bachelor's degree
- GS-6 – Completion of three (3) full years of post-high school education leading to a bachelor's degree
- GS-7 – Completion of one (1) full year of graduate education
The Volunteer Internship Program (VIP) is an unpaid program that is only available to students who have successfully completed the summer HIP.
Q: When do summer internships start?
A: The internships usually begin on the first Monday in June and end on the second Friday in August.
Q: When should students apply for Summer 2011 internships?
A: Recruitment for the 2011 Summer Intern Program will resume in the Fall of 2010. Students can complete the online application by visiting www.fbi.gov.
Q: Is a security clearance required to work in an RCFL?
A: Yes. The FBI commences the background investigation as soon as selected candidates complete all of the necessary paperwork. In addition, they are scheduled for a security interview, pre-employment polygraph examination, urinalysis testing, and fingerprinting. Although the process sounds daunting, most applicants receive their security clearances in time to begin work as a summer intern.
Q: How long does it take to receive a clearance?
A: The length of a background investigation depends on a number of different variables, including how thorough and accurate the background documents are completed; the extent of the individual's foreign travel or time living abroad; and the verification of any inconsistencies in the application and investigation processes.