RCFL Internship FAQs

Internship Update: The application period for the 2013 FBI Volunteer Internship Program has passed. The Honors Internship Program will not be offered this year. Information about the 2014 Intern Program will available in the Fall of 2013. 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: What type of internships are available?

A: The FBI offers two types of internships — paid (Honors Intern Program) and unpaid (Volunteer Intern Program). Each year the FBI determines whether to offer either program. For 2013, only the Volunteer Internship Program was available.

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 FBI 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 online through the FBI's Internship Program. Go to the FBI Student Center webpage (https://www.fbijobs.gov/2.asp) and follow the links.

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: 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 internships?

A: Recruitment for summer internships starts the preceding fall.

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.