Criminal Investigator (HSI Special Agent)
About this role
Homeland Security Investigations is hiring criminal investigators (special agents) across the country through a direct-hire announcement that closes October 27, 2026. As an HSI special agent, you will investigate complex cases involving trade, travel, finance, and immigration — from narcotics and financial crimes to human trafficking, counterterrorism, and cyber intrusions. The role is GS-11 to GS-12 with promotion potential to GS-13, paying $76,745 to $149,494 depending on location. Applicants must be US citizens under 37 (with veteran and federal law-enforcement exceptions), pass a background investigation, drug screen, medical exam, and physical fitness test, and complete about 22 weeks of federal law-enforcement training.
This listing sits in our Government Jobs section and was posted on October 25, 2026. The role is based on site in Multiple locations nationwide (US), so it suits candidates within commuting distance. The advertised pay for the position is $76,745 – $149,494/yr, as published by the employer. On this page you will find the responsibilities, the requirements the employer is screening for, the benefits on offer, and a step-by-step route to submit your application.
Job snapshot
| Employer | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (HSI) |
|---|---|
| Job title | Criminal Investigator (HSI Special Agent) |
| Location | Multiple locations nationwide (US) |
| Workplace | On-site |
| Job type | Full-time |
| Category | Government Jobs |
| Salary | $76,745 – $149,494/yr |
| Posted | October 25, 2026 |
| Listing source | USAJOBS (announcement HSI-13084748-DHA-AA) |
What you will do day to day
While every employer organises the work slightly differently, the core of this Criminal Investigator (HSI Special Agent) role at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (HSI) covers the following:
- Conduct investigations of marked difficulty involving trade, travel, finance, and immigration
- Apply intelligence and investigative techniques with partner agencies
- Review files and run federal, state, and local law-enforcement database queries
- Conduct interviews and interrogations with suspects, witnesses, and sources
- Prepare written documentation and reports supporting investigations
- Testify in court when required
What you will need
- U.S. citizenship required
- Age limit — the day before your 37th birthday is the last day to apply (exceptions for veterans and current/former federal civilian LEOs)
- GS-11 needs one year of specialized experience at GL-09 or a doctoral-level degree; GS-12 needs one year at GS-11
- Must pass a background investigation, drug screen, medical exam, and physical fitness test
- Valid driver’s license; willingness to carry a firearm and sign a mobility agreement
This role suits a candidate who is comfortable with formal processes, documentation, and eligibility rules, and who values long-term stability and public service.
Pay and benefits
The advertised salary range for this position is $76,745 – $149,494/yr, as published by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (HSI). Final offers in US hiring typically depend on experience, qualifications, and location, and the official listing remains the authoritative source for pay details. Alongside pay, weigh the benefits below — health cover, paid leave, and retirement contributions can add significant value on top of the base figure.
Benefits listed by the employer
- GS-11/12 pay ($76,745–$149,494) with promotion potential to GS-13
- Federal benefits including health insurance and retirement
- Student loan repayment incentive may be available
- Comprehensive federal law-enforcement training at FLETC
How to apply
- Read the requirements above carefully and check you meet the essentials — US employers screen against them closely.
- Update your résumé so the skills named in this listing are easy to find, using the same wording where it honestly matches your experience.
- Click the Apply button on this page. It takes you to the official listing (USAJOBS (announcement HSI-13084748-DHA-AA)), where applications are submitted directly to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (HSI).
- Complete every field of the official application and double-check your contact details before submitting.
- Keep a note of the posting date and job title so you can follow up politely if you have not heard back within two weeks.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Apply well before the closing date — government portals rarely grant extensions.
- Answer every questionnaire item and align your résumé wording with the announcement.
- Check citizenship, clearance, and education requirements before investing time.
- Federal résumés can be longer than private-sector ones; include hours, grades, and duties in detail.
Frequently asked questions
When does the announcement close?
October 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, or earlier if the applicant limit is reached.
Can I apply with no experience?
Not under this posting — GS-11 requires a year of specialized experience at GL-09 or a doctoral degree.
What is the salary for this Criminal Investigator (HSI Special Agent) role?
The advertised range is $76,745 – $149,494/yr, as published by the employer. The final offer depends on experience, qualifications, and location, so confirm the current figure on the official listing before you apply.
Where is this job located?
This position is listed for Multiple locations nationwide (US) and is a On-site role. Confirm the exact workplace address on the official listing.