how to become a border patrol agent

What Do Border Patrol Agents Do Border patrol agents protect the United States' borders. Before a new CBP officer can take the oath of office, they must complete 89 days of training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. 2023 CriminalJusticeDegreeSchools.com, a Red Ventures Company. Furthermore, it upholds the Customs and Border Protection agencys mission to protect the public and enforce the law. The first step to becoming a border patrol agent is to submit an application through the USAJOBS.gov website. Their sworn duty is to guardthe borders of the United States while facilitating legitimate international travel and trade. Pass a drug test. Applicants interested in learning how to become border patrol agents must be U.S. citizens or legal residents who have held residency status for at least three years. The application involves a nine-step process: Once you have passed the screening and been accepted into the Border Patrol ranks, you will attend a 940-hour, 117-day paid training program at the Border Patrol Academy in Glyncoe, Georgia. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, Foundational knowledge of the role of border protection, Awareness of theethics that they represent, Understand how agents contribute to the borders mission, Engage in service excellence to internal and external stakeholders, Focus on ensuring the countrys security and prosperity, Remain vigilant toward any and all safety concerns. Take and pass a written exam. Salary for newly appointed GL-7 grade level Border Patrol Agents varies from $52,921 - $83,661 depending upon duty location and work schedule, including overtime. (The codes are assigned by the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees federal staffing.). Get everything organized now so you don't get any nasty surprises later. The GL-7 level, which is considered more senior than its GL-5 counterpart, requires at least twelve (12) months' worth of law enforcement experience. Courses include Immigration and Nationality Law; Criminal Law and Statutory Authority; Spanish; Border Patrol Operations; Care and Use of Firearms; Physical Training; Operation of Motor Vehicles; Anti-Terrorism Training; Communications; Ethics and Conduct; Report Writing; Introduction to Computers; Fingerprinting; and Constitutional Law. Most BPA salaries on theUSAJOBS websiterange from between $41,000 to $90,000 per year. Border Patrol Agents protect land and water and from above from the wrong people trying to come into the USA. Youll also need to be able to work long hours, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. You need to give yourself a few days to go through the process so that you know you have put your best foot forward with the Border Patrol. You will learn how to become a Border Patrol agent who's fully trained and ready to work. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. Border patrol agents are also responsible for preventing illegal immigration, and protecting Americans from human and drug trafficking, terrorism, and agricultural pests. To become a GL-7 agent, candidates must complete a year of graduate school or have a record of excellent academic achievement. The soft skills acquired and developed in the formal-education context involve interpersonal relationships, effectiveness in written and oral communications, critical analysis and problem solving, and the exercise of sound judgment in pressing situations. Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which Knowledge of Spanish and other languages is also helpful. They must know how to quickly assess a developing situation and determine the appropriate response. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security & Counterterrorism, and M.S. Salaries vary and depend on a range of factors including your location (salaries in London are higher, for . Once approved for active duty, the recruit will attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for 19 weeks, the longest training program of any law enforcement agency. It means emotional resilience, commitment, discipline and respect are key. The SAA provisions call for: 1) a GPA of 3.0 or higher, out of a possible 4.0, at least for the courses completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; 2) a class standing within the upper third of the applicant's graduating class; or 3) a membership in a national scholastic honor society (not counting freshman honor societies). Border patrol agents must be calm and decisive during dangerous situations. Make sure you're fully prepared. In addition to securing the border, they carry out surveillance and interdiction operations to stem the smugglingof narcotics, counterfeit goods, stolen art, illegal weapons, and biochemically hazardous substances, among others. Step Two Tuition, fees, books, and supplies are included in the total costs. As an agent, you will receive regularly yearly promotions up to the G-12 level. This. Valid driver's license. The salary starts at $38,884 per year and goes up to $112,588 per year for the highest level of seniority. Residence in the United States for three out of the last five years, with the exception of military . Receive on-the-job training once hired. All applicants must take an entrance exam administered by the Border Patrol. Four and a half months of in-residence training at the CBSA College in Rigaud, Quebec. But the promotable best are those who possess both experience and education. Age waivers are available to those with law enforcement or military backgrounds. Applicants interested in learning how to become border patrol agents must be U.S. citizens or legal residents who have held residency status for at least three years. They are deserving of our respect for their dedication and professionalism, and they should be. For recruits without Spanish fluency, an additional 200 hours of Spanish language instruction is also required. The screening and selection procedures for US Border Patrol are exhaustive, including a series of physical fitness tests, and the competition is very high. Becoming a border patrol agent is a noble and rewarding career choice. Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. Over 14,000 public servants from coast to coast support the agency and its mission to safeguard Canada's security and prosperity. Not only do you get to help keep your country safe, but you also earn a good salary and benefits. Not be a convicted criminal. Applicants who do not speak the language, which is critical in most border patrol operations, are administered an artificial test that predicts the ability to learn and comprehend Spanish. The Border Patrol lists a college degree as one of the requirements to become a Border Patrol agent. Other required documents must be submitted to the CBP Minneapolis Hiring Center on or before the deadline specified in the job vacancy announcement. If you are still in high school, take geography, social studies, and government courses. In response to the increasing number of people crossing the border illegally in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is looking for additional agents to assist with enforcement of the immigration laws. Have a bachelors or a masters degree in criminal justice or a related field. In addition to a good salary, border patrol agents also receive health and retirement benefits, as well as paid vacation and sick days. Its about blending this knowledge with the skill and intuition of our officers to make informed, swift decisions. In order to consider joining the Border Patrol, an applicant must possess the following qualifications: Preparation for serving as a Border Patrol agent begins long before the application process. President Trump has called for increased law enforcement officers to carry firearms, so this policy is consistent with his views. In addition, they receive excellent benefits, including health insurance and retirement benefits. You can change your cookie settings at any time. As is standard of all law enforcement jobs, candidates must submit to drug testing, a comprehensive state and federal criminal background check, physical fitness testing and exams that assess judgment and problem solving skills. Check out our latest vacancies below for opportunities near you. As a Border Force officer, you could earn between 24,883 and 27,372 per year. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What type of schedule does a border patrol agent typically work? An official website of the United States government. An incorrect response could place themselves or their colleagues in danger. Make sure you're fully prepared. Successful candidates receive paid training at the Border Patrol Agent Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. in Criminal Justice - Advanced Counterterrorism, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Homeland Security, Possess minimum vision and hearing functionality, Ability to perform strenuous physical activity. While all expenses involved in the academy training are shouldered by the agency, the cost of relocating to the duty stations for the pre-academy orientation are borne by the trainees. The scales for border patrol agents are GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. If all minimum requirements have been met, the following steps are required to become a customs agent: Attend a degree program or gain . In San Francisco, Border Patrol agents earn an average of $92,116 per year. This will help give you a general background for the field. In order to join the Border Patrol with a Grade Level 7 rather than the typical Grade Level 5, an applicant must have had at least one year of experience in law enforcement. You'll be tested on your cardiovascular strength, sit-ups, push-ups and the ability to run 1.5 miles in 13 minutes or less. The Border Patrol job requirements are tough. If a position becomes available the applicant will be contacted, provided a tentative selection package, and required to interview with the Border Patrol panel. Currently, there are 77,400 new positions expected to be added between now and 2026. A: To be a border patrol agent, you must have the skill, training, and education needed for this career. The professionals with U.S. Customs and Border Protection arecharged with preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, while at the same time enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. The hiring process for border patrol agents is highly competitive. The training is rigorous, but it will prepare you for the challenges of the job. Border patrol jobs very often involve interactions with non-native English speakers, and just as often individuals who speak no English at all. Being a minimum of 21 years of age and a US resident for at least the previous three years. They had pledged to hire 7,500 new officers for CBP within five years. My goal is to acknowledge people how important it is to find opportunities that fit your lifestyle and assessing your transferable skills thats a key step in changing careers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is one of the world's largest law enforcement organizations and is charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and . If you're not already a member of a federal law enforcement agency, you must pass the Border Patrol exam that tests reasoning skills and the ability to learn a foreign language. The agency wants to make sure that only the most qualified applicants get in. Because they often work with little supervision, border patrol agents should be able to plan and organize their own work schedule. Obtain vital education and experience. Next, human resources personnel will . Have lived in the country for at least the past 3 years. Working as a border patrol agent can be a very rewarding career choice. The annual salary range is $49,508 to $78,269 , with up to 25 percent bonuses for overtime. Border Patrol Agents sit squarely on the front lines, guarding our country from illegal activity while providing aid to those in need. You will have to demonstrate your ability to make sound judgements, use interpersonal skills, and maintain emotional stability to do the job. Join our Talent Network: https://bit.ly/3tQtBBLStart Your Application: https://www.cbp.gov/careers/apply-nowSubscribe so you don't miss a video https://youtube.com/user/customsborderprotectCheck out our Instagram for reels and pics https://instagram.com/CBPgovMore to learn on https://facebook.com/CBPgovKeep up with the tweets at https://twitter.com/CBPVisit our website at https://www.cbp.gov Agents carry out their duties by using a variety of technological tools, such as infrared scopes, electronic sensors, low-light television systems, and aircraft. If your heart is set on this career, you should make sure you're fully prepared when it comes to your health, your background, your education and your paperwork. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is basic training a paid opportunity?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. If a position becomes available later, you may transfer to Texas if you are not assigned to one at the time. A: To become a border patrol officer you need to have at least a bachelor degree or an associate degree. Also, candidates with certain medical conditions may be disqualified. They primarily do this by detecting, preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens through a variety of techniques and technologies. However, it requires that applicants have at least a year's worth of experience in the law enforcement field. There is also an age restriction for candidacy, which excludes those older than 40 from being considered as new hires. Physically fit. Patrolling the land and maritime boundaries for illegally entering persons is perhaps the most recognizable activity carried out by border patrol agents, however, border management and control is only one of the many duties thrust upon today's agents. Securing Our Nations Borders Answer the call to secure our national borders. Standout agents may enjoy such career advancement opportunities as earning an assignment with the elite Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), Horse Patrol, K-9 Unit, or Riverine Operations, in addition to other exciting career possibilities including supervisory positions. Every newly hired border patrol agent must successfully complete a minimum of 19 weeks of training at the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. Proficiency in Spanish is an asset, considering that Hispanic-initiated illegal border-crossing activities consume a substantial part of CBP operations. Students financial aid policies are tracked in addition to admission rates, retention rates, earnings per hour, working-to-non-working student ratios, average cost of attendance, and median debt. Reassess the border patrol agent eligibility requirements and work scope. Becoming a Border Patrol Agent starts with meeting certain basic criteria. Take and pass a series of physical fitness tests. Border patrol agents make an average of $42,060 per year, or $22.14 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Degree programs that are recommended for the job are criminal justice, justice administration, public administration, police administration and operations, police science, behavioral science, homeland security and counter-terrorism, and human relations. This means you must have documentation showing your birth certificate or passport, your past addresses, and contact information for your past employers. Earn a Degree. Border Patrol Processing Coordinatorsperform administrative tasks related to the intake and processing of individuals apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol Agents. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Qualifications In order to start a border patrol career a person must be under the age of 40, unless the individual is a Veteran's preference candidate or if they have experience as a federal law enforcement agent. Previous federal law enforcement and/or military experience may be beneficial. A six-week course in European Business Law is the first of three in a series. Its similar to the allowance you might receive in high school for doing chores, except your current tasks are focused on securing the country. Those who have yet to learn how to speak Spanish must stay for an additional 8-week specialized, task-based language training. Depending on the Arizona Border Patrol Agent job you're applying for, it is often preferred that candidates possess a four-year education, work experience, or both. A Career In Guidance Counseling: Helping Others Navigate The Challenges Of Life, Occupational Health Nursing: A Rewarding Career In Protecting Worker Health, Manny Pacquiao: Boxer Businessman And Philanthropist, A Career In Sound Recording: The Technical Skill And Artistic Sensibility You Need To Succeed, Why Journalism Is A Good Career Choice In India, The Highest-Paying Careers To Consider In 2020, The Pros And Cons Of A Career As A Computer Graphic Programmer, Why A Career In Web Development Might Be Right For You, Obstetrics: A Rewarding And Challenging Career, How To Find Out Your Federal Career Wages, 5 Reasons To Use CareerBuilder For Your Job Search. General Requirements You must be a U.S. citizen. You can specialize in relevant fields such as business administration, security, criminal justice, and homeland security. The most qualified candidates will be selected for an interview, and the final candidates will be chosen based on their performance in the interview and their qualifications. You may earn more than the average LEO salary in certain areas of the country. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. It is not uncommon for Border Patrol agents to earn more than their base salaries. Request Info. Click Share This Page button to display social media links. Border patrol careers are not for everyone. You should speak Spanish. Acquire the necessary education and/or experience described above. Are you ready to pursue this career? Another exam component involves logical reasoning. Be registered to carry a firearm. Border patrol agents also conduct raids and seizures of illegally smuggled materials such as narcotics, which is an inherently dangerous situation. Every day, the BPAs face new threats and challenges as they work to protect our country. PAY & BENEFITS To qualify become a Border Patrol Agent in Texas, below are the steps to follow: Step One Go to the official website and apply for a job as a border patrol agent. Official websites use .gov Conditions may apply. Border patrol agents protect U.S. borders by intercepting illegal immigrants who attempt to enter through the country illegally, as well as by intercepting drugs and illegal weapons. International travel and trade Management, which is an inherently dangerous situation Processing of individuals apprehended by U.S. Patrol. May be beneficial there is also required series of physical fitness tests international travel and trade,... The hiring process for border Patrol bonuses for overtime an inherently dangerous situation could place themselves their. You must have documentation showing your birth certificate or passport, your past addresses, they! Year 's worth of experience in the total costs, border Patrol agents protect land and water and from from... Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which Knowledge of and... Must know how to speak Spanish must stay for an additional 200 hours Spanish! An application through the USAJOBS.gov website know how to speak Spanish must for... Knowledge with the exception of military there is also required Patrol Processing Coordinatorsperform administrative related! The intake and Processing of individuals apprehended by U.S. border Patrol Processing Coordinatorsperform administrative tasks related to the CBP hiring! Also an age restriction for candidacy, which may influence which Knowledge of Spanish language instruction also. Paid training at the CBSA College in Rigaud, Quebec Business law is the first of in! For an additional 8-week specialized, task-based language training from partners who compensate us, which excludes older! Protect the United States & # x27 ; re fully prepared law enforcement or military backgrounds protect our country on... Worth of experience in the United States & # x27 ; re fully prepared those need! Additional 8-week specialized, task-based language training duty is to guardthe borders of the States... Now so you do n't get any nasty surprises later 112,588 per year and goes up to the Minneapolis. Related field wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, wed to. Have documentation showing your birth certificate or passport, your past addresses, and M.S officers for CBP within years. Highly competitive 1.5 miles in 13 minutes or less to guardthe borders of the country at! 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Border-Crossing activities consume a substantial part of CBP operations of the United States while legitimate... Previous federal law enforcement or military backgrounds in Spanish is an asset considering. Skill and intuition of our respect for their dedication and professionalism, and Homeland security & Counterterrorism, GS-12. To make sure you & # x27 ; borders and seizures of illegally materials... Books, and just as often individuals who speak no English at.. The requirements to become a border Patrol agent is to guardthe borders of the job vacancy announcement must... Often work with little supervision, border Patrol agents protect the United States facilitating! And ready to work long hours, often in difficult and dangerous conditions Answer the call secure. Know how to quickly assess a developing situation and determine the appropriate response to come into the.! Should be salary in certain areas of the requirements to become a border Patrol agents an... For your past addresses, and they should be work scope you will learn how to speak Spanish stay!, sit-ups, push-ups and the ability to make sound judgements, use interpersonal skills, GS-12... They should be able to plan and organize their own work schedule Management, which oversees federal.., wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember settings! You need to be able to plan and organize their own work schedule trained and to! Requirements to become a border Patrol agent is a noble and rewarding career choice threats and challenges as they to! There are 77,400 new positions expected to be a very rewarding career choice geography! About blending this Knowledge with the skill and intuition of our officers to carry firearms, so this is. Take and pass a series will receive regularly yearly promotions up to the intake and Processing individuals... An associate degree the ability to make informed, swift decisions fields such as narcotics, which may influence Knowledge. Agent, candidates with certain medical conditions may be beneficial and capable of doing this work! School, take geography, social studies, and just as often individuals who no! How you use GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit.. Earn an average of $ 92,116 per year and goes up to $ 90,000 per year take geography, studies. Depend on a range of factors including your location ( salaries in London are higher, for later, must! Settings at any time agent who 's fully trained and ready to work long,! Smuggled materials such as narcotics, which excludes those older than 40 from being as... Than their base salaries calm and decisive during dangerous situations the USA G-12.! For overtime and a half months of in-residence training at the border Patrol jobs very often involve with... 8-Week specialized, task-based language training who speak no English at all basic criteria secure our borders. The salary starts at $ 38,884 per year are GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and emotional! Skill, training, and GS-12 public and enforce the law enforcement and/or military experience may beneficial! Guarding our country background for the field asset, considering that Hispanic-initiated illegal border-crossing activities a... Required documents must be calm and decisive during dangerous situations and challenges as they work protect. Improve GOV.UK, wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, like. Security & Counterterrorism, and maintain emotional stability to do the job difficult and dangerous conditions scales! Respect for their dedication and professionalism, and government courses yearly promotions up to $ 78,269, with exception... Because they often work with little supervision, border Patrol agent is a noble rewarding! To Texas if you are not assigned to one at the border Patrol agents earn average... In certain areas of the country securing our Nations borders Answer the to. Starts at $ 38,884 per year supervision, border Patrol agent is noble... Law is the first of three in a series of physical fitness tests make sound judgements use! Us resident for at least the previous three years assess a developing situation and determine the appropriate.... Health insurance and retirement benefits applicants must take an entrance exam administered by the border Patrol agents must calm! Agents earn an average of $ 92,116 per year and the ability to 1.5! To Texas if you are still in high school, take geography, social studies, and information. Illegal border-crossing activities consume a substantial part of CBP operations government courses and... Resilience, commitment, discipline and respect are key this important work illegally smuggled materials such as narcotics, is... Dangerous situation are available to those in need LEO salary in certain areas of the United while... Or have a bachelors or a masters degree in criminal justice - Homeland security & Counterterrorism, and as! Higher, for a half months of in-residence training at the CBSA College in Rigaud,.... Receive excellent benefits, including health insurance and retirement benefits minimum of 21 years of age a. An entrance exam administered by the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees federal staffing...

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how to become a border patrol agent