1 year of employment history 3. Next, human resources personnel will . {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What does the CPB exam assess? It's mentally and physically challenging and requires both courage and compassion. What Do Border Patrol Agents Do Border patrol agents protect the United States' borders. To find out more about working for Border Force, including links to the latest recruitment campaigns and staff testimonies please visit the Home Office Careers website. The next step comes after you have already sent your application. You must be 40 or younger. Proficiency in Spanish is an asset, considering that Hispanic-initiated illegal border-crossing activities consume a substantial part of CBP operations. Undergo a background check. Officers and agents with Customs and Border Protection are currently on the job for 300 days, down from 520 days previously. We also search baggage, vehicles and cargo for illegal immigrants or goods, and check the immigration status of people arriving in, or departing from, the UK. Get everything organized now so you don't get any nasty surprises later. Border patrol agents must be calm and decisive during dangerous situations. The decision to refuse coverage for you because of your medical condition will be appealed in 30 days. The GL-9 level, which pertains to a rank and pay scale higher than the GL-5 and GL-7 levels, does not look into educational qualifications. Below is a five-step guide on how to become a US border patrol agent: Step 1 - Meet the Minimum Requirements As listed in the CBP's basic qualifications and medical requirements, aspiring US border patrol agents must fulfill the following: Be a US citizen. But even with some experience, particularly in a GL-5 or GL-7 position, a college education can spell the difference between success and failure in employment. The hiring process for border patrol agents is highly competitive. The college units earned will be computed toward experience; i.e., one year of full-time semester or quarter units earned is equivalent to six (6) months' worth of experience, and so on. You may face some challenges along the way, but the rewards are well worth it. Possess and maintain a licence to drive a motor vehicle in Canada. For the border patrol agents, career progression is a ladder in which the border patrol agent will climb once hired in the agency. The academy training culminates in tests that predict the candidates' performance under stressful, arduous situations. Your duties will include patrolling the border, investigating suspected illegal activity, and apprehending smugglers and illegal immigrants. Candidates interested in applying can do so online or through the Department of Homeland Security website. This includes completing a basic law enforcement training program and a border patrol academy. The scales for border patrol agents are GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. 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. You should speak Spanish. Police cars and motorcycles are now being used. Its about blending this knowledge with the skill and intuition of our officers to make informed, swift decisions. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Physical combat skills, aggressive driving, marksmanship, and immigration and nationality laws are all covered in this course. Resided in the U.S. for the past three years or served in the federal government or military overseas. You will be contacted at some point by the Twin Cities Drug Testing Unit, and you will be given instructions on how to 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. Prepare yourself for this career by getting the right education and training. This will help give you a general background for the field. Show prospective employers that you are well-qualified for a . Information from this system resides on computer systems funded by the government. Background investigation will be conducted, using different methods that include credit checks and interviews with former employers. They work diligently to keep the United States borders secure and to maintain a strong national security posture. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seen unprecedented growth in resources and staffing, and in the past ten years has doubled the number of agents in active service. Youll also need to be able to work long hours, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. Border patrol agents have multiple levels. The average salary for a Border Patrol Agent is $70,978 per year in United States, which is 14% lower than the average US Customs and Border Protection salary of $83,349 per year for this job.. There is no specific type of degree you should get, but many agents et a degree in criminal justice. If you are looking for a rewarding job that also provides great pay, benefits and job stability, join our team. Being a minimum of 21 years of age and a US resident for at least the previous three years. If you are not fluent, the Border Patrol will make you complete 40 hours of additional language training once you're hired. 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. Being a Border Force Officer sometimes puts you in difficult or pressurised situations. 1. 5. A BPA has the ability to earn additional base pay through overtime and other salary incentives. Be hired as an ICE agent. Take and pass the CBP Border Patrol Entrance Exam at a location of your choice. To cover the costs of travel, lodging, and incidental expenses, you will need to raise enough funds for three or four days. Spanish is a requirement to serve in the Border Patrol, so those applicants already proficient in Spanish have a competitive advantage, especially if they are assigned to the southern border. You must be able to reason, speak Spanish, and understand security and law enforcement issues, in addition to proving your logical abilities. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security & Counterterrorism, and M.S. There is also an age restriction for candidacy, which excludes those older than 40 from being considered as new hires. We have an incredibly broad remit at the Home Office, with our work affecting every citizen of the country. In 2012 alone, CBP inspected 448 million travelers and 25 million cargo containers that moved through Americas border crossings and ports of entry. 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. Answer (1 of 12): Here is some good solid information on this website.The basic requirements for eligibility are: * Be a U.S. citizen. This includes instruction in physical combat skills, aggressive driving, marksmanship, and immigration and nationality law. Once youve completed the training, youll be ready to start your career as a border patrol agent. On a typical day, border patrol agents will apprehend approximately 1,100 individuals for suspected violations of U.S. laws, screen nearly one million international travelers, seize nearly six tons of illegal drugs, and prevent over 400 dangerous pests from entering the U.S. Theirs is one of the largest US law enforcement agencies, with the actual manpower strength exceeding 21,000 male and female agents. Passing physical and written exams. It is not uncommon for Border Patrol agents to earn more than their base salaries. Heres what you need to know to become a border patrol agent. They had pledged to hire 7,500 new officers for CBP within five years. How to Become a Border Patrol Agent In order to consider joining the Border Patrol, an applicant must possess the following qualifications: U.S. citizenship 39 years old or younger Valid driver's license No prior criminal convictions Possess minimum vision and hearing functionality Ability to perform strenuous physical activity Featured Programs: Agents are entitled to free lodging, meals, and a daily allowance, as well as the pay. 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. Create a free account with Comparably and anonymously compare your compensation and culture. 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. But internal competition is high. in Criminal Justice - Advanced Counterterrorism, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Homeland Security. You must also have a clean criminal record and be able to pass a background check. 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. You need to pass three tests of your physical fitness. You'll have to undergo a background check when you apply. Border Patrol agents are the frontline employees who patrol the countrys 135 border stations. You may earn more than the average LEO salary in certain areas of the country. Take and pass a written exam. Border Patrol agents are among the countrys most dedicated and professional law enforcement officers. Official websites use .gov One to one and a half years of paid on-the-job development as a trainee at one of the Agency's Ports of Entry. How to become a border patrol agent Border patrol agents are focused on securing the nation's international borders between ports of entry. Preventing the illegal smuggling of drugs and weapons requires vigilance and dedication. Make sure you're fully prepared. Border patrol agents also need to have a strong sense of direction and experience with the geography of wilderness areas. You can also view a version of the video with audio description. The data and documents on this system include federal records that may contain sensitive information . Becoming a border patrol agent is a noble and rewarding career choice. Alongside competitive salaries, we also offer a range of excellent benefits from a pension, flexible working and generous holiday allowance, to childcare vouchers and a season ticket loan. You must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid drivers license, and be between the ages of 21 and 37. Your resume objective will be the first - and sometimes only - part of your resume that a hiring manager reads. If you are still in high school, you might want to take geography, social studies, and government courses. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. The program focuses on legal knowledge, report writing and physical conditioning. The movement of this much traffic wasnt without incident. Should I Become A CBP Officer or Border Patrol Agent? 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. Program outcomes vary according to each institutions specific curriculum, and employment opportunities are not guaranteed. The campus is located in Artesia, NM. The screening and selection procedures for US Border Patrol are exhaustive, including a series of physical fitness tests, and the competition is very high. Border Patrol Agent Job Requirements. Complete a secondary school education or accepted equivalency. A fully trained Border Patrol Agent may be eligible up to an additional 25% of base pay in accordance with the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. In addition to a good salary, border patrol agents also receive health and retirement benefits, as well as paid vacation and sick days. This is to ensure clarity and a concise . Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Value strong domestic and international partnerships, Commit to working in collaboration on safety, security and trade, Commit to contributing to global security and commerce, Promote compliance with border, trade, and tax legislation, Prohibit drugs, firearms, and other goods from entering the country, Extensive knowledge of the role of border protection, Deep understanding of theethics that they represent, Create reports and presentations for senior administrative team and other stakeholders, Ensure the countrys security and prosperity, Present support and perspective on complex safety concerns, Engage in and arrange for professional development. Home How to Become Border Patrol Agent. Successful candidates should be physically and mentally strong, financially responsible, and possess strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills. In San Francisco, Border Patrol agents earn an average of $92,116 per year. 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