CBP Officer

CBP Officer

CBPGuy

7 Years Experience

SouthWest, US

Male, 25

I am a U. S. Customs and Border Protection Officer on the southwest border between Mexico and the United States. I know the ins and outs of the job as seen on TV/News and things intentionally hidden from the media! There's more to this job than "Anything to declare?" I dont know all but I'll do my best to answer any questions you have! All answers are my opinion, and my opinion only!

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Last Answer on April 22, 2019

Best Rated

I am a legal permanent resident. What are some probable outcomes if I refuse to unlock my phone/laptop at the border? What's the worst-case outcome?

Thanks! This is a great thread.

Asked by James about 8 years ago

You are not required to give your password to your laptop or phone to the officer. However, the officer only needs reasonable suspicion that you may have illicit information in the computer to use a device which unlocks it. In order to use the device, your computer would be seized and brought to a facility. This process takes time.

Worst case outcome for an LPR - You will be held at the border for several hours (later released) and your computer could be seized for several months. Unless you have something illegal, then it changes thins depending on what you have.

If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?

What one thing would you do differently in regards to your career?

What is your advice for someone who is interested in this field?

Asked by nrekay about 8 years ago

In my opinion, integrity is the number one thing we look for in a person. As a law enforcement agency, we absolutely can not have someone we cannot trust. As an officer, you have an access to extensive intel, drugs, and people's personal information. You are expected to keep all information confidential and remain professional in your duties.

So far, I am actually very happy with how far I've gone in my career. I consider myself a "go-getter" and have done many things that most haven't, simply because I chased it. A piece of advice I would give if you do get hired to this agency is: Don't limit yourself to the basic tasks. Show interest in new things, try new things, try things others wont.

I would say this is a great career with several opportunities ahead especially for someone young. Also, stick through the hiring process. It might seem like you'll never get it, it took me over 2 years, but take it one step at a time!

I was denied entry and sent home based on admitting i have tried drugs, but not use.
my ESTA was cancelled and i was denied a tourist visa based on my "drug use" was too recent (6 months). I have no convictions.
How long do i need to wait?
confused

Asked by Jenna about 9 years ago

Under 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, even admitting to a crime can make you inadmissible into the United States. Technically, as per law, you will be permanently inadmissible to the United States for drug use. Generally, there is no waiver for drug use. However, you may get lucky and find a State Department employee at the embassy who will grant you a waiver anyways. There is no length of time you have to wait.

To be honest, with what you said, I can see someone granting you a waiver eventually. But as I stated, under law you are permanently inadmissible.

How much money should I carry that would be sufficiet to live for 4 or 5 months? I am going to live with my friend. I can bring my credit card too but it might be harmful as I will have no cash. Is that right?

Asked by kaka210 almost 9 years ago

You can show bank statements to prove the amount of money you have. There is no magic number that would be sufficient, its whatever the officer thinks would be reasonable.

24 years old with my associates in CJ; looking to potentially get into CBP. Whats the academy like? Likelihood of landing the job? Also, do you know of any beard policy?

Asked by George over 8 years ago

You have a high probability of getting the job if your willing to go to the southwest border.

At the academy, you work Monday through Friday with varying start times, but all are 9 hours a day. You are paid during all the training hours. You sleep in a dorm which is provided by the agency and you eat the meals at the cafeteria, which is also paid for by the agency. All books, supplies, and uniforms are provided by the agency. You really only need to bring a pair of running shoes, boots, shoe polish, toiletries, and off training clothes. You are only allowed to wear the academy's uniform in the gym (on or off training hours). You shoot twice a week and you do PT between 2 to 4 times a week. On the weekends your free to do as a you please, you just need to make sure your back in time before class.

I am currently a nurse (and yes, I know it's crazy to leave the medical field) I know starting salary isn't much, but is it true that even in your first year you can make up to $75k with OT ?

Asked by Andrew over 8 years ago

On your first year, it is extremely unlikely you will hit $75k. For approximately 6 to 9 months you will be training (depending on if you need the Spanish academy). During training, there is zero overtime. Also, in your first year, depending on your qualifications, you will be hired as a GS-5 (approximately $36k base) or GS-7 (approximately $44k base).

As a GS-12 (pay scale), I earn about $110,000 a year with overtime. The pay scale goes like this:

GS-5 (first year) = $36,000 GS-7 (second year) = $44,000GS-9 (Third Year) = $53,000GS-11 (Fourth Year) = $63,000GS-12 (Fifth Year) = $76,000

After you hit GS 12, every year or so you get a raise of about $2,000 to $3,000. All the numbers mentioned above are approximate and include my additional locality pay. All these numbers are approximates and varies.

Under law, we can earn a maximum of $35k a year on premium pay alone. Most officers earn that $35k almost every year.

Am a US citizen. No criminal record whatsoever. But the KIOSK machine gives me a cross on the receipt every time I enter the country. Any way to fix this?

Asked by cripsy about 8 years ago

Most likely, your name is similar to a criminal or someone we're looking for. As a US Citizen, the best way around this is to apply for Global Entry. Under this program, your information is reviewed prior to the plane landing. This way, once you set foot in the airport, you are already cleared to proceed.