Border Patrol Agent

To qualify for the GL-9 grade level, you need one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, including physical searches, apprehensions, and firearms proficiency. For GS-11, you need one year of specialized experience in a law enforcement capacity with arrest authority. There is no education substitution for these grades.

• GL-9: 1 year of specialized experience performing physical searches of detained individuals, vehicles, and surroundings for weapons, contraband, and evidence.
• GL-9: Experience apprehending, physically restraining, or working with law enforcement to identify or apprehend violators of state, federal, or immigration laws.
• GL-9: Proficiency in firearms, preparing investigative reports, serving court orders, and gathering evidence for criminal cases.
• GS-11: 1 year of specialized experience with authority to enforce laws, make arrests, and investigate crimes.
• GS-11: Experience utilizing intelligence information to track illegal operations, criminal activity, or contraband.
• GS-11: Leading investigations of fraud, contraband, or criminal activity to determine sources and patterns.
• GS-11: Apprehending violators using complex technology including surveillance, detection, and communications equipment.
• Must meet the Border Patrol Individual Occupational Requirement: ability to make arrests, use firearms, deal effectively with people, analyze information rapidly, and maintain informant networks.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be referred for selection before 40th birthday unless eligible for age waiver (prior federal law enforcement or veterans' preference).

Detect and question persons suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.

• Inspect documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
• Prevent and apprehend aliens and smugglers at or near borders.
• Maintain surveillance from covert positions using infrared scopes during night operations.
• Interpret and follow tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry.
• Perform farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
• Patrol borders to enforce immigration and customs laws.
• Use firearms and less-lethal devices as needed.
• Prepare investigative reports and serve court orders.
• Use intelligence information to track illegal operations and criminal activity.

Must be referred for selection before 40th birthday (age waiver possible for prior federal law enforcement or veterans' preference).

• Must pass a polygraph examination.
• Must complete a 6-month training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, NM.
• Must meet initial and continuing firearms qualifications under the Gun Control Act.
• Must pass medical screening, drug test, and physical fitness test.
• Must undergo a Tier 5 background investigation.
• Must comply with uniform and grooming standards; no tattoos on head, face, or throat.
• Must be proficient in Spanish (training provided).
• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, overtime, and assignments.

Up to $20,000 recruitment incentive ($10,000 after academy, $10,000 for accepting prioritized location).

• Up to $40,000 retention incentive over four years.
• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance.
• Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (similar to 401(k)).
• Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program.
• Personal leave days and paid federal holidays.
• Flexible work schedules and telework (where applicable).
• Tuition reimbursement and transportation subsidies.
• Uniform allowance and fitness centers.
• Disabled veteran leave for eligible veterans.

This position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions; candidates must be referred before age 40 unless eligible for waiver.

• Newly appointed agents may receive up to $20,000 recruitment incentive and up to $40,000 retention incentive.
• The six-month training academy is held in Artesia, New Mexico; successful completion is required.
• Polygraph examination is required; prior federal polygraph results may be accepted; veterans may be eligible for waiver.
• Spanish language training is provided at the academy; proficiency is required for the role.
• Uniform and grooming standards apply; tattoos on head, face, or throat are not permitted.
• DHS uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
• Political appointees (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, Presidential Appointee) within last 5 years must disclose to HR.
• False statements on application may result in withdrawal of offer, dismissal, fine, or imprisonment.
• Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer is required for salary payments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the largest federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for securing the nation's borders and facilitating lawful trade and travel. CBP's mission includes preventing terrorism, enforcing immigration laws, and combating smuggling. The U.S. Border Patrol is a component of CBP focused on land border enforcement between ports of entry.

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