Border Patrol Agent

About the Team

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is an elite team of highly trained professionals dedicated to protecting America. Our mission is to safeguard the nation's borders, deter illicit activity, and enhance economic prosperity. Camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of our daily operations, uniting a workforce of over 60,000 individuals committed to law enforcement excellence.

About the Role

As an Entry-Level Border Patrol Agent (BPA), you will join a career Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) team tasked with detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws. Your day-to-day responsibilities will vary based on operational needs, potentially including covert surveillance, interpreting physical evidence of illegal entry, and patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using diverse assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, and off-road equipment.

This is a dynamic, full-time career path offering job stability and the opportunity to work in prioritized locations, which may include the Southwest Border. While duty assignments are determined at the time of offer based on agency needs, the role offers a clear career ladder with grade progression from GL-5 to GS-12. You will undergo approximately six months of intensive training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, covering immigration law, firearms, physical techniques, and language proficiency.

Hiring Process

1. Register: Click the "Apply" button on this site to register with the CBP Talent Network.
2. Select Position: Choose "Border Patrol Agent" as your Position of Interest and complete the pre-screening questions.
3. Apply: You will receive a link to the official Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS to submit your full application, including your resume and transcripts.
4. Evaluate: Candidates are assessed based on their application materials and the BPA Entrance Exam.

For specific questions regarding the application process, please contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol careers page.

Equal Opportunity

The U.S. Border Patrol is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background. Veterans' Preference may apply, potentially waiving age restrictions for eligible candidates. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet specific residency and age requirements as defined by federal law.