Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Entry Level New Hire

About the Mission

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is an elite team of highly trained professionals dedicated to protecting America. Our daily mission is defined by camaraderie, pride, and a shared purpose: safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation's economic prosperity. We are hiring immediately for full-time, entry-level career Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) opportunities to join a workforce of over 60,000 agents.

About the Role

As a Border Patrol Agent (BPA), you will serve as a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer profession. This is a career ladder position offering significant stability, excellent pay, and exceptional federal benefits. You will work with an elite team where your contributions directly impact the security of the American people.

Your day-to-day life will be dynamic and demanding, involving the detection and questioning of individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws. You will maintain surveillance from covert positions, interpret physical evidence of illegal entry, and conduct various checks including farm, building, traffic, and city patrols. The role requires patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using a diverse array of assets, from vehicles and horses to vessels, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Success in this role requires the ability to make sound decisions under stress, maintain composure, and effectively interact with the public.

Training and Development

Upon hiring, you will undergo approximately six months of intensive instruction at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. This formal training covers immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement operations, driver training, physical techniques, and firearms proficiency. Additionally, the ability to speak and read Spanish is required; agents are provided training at the Academy to achieve proficiency in the language.

Hiring Process and Application Instructions

To apply, click the "Apply" button on this site to be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select "Border Patrol Agent" as your Position of Interest and complete the pre-screening questions. You will then receive links to the Border Patrol Agent Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS to finalize your application.

Your evaluation will be based on your resume, supporting documents (including transcripts), and the BPA Entrance Exam. If you have questions regarding the process, please contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol careers page.

Duty Assignments and Relocation

Duty assignments are determined at the time of offer based on operational needs and may include locations at the Southwest Border. These assignments may or may not align with a candidate's first-choice preferences, and relocation may be required. Newly appointed agents may be offered incentives for accepting prioritized locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The U.S. Border Patrol is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or genetic information.