Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Experienced New Hire

About the Mission

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) 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. As part of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), we offer a career in law enforcement that provides excellent pay, exceptional federal benefits, and long-term job stability.

About the Role

As a Border Patrol Agent (BPA), you will join a workforce of over 60,000 individuals committed to the USBP mission. This is a career ladder position where you will progress through grade levels (GL-5 to GS-12) by successfully completing 52 weeks in each grade without reapplying. You will be part of a dynamic team that utilizes a variety of assets—including vehicles, horses, vessels, and off-road equipment—to patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways.

Your day-to-day work involves detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration laws, interpreting physical evidence of illegal entry, and maintaining surveillance in covert positions. The role requires adaptability and resilience, as duty assignments are determined at the time of offer based on operational needs. These assignments may include prioritized locations along the Southwest Border, such as Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; and Lordsburg, NM. Relocation is often required to meet these operational demands.

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 Academy provides training to ensure agents become proficient in Spanish, a critical skill for the role.

Hiring Process

Interested candidates should 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 application will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam. For specific questions regarding the application process, you may contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol careers page.

Equal Opportunity and Culture

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background. Veterans' Preference eligible candidates may be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), which may affect age restrictions. We encourage all eligible individuals to join our team and contribute to the protection of the American people.