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

Hi If I am given a firm offer of employment how long will I have to move to my post?(pre and post academy) Do you recommend getting an apartment while at the pre-academy duty location so I have a place to return upon completing the academy? Thanks

Asked by ValCBPOCandidate over 7 years ago

If you receive a firm offer of employment, generally its only a month or so before you report for Pre-Academy. I would recommend renting a room or an apartment for the 30 days of pre-academy. It would not make financial sense to keep the place while your at FLETC. During your last month at FLETC is when you want to start searching for apartments or possibly return to something that is month-to-month until you are more situated.

I am currently an NYPD officer began the process for CBP for position at Richford, VT is it worth the transfer from NYPD to CBP?

Asked by Annoly Ramos over 7 years ago

To be honest with you, the job satisfaction working for NYPD is much greater than working for CBP. Also, you currently have better retirement benefits with NYPD. However, you will be paid much more with CBP and also have the opportunity to travel the world (if you want to).

Its up to you on what is more important.

I have a B1/B2 Visa and travel to the same US city every month for a weeknd, just to relax (one of my companies is based in the US but I dont work there, as its virtual). Last time I was referred to secondary. Does this mean it will happen everytime?

Asked by Tom over 7 years ago

Not necessarily. Sometimes, being referred to secondary only means the Officer on primary wants another Officer to take a bit more time to gather information versus immediately granting you entry into the United States.

On primary, the Officer only has two thought processes; "Yes, I will allow this person in the United States." or "I'm not completely sure if I should". If the Officer is not 100% confident with the first decision, he will send you to secondary for someone else to make a better determination.

My buddy got a letter from customs stating there was a packing sent tonhim with steriods. How serious should one take this.

Asked by Joboh over 7 years ago

Very serious. He should read the entire letter and see if they want him to present himself to a Customs office. He should also check to see if he was issued a penalty. If the penalty is not paid timely, it will be taken from your tax return by the IRS with interest.

Have you ever worked in the mail room, checking to make sure there are no drugs or contraband coming into the country? I think that would be so interesting. Personally, I think that is what I want to do.

Asked by Erik over 7 years ago

Sorry, this is an area that I am not familiar in. I've never done it, but from people that I've spoken to, they really enjoy it. The problem is, you cant get hired directly to that position. You would have to start as a regular officer then find an opening for that position. Chances are very slim, so I would recommend that if you apply for this job, don't apply with the sole intention of working at a mail room.

I'm interested in becoming a CBPO, but one of the things I'm consistently worried about is being forced to work 16 hour days, as I've seen some people complain about. Is this a common situation(specifically for Northern protection)?

Asked by Whit over 7 years ago

Yes, the unfortunate part of life is working 16 hour days for this job. Depending on your location, this could happen twice a week, once a month, or never, etc. If you are serious about this job, you have to accept the fact that you may be forced to work overtime. In my honest opinion, I dont think there is any officer in this agency who has not been forced overtime.

If a VWP pax had previously breached his conditions e.g. working illegally, what would be the procedure of removing him from the port of entry next time he'd ask for admission? Also would he be barred from re entry? which section of INA?

Asked by G&T almost 8 years ago

If this hasn't already happened to you, then this would be the process:

You would be processed as a Visa Waiver Refusal under Section 217 of the INA. You will be charged as a 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I). Part of the policy of the VWP is that you are not entitled to a hearing by an immigration judge and you will no longer be eligible to participate in the program. You will, however, be allowed to reenter the country as soon as you obtain a visa from a US Embassy. You could apply for a new visa the same day if you'd like (In your home country).

After all the paper work is processed at the port, you will then be boarded on the next available flight back to your home country.