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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220 Questions

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Last Answer on April 22, 2019

Best Rated

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 almost 8 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.

What are your thoughts or tips on women applying for the CBPO position?

Asked by MLopezP almost 8 years ago

Do it! We need your help! All law enforcement agencies are in desperate need of female officers, not just CBP.

My biggest tip is to have thick skin. Your brothers in blue will be your biggest support as the people crossing the border size you up every day.

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 I get job out side USA when I come back do I need bring prove where am work if yes what kind prove

Asked by Hammed almost 8 years ago

If you are a United States Citizen, it does not matter to us where you work.

If you are a Legal Permanent Resident, lawfully, you must reside in the United States.

If you are a visitor to the United States, proof of employment outside the US would always help with you being granted admission.

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.

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 almost 8 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.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

I find that my interests lie in data, trends, and solving puzzles. Would you say being a CBP officer affords these kinds of opportunities?

Asked by ajm over 7 years ago

There are many opportunities within CBP. If your motivated, after a few years in the agency, you can apply for certain teams within your Port or specific national teams that do targeting. Their role is looking at data and trends for smuggling contraband into the United States. From first hand experience, some of those guys are unbelievably skilled at their jobs!

The only problem is, you need to tough it out through the rookie years, which could range from 4 to 8 years.