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

When you apply for cbp they let you choose the border you go to?(I would like to stay south)Also, as a cbp can you go out the country for vacations? Lets say mexico?

Asked by Victor06 about 8 years ago

When you apply for CBP, you are allowed to select the border you want to work at. When they are ready to hire you, they will call you and give you a list of locations to choose from.

Also, there are no restrictions on traveling outside the United States as an officer.

Thank you for answering my last question. My biggest question is what the job is like... do you consider yourself a first responder where you answer calls and handle emergencies, or is your job mainly security and guarding of the port of entry?

Asked by Future LEO over 8 years ago

Every Port of Entry is different, so the work is a little different. All officers are emergency responders. Most officers in the agency don't "answer calls." We dont respond to domestic violence, pull people over for a broken tail light, etc. Within the port, however, we do respond. Assaults, weapons, drugs, etc.

Our job is mainly this: 1. Prevent terrorists from entering the United States. 2. Prevent drugs from entering the United States. 3. Prevent illegal aliens from entering the United States.

Most of the time your processing travelers that are seeking entry. Sometimes you get some action. There are teams that you can join which actually do join other agencies to serve warrants, dress in plain clothes and tail suspects. Its all about what you make of it and what your goal is.

I want to come for my clinical certification program. I have no intensions to do any kind of job in USA. I want to get my certification and go back to my country. What should be my answer? This certification enables to do internship in US but not job

Asked by kaka210 over 8 years ago

Your answer should be an honest answer. Tell the officer exactly what your intention is upon entering the United States. Provide proof of what you intend to do. Provide a certified letter from the program describing what you will be doing and who will be paying for it. Make sure it states that it is an internship.

Honesty is always the best policy. Officer's are known to "throw the book" at someone once they catch them in a lie.

Also, I am currently on active duty with about a year and a half left on contract. When would you recommend that I start the application process? Thank you.

Asked by Mando almost 8 years ago

I recommend you submit your application today! It took me a little over 2 years to get hired. This time frame is very common for all law enforcement positions within the federal government. The process is a very slow and arduous one. For example, you will apply today, in 3 months they will call you to take the test, in 6 months they'll have you do the fitness test, in a year they'll have you take your polygraph, in another 6 to 8 months the second fitness test etc.

After being refered to secondary almost every other time I go back to US, it really annoys me that CBP officers go through my phone. Can I refuse to provide password to it? What are the reprecussions of that?

Asked by tpbacon almost 8 years ago

If you are an alien applying for admission to the United States, you can be removed from the United States if you cannot overcome the presumption of being inadmissible. This presumption is based on the Officer's discretion.

Under Border Search Authority, and for national security purposes, Officer's are legally allowed to search your phone (any electronic device) or use computer systems that can replicate the information contained within your phone. You are allowed to verbally deny them, but legally they can then formally seize it and return it to you at a later date if they determined it be necessary.

Is applying for and holding Canadian PR card invalidate my greencard? Does CBP know my status in Canada when I cross the US-Canada border? If I have both cards but live in the US and work in Canada, what can I expect when crossing border everyday?

Asked by kong20100902 over 8 years ago

Legally, you can only be a resident of one country. Having Canadian residency does not automatically invalidate your US residency, but it would be a fact against you. A CBP Officer would set you up to see a judge to make the final determination.

You can go weeks, months, maybe even years crossing the border and not have any issues, but one day you may get caught. Once you lose your "LPR" status the first time, it is extremely difficult to get it again.

I have different friends in US. On my visa application, I have the address of my one friend. However, he is going to another state for family reasons. Now, I want to visit my other friends too. But my friend told me that you have to arrive at the given address (according to the visa application). If you do not, CBP might send you back. Should I change my address where I am going to stay? If yes, how can I do this? I have used his address to receive my medical certifications and exam cards. Now, I have my board certification exam. My examination card and acceptance letter has his address. I am not arriving at this address. Is it going to be a problem?
If it is not a problem, should I tell the CBP officer that my friend is not here? I am going to stay with other friends.

Asked by Kaka210 over 8 years ago

You are not restricted to the address you listed on your visa application. When you apply for admission when entering the United States, you will be asked to fill out a blue customs declaration form (6059B). On this form, list the address you will be staying at.

If you have a special work visa, you would need to contact your employer to update the information.