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

If an irish illegal left via the Canada or Mexican border to go home. What would the consciences if they tried to re-enter from eg. Ireland or england

Asked by Dave over 8 years ago

It is likely that when you re-enter, the system would alert the officer that you were a previous "Over stay". At that time, your visa will be canceled under 222(g), you will then be processed as an Expedited Removal, charged with 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) and barred from the US for a minimum of 5 years.

Hi CBPGuy, if a person is granted an immigration visa at a consulate abroad, what will the experience be like at POE? Similar to non-immigrant admission or, if different, in what ways? Also, what can go wrong at that point? Thanks!

Asked by IMGNT almost 8 years ago

Everyone applying for admission at the Port of Entry is treated the same. We will be conducting an interview to determine admissibility.

For non-immigrants, you need to make sure you visited the doctor and your family member filled out the I-864 properly. Also, you need to make sure you apply for admission before your passport and/or your visa expires. If all of those check out ok, you will be fine.

How much money should I carry that would be sufficiet to live for 4 or 5 months? I am going to live with my friend. I can bring my credit card too but it might be harmful as I will have no cash. Is that right?

Asked by kaka210 over 8 years ago

You can show bank statements to prove the amount of money you have. There is no magic number that would be sufficient, its whatever the officer thinks would be reasonable.

I was denied entry and sent home based on admitting i have tried drugs, but not use.
my ESTA was cancelled and i was denied a tourist visa based on my "drug use" was too recent (6 months). I have no convictions.
How long do i need to wait?
confused

Asked by Jenna over 8 years ago

Under 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, even admitting to a crime can make you inadmissible into the United States. Technically, as per law, you will be permanently inadmissible to the United States for drug use. Generally, there is no waiver for drug use. However, you may get lucky and find a State Department employee at the embassy who will grant you a waiver anyways. There is no length of time you have to wait.

To be honest, with what you said, I can see someone granting you a waiver eventually. But as I stated, under law you are permanently inadmissible.

If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?

What one thing would you do differently in regards to your career?

What is your advice for someone who is interested in this field?

Asked by nrekay over 7 years ago

In my opinion, integrity is the number one thing we look for in a person. As a law enforcement agency, we absolutely can not have someone we cannot trust. As an officer, you have an access to extensive intel, drugs, and people's personal information. You are expected to keep all information confidential and remain professional in your duties.

So far, I am actually very happy with how far I've gone in my career. I consider myself a "go-getter" and have done many things that most haven't, simply because I chased it. A piece of advice I would give if you do get hired to this agency is: Don't limit yourself to the basic tasks. Show interest in new things, try new things, try things others wont.

I would say this is a great career with several opportunities ahead especially for someone young. Also, stick through the hiring process. It might seem like you'll never get it, it took me over 2 years, but take it one step at a time!

I am currently a nurse (and yes, I know it's crazy to leave the medical field) I know starting salary isn't much, but is it true that even in your first year you can make up to $75k with OT ?

Asked by Andrew almost 8 years ago

On your first year, it is extremely unlikely you will hit $75k. For approximately 6 to 9 months you will be training (depending on if you need the Spanish academy). During training, there is zero overtime. Also, in your first year, depending on your qualifications, you will be hired as a GS-5 (approximately $36k base) or GS-7 (approximately $44k base).

As a GS-12 (pay scale), I earn about $110,000 a year with overtime. The pay scale goes like this:

GS-5 (first year) = $36,000 GS-7 (second year) = $44,000GS-9 (Third Year) = $53,000GS-11 (Fourth Year) = $63,000GS-12 (Fifth Year) = $76,000

After you hit GS 12, every year or so you get a raise of about $2,000 to $3,000. All the numbers mentioned above are approximate and include my additional locality pay. All these numbers are approximates and varies.

Under law, we can earn a maximum of $35k a year on premium pay alone. Most officers earn that $35k almost every year.

I really love this thread and the amount you have put into it! Great information and resource! I was wondering if the divorce rate/stress on a marriage is the same as you might see for police officers? Have you noticed it in your own life?

Asked by micole14 almost 8 years ago

Thanks for the compliment!

We don't have any factual statistics like local police do, however, I would say the numbers are very similar, especially at the southern border. Officers can expect to work between two and three 16 hour shifts a week. This puts a huge damper on relationships. I would say at least 30% of the officers I worked with have been divorced at least once. 5 to 10% divorced more than once.

I got a little lucky with my wife. Before I worked for CBP, I worked 2 jobs, sometimes 3 jobs, at one time and I was rarely ever around. I would have only 1 day off and work approximately 12 to 18 hours a day every day. My wife came into this relationship already knowing that and accepting it. Once I was hired with CBP, I worked a lot less hours than I have in the past so It worked out for us.