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 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 about 9 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.

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 over 9 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 need to know if my boss ever worked as a customs officer as he says its and i quote "classified" i myself am former military and there is always a record of these things present

Asked by kris over 9 years ago

I do not know where you would find that information.

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 almost 10 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.

Hello, I have a few questions that I will ask over the course of a few posts if that's ok with you! I am currently in the hiring process, I have a date for my SI and it seems I will be doing the polygraph test in about 3 weeks. Any tips for a rookie?

Asked by Andrew over 9 years ago

The only tip I can offer is to be completely honest during the polygraph. Regardless of how your past was (previous drug use, etc.), we are looking at your honesty. Integrity is one of the top core values every law enforcement agency looks for.

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 almost 9 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.

Thanks for being here, CBP Guy. I was wondering if you are able to date dreamers or foriegners in the US. Also i live in a sanctuary city is it against the rules for you to eat at establishments that may not follow immigration laws? Thanks

Asked by Hawaiian 123 about 9 years ago

There is nothing against policy regarding dating a foreign national. There is, however, a policy that forbids you to associate with illegal aliens. A DREAMer is considered an illegal alien, by law.

There is also nothing against policy regarding "Sanctuary Cities", so I can confidently say that there are no issues with you living there. As long as you are honestly unaware of the immigration status of the people you deal with outside of work, nothing "bad" would happen to you. So, if you unknowingly go to a restaurant with illegal waiters and there happens to be a raid, theoretically, you should be in the clear because you did not know. However, if you were to hire illegal aliens to perform work for you at your home, then that would be a different story.