Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level

Overview

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) is a full‑time, entry‑level federal law enforcement position that protects the United States border and deters illicit activity.

• Annual base salary varies by grade level: GL‑5 ($51,632–$92,912) and GL‑7.
• Recruitment Incentive: up to $20,000 paid in two installments (first $10,000 after Academy completion; second $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location).
• Retention Incentive: up to $40,000 distributed over the first four years.
• Federal benefits include health, dental, vision, retirement (Thrift Savings Plan), paid leave, and other traditional benefits.

Duty assignments are determined by operational need and may include prioritized locations in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and several other states. Candidates are asked to indicate a preferred location; assignments may be in the Southwest Border, the Mexican Border, or other U.S. regions.

• Detect, investigate and question people suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.
• Inspect documents and belongings to determine citizenship or violations.
• Prevent and apprehend undocumented non‑citizens and smugglers, using covert surveillance and infrared scopes during night operations.
• Interpret and analyze tracks, marks and other evidence of illegal entry.
• Perform farm, building, traffic, city patrols and transportation checks.
• Patrol the international boundary and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, snowmobiles and motorcycles.

• GL‑5 – One year of general work experience or a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of both.
• GL‑7 – One year of specialized work experience or a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (GPA ≥ 3.0) or a combination of both.
• Previous or current law enforcement or military experience may qualify for GL‑9 or GS‑11.

• U.S. citizen with continuous primary residence in the U.S. for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
• Must be under 40 years of age at the time of referral, with certain exceptions for veterans and those in federal civilian law enforcement positions.
• Foreign language skills: proficiency in Spanish is required.
• Eligible for veteran’s preference and excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).
• After hiring, detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for six months of intensive training.