Q:

What are the basic requirements for employment?

A:

U.S. Citizenship: United States citizenship; proof of citizenship required, if selected. Residency: Meet one or more of the following primary residence criteria for the last three years prior to submitting an application for employment: a) resided in the United States or its protectorates or territories (excluding short trips abroad, such as vacations); b) worked for the U.S. government as an employee overseas in a federal or military capacity; or c) been a dependent of a U.S. federal or military employee serving overseas. Background Security Investigation: Successfully complete a background investigation before being appointed. Drug Testing: If in a drug testing position (e.g., Border Patrol Agent, Customs and Border Protection Officer, Intel Specialist), submit to a drug test and receive a negative test result before being appointed.

Q:

What kind of inquiries will CBP make into my background?

A:

The background investigation will include credit and criminal history checks, records checks to verify citizenship of family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history. Interviews will be conducted of sources who know the candidate and of any current or former spouse (divorced within the past ten years). Residences will be confirmed, neighbors interviewed, and public records queried for information about bankruptcies, divorces, and criminal or civil litigation. Additional interviews will be conducted, as needed, to resolve any inconsistencies or developed issues.

Q:	What is adjudication and what is involved in the adjudication process?
A:	Adjudication is the evaluation of data contained in a background investigation, and/or any other available relevant reports, to determine whether an individual is suitable for federal employment or eligible for access to classified information.

Q:	What types of issues would render me unsuitable for employment?
A:	Issues such as poor credit history, criminal background, or association with undesirable individuals or foreign nationals could render an individual unsuitable for employment.

Q:

How long does a background investigation take and why do some investigations take longer than others?

A:

If you do not provide accurate information or answer all of the questions on the background investigation forms, the investigative process may be delayed. Some individuals have more complex backgrounds than others and, consequently, more time is required to conduct a complete investigation. Other factors that may delay the process are overseas coverage, multiple geographic areas, and numerous employments.

Q:	What is the difference between Suitability and Security?
A:	Suitability is a determination based on an individual's character or conduct that may have an impact on the integrity or efficiency of an agency's mission. Security is a determination of eligibility for assignment to, or retention in, sensitive national security positions.

Q:	What is a security clearance?
A:	A security clearance is an administrative determination based upon the results of an investigation that an individual is trustworthy and may be granted access to classified national security information.

Q:

Why are you going to investigate me? I'm only applying for an entry-level job and I don't need a security clearance.

A:

Suitability is always a consideration for federal employment. All individuals employed by the federal government shall be reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and of complete and unswerving loyalty to the United States. This means that the appointment of each employee in any department or agency of the government is subject to investigation. The scope of the investigation will vary, depending on the nature of the position and the degree of harm that an individual in that position could cause.