Border Force officer

Border Force officers protect UK border entry points like ports and airports, by enforcing immigration and customs regulations.
Salary range: £23,000 gto £31,000
How to become a Border Force officer
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working your way up
- applying directly
- a graduate training scheme
Apprenticeship
You could do a public service operational delivery advanced apprenticeship with the Civil Service.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you’ll need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
More information
Work
You could join the Civil Service as a Border Force assistant officer, then apply for an officer post when vacancies become available.
To do this, you’ll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.
Direct application
You could apply directly to become a Border Force officer. To enter at officer level, you may need at least 2 A levels at grade E or above, or equivalent qualifications.
Other routes
You can apply through the Civil Service Fast Stream if you have a degree.
More information
Further information
You can find out more about working as a Border Force officer from Border Force and Civil Service Careers.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of public safety and security
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of English language
- customer service skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need to:
- be a UK citizen
- have lived in the UK for the last 5 years
- pass enhanced background checks
- pass security checks
- pass a medical check
- have a good level of fitness
- have a full driving licence
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- check travel documents and passports
- question passengers about their reasons for visiting the UK
- search people, luggage and vehicles
- write case notes
- work with the police and immigration officials on operations
- attend court as a witness
Working environment
You could work at a border post.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
You’ll get continuous training during your first 6 to 12 months. Once you’ve passed your probationary period, you’ll have the full responsibilities of a Border Force officer.
With experience you could become a team leader, or move into a management position. You could also use your skills to train and work with new staff.
You may also be able to apply for roles in other departments of the Home Office or Civil Service.
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