
Military Spouses
If you're a military spouse, you may be eligible to apply using a non-competitive process designed to help you get a job in the federal government.
Military Spouse Noncompetitive Appointing Authority
The Military Spouse Noncompetitive Appointing Authority allows CBP to appoint certain military spouses without using traditional competitive examining procedures. CBP can choose to use this authority when filling competitive service positions on a temporary term, or permanent basis. The authority does not entitle spouses to an appointment over any other applicant– it is used at the discretion of CBP.

Eligibility
Your eligibility does not entitle you to a job within CBP. You must still meet qualification requirements, go through the selection process and meet any additional requirements, such as a background investigation.
You are eligible if you are a:
- Spouse of a service member with a 100% service-related disability
- Widow/widower of a service member who was killed on active duty
- Active duty spouse (including Coast Guard or full-time National Guard)
You are no longer eligible if you remarry.
You must meet certain criteria for each of these eligibility categories. Learn more about the specific criteria for military spouses.
How to Apply
To begin your application process, submit your application on USAJOBS. After you submit your application, go back to the application section of your USAJOBS account and make sure we have received your application. Your application status would say you applied with the date you submitted your application if it went through. If you are not ready to apply at this time, but would like to learn more about CBP positions open to military spouses, please contact CBP's Veterans Employment Program Manager.
The CBP Hiring Center will review your application to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications and determine what grade you qualify for. If your resume and documents do not clearly document how you are qualified, you may be rated ineligible. We highly recommend you review the What Should I Include in My Federal Resume? page on USAJOBS when preparing your resume.
If you are found to be a qualified applicant, then you will go through a series of steps in the application process.
Visit our Apply Now page to start your application today!
Use the search bar to find the position you are looking for. Note that CBP is not always hiring for all positions. If you cannot find the desired position through the search, it is likely that there is no open announcement for the position. You should check again at a later time, or save a USAJOBS search to be notified of when an announcement opens. CBP is not presently hiring for all positions, and the announcement schedule is based on agency needs.
When you find an announcement that interests you, review the announcement for important information about who may apply, job qualifications, duties, position requirements, salary and duty location. Use this information to decide if your interests, education and experience are a right match for the job. Be sure to take note of the Human Resources contact listed on the job announcement. If you have any questions during or after the open period, you will need to have this contact information.
When you find an announcement that interests you, review the announcement for important information about who may apply, job qualifications, duties, position requirements, salary and duty location. Use this information to decide if your interests, education and experience are a right match for the job. Be sure to take note of the Human Resources contact listed on the job announcement. If you have any questions during or after the open period, you will need to have this contact information.
Ensure the work experience on your resume clearly documents your experience as it relates to the job announcement (Qualifications). If your resume and/or supporting documents do not clearly document how you are qualified, you may be rated ineligible.
Required Documentation
At the time of application, to verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit a copy of
- Active duty orders for your spouse or other documentation from the military showing that your spouse is on active duty (i.e., active duty orders, PCS orders, statement of service, military ID); and,
- Documentation verifying marriage (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
At the time of application, to verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit
- Documentation showing your spouse was released or discharged from active duty due to a service-connected disability or discharged due to death;
- Documentation showing your spouse retired, or was released or discharged from active duty, with a disability rating of 100 percent, or killed while serving on active duty;
- Documentation verifying marriage (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage); and,
- A statement certifying that you are the un-remarried widow or widower of the service member (if applicable).
If you are selected, you may be required to submit additional documentation to verify eligibility.
You must submit all required documents by the closing date of the announcement with your application package.
Review your documents prior to and after uploading. Your documents must clearly document your qualifications for the job announcement.