Find out if you qualify to become a border services officer

On this page

• Prerequisites
• Personal decision
• Security screening questionnaire
• Second Language Self-assessment tests
• How to apply

Prerequisites

You are required to possess all prerequisites at the time of application as prerequisite documentation can be requested at any time. Candidates will have a short turnaround to provide their documents once requested. Failure to provide the proof when requested will result in the withdrawal of your candidacy. Should you be interested in reapplying you will need to wait a period of 1 year.

1. Be a minimum of 18 years of age. There is no maximum age limit to apply to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
2. Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
3. Possess a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalent

We accept the following as proof of education:

• A secondary school diploma;
• A satisfactory score on the Public Service Commission test* as an alternative to a secondary school diploma;
• A secondary school diploma equivalency (GED);
• A college diploma or university degree from a recognized post-secondary institution**;
• An official transcript or official letter both with an embossed seal from your institution confirming that you graduated; and;
• Foreign education credentials***.

* Visit the Alternatives to education for the Qualification Standards for more information on the Public Service Commission test.

**Candidates who choose to provide a college diploma or a university degree as a proof of education must ensure that their credentials have been granted by a recognized or authorized post-secondary institution. Please visit the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials website to verify that your post-secondary institution is listed as recognized or authorized. The institutions listed as registered are not recognized by the CBSA.

*** The CBSA recognizes foreign education credentials as long as the credentials have been assessed by a member of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC) and deemed comparable to Canadian standards. You must provide both the original transcript/diploma, and the foreign education credentials documents.

Important note: the CBSA does not consider the following option as an alternative: an acceptable combination of education, training, and/or experience.

4. Possess a valid, unrestricted Canadian driver's licence

A full driver's license*, without restrictions that allows you to drive a motor vehicle in Canada (corrective lenses are excluded from the restrictions).

* Anything below a class 5, 5F or G (depending on the province of residence) will not be accepted.

Important note:
The CBSA cannot accept: a license with provincial graduated licensing restrictions, probationary driver’s licenses and/or expired driver’s license.

5. Must be prepared to work anywhere in Canada

While the CBSA will make significant efforts to align your placement to your preferences, this may not always be possible based on operational needs. You need to fully understand and embrace the commitment you are making.

Although all Border Services Officer positions include the condition of employment of accepting a position anywhere in Canada, the CBSA will endeavour to place candidates who have indicated their willingness to work at a small, remote, or difficult to staff POE at one of their POE(s) of choice.

Personal decision

When you apply for the CBSA Officer Trainee Developmental Program, you need to be aware that you are committing to accept a posting anywhere in Canada. This may include rural and remote areas. You need to fully understand the commitment you are making and embrace the opportunity on a personal and professional level.

The duty placement process determines your initial posting. This process is transparent, unbiased and equal. You may indicate your preference. However, there is a chance you may be assigned to an area of Canada that is new to you.

Please consult the Directory of CBSA Offices for information regarding potential postings.

Security screening questionnaire

The CBSA must ensure that those interested in applying, meet the security level required to become a border services officer.

This test is a personal and preliminary tool that can help you determine if pursuing a spot in the CBSA Officer Trainee Developmental Program is the right choice for you.

Second language self-assessment tests (for bilingual positions only)

Bilingual positions require a working knowledge of both official languages (French and English). To qualify for bilingual positions, you must be able to speak, read, and write in your second official language at the intermediate level (BBB). Get an idea of the level you could obtain when taking the reading comprehension and written expression tests by completing the self-assessment tests.

How to apply

When a selection process opens, apply through Government of Canada Jobs.

Create an account and subscribe to email alerts to be notified when a selection process opens.

Please note these positions may be advertised for a short period, so if you don't subscribe to alerts, check the site often.