Find out if you qualify to become a border services officer

Before you apply, there are a few things you need to know about the selection process.

Prerequisites

You must meet all 5 requirements when you apply. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can ask for proof at any time. If you cannot provide proof, you will be removed from the selection process.

Age

You must be at least 18 years old before you can start the Officer Induction Training Program. There is no maximum age limit.

Eligibility

Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and permanent residents abroad can apply.
The CBSA gives hiring preference to eligible veterans, Canadian citizens and permanent residents over other candidates who are eligible to work in Canada.

Refer to the Spotlight on Preference for Appointment for more information on preference for appointment in externally advertised appointment processes.

Work location

You must be willing to work anywhere in Canada.

While we try to consider your location preferences, you must accept a position wherever we need you most as a condition of employment.

Education

You must have a secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalent.^{Footnote 1}

Important: The CBSA will not consider any combination of education, training and experience as an alternative to this prerequisite.

Driver's licence

You must hold a valid, unrestricted driver's licence which permits you to legally drive in Canada (such as a Class 5, 5F or G, depending on the province of residence)
Your licence must allow you to drive unsupervised at any time, on any road, with as many passengers as there are seat belts (corrective lenses are permitted)

Important: The CBSA will not accept:

a license with provincial graduated licensing restrictions
a probationary driver's license
an expired driver's license

Personal decision

This career can take you across the country, offering unique experiences and opportunities in different communities throughout your journey. As a national organization with points of entry located in urban, rural and remote communities, you must be willing to accept a duty placement anywhere in the country. Your assigned location will determine your invitation to training and may take you somewhere new. The duty placement process determines your initial posting. This process is transparent, unbiased and equal.

Consult the Directory of CBSA Offices for information on potential postings.

Security screening questionnaire

The CBSA must ensure all candidates meet the security level required to become a border services officer.

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

Take the questionnaire

Select all checkboxes that apply.

Do you have a criminal record and/or charges pending with any law enforcement agency?
Have you ever been investigated by a law enforcement agency?
Have you used, handled, trafficked, imported or exported any illegal drugs?
Have you ever had a seizure action or any other border related infraction in Canada, USA or any other country?
Have you ever been involved in illegal online activities?
Do you associate with anyone who you know is, or is suspected of being involved in illegal activities?
Have you ever had your employment terminated, suspended and/or have you ever been asked to resign from any previous employment due to illegal or unethical activities?
Is there anything in your past or present that could make you susceptible to be subjected to blackmail / attempted blackmail, coercion or corruption?

As a law enforcement agency, the CBSA aims to hire candidates that uphold the highest ethics and values standards. If you checked any checkbox, be prepared to discuss it further during an integrity interview.

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

Some positions require you to work in 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

We accept application year-round through our continuous inventory process on the Government of Canada Jobs portal.

Because we receive a high volume of interest, we cannot assess every application. However, if you are interested in a meaningful and rewarding career, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and apply.

Stay updated:

Create an account on the jobs portal
Subscribe to email alerts so you will be notified when a selection process opens

Footnotes

Footnote 1

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
- Visit the Alternatives to education for the Qualification Standards for more information on the Public Service Commission test
A secondary school diploma equivalency granted by a provincial or territorial authority (e.g., Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC))
A college diploma or university degree from a recognized post-secondary institution
- 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 (institutions listed as registered are not recognized by the CBSA)
An official transcript or official letter both with an embossed seal from your institution confirming that you graduated
Foreign education credentials
- 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 and deemed comparable to Canadian standards
- You must provide both the original transcript/diploma, and the foreign education credentials documents

Return to footnote 1 referrer

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Date modified:: 2026-09-09

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