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 must meet all 5 of the following prerequisites when you apply. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) may ask for proof at any time. If you cannot provide proof when requested, your candidacy will be withdrawn. You will need to wait for a full year before reapplying.

Age minimum

You must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit to apply.

Citizenship status

You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

Education

You must have a Canadian 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 have a valid, unrestricted Canadian driver's licence. This means:

• you can drive a motor vehicle in Canada (corrective lenses are permitted)
• you hold at least a class 5, 5F or G (depending on the province of residence)

Important: The CBSA will not accept:

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

Work location

You must be prepared to work anywhere in Canada. All border services officer positions include as a condition of employment that officers must accept a position anywhere in Canada.

The CBSA will try to align your placement to your preferences, but this may not always be possible.

Personal decision

When you apply for the CBSA Officer Trainee Developmental Program, you are committing to accept a posting anywhere in Canada. This may include rural and remote areas.

The CBSA will make an effort to place candidates where they wish if they express a willingness to work at a specific small, remote, or difficult-to-staff port of entry.

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 right for you.

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

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.

Some positions may be open for a short period, so check regularly if you are not subscribed .