Apply for a security screening: Step 3. Get ready to apply
Before you apply, a CBSA hiring official will send you an email that confirms:
- the required screening level associated with your position number
- the type of request (new, supplemental, transfer, update or upgrade)
The online application form does not allow you to save your progress. To save time and prevent your application from timing out, we recommend preparing the information requested in the Security Screening Application and Consent Form (TBS/SCT 330-61E). It includes the same questions as the online form, and will help you gather the necessary information.
What you will need
Have all of the following information ready before you apply.
Place of residence and work history
When completing a security screening, you will need to provide a full history with no gaps:
- Reliability status and site access screening: 5 years of address and work history
- Secret or top secret screening (including enhanced positions): 10 years of address and work history
The system counts by month, not by individual days, so every month must be covered without any missing time. For example:
- residence 1: to
- residence 2: to
Time spent outside Canada
As part of your online application, you will need to answer questions on your time spent living or travelling outside of Canada:
- for 6 consecutive months during the last 5 years - reliability status
- for 6 consecutive months during the last 10 years - secret and top secret clearance
If you did live or travel outside Canada for 6 months or more, you will be redirected to a questionnaire that asks for information on:
- the place(s) you lived or visited, with mailing address(es)
- the period(s) of time you spent abroad, with "from" and "to" dates
- the reasons for your residency and/or travel
- names and citizenship of people you stayed or travelled with
- your activities abroad, including work or school
Canadian citizenship
To apply for top secret, enhanced reliability plus top secret or enhanced top secret, you must be a Canadian citizen. Proof of citizenship is required.
Page details
- Date modified: