Overview
Border services, customs, and immigration officers administer and enforce laws and regulations related to immigration, customs and border crossing. They are employed by government agencies.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Border services and customs officers
Conduct interviews, using inspections and information-seeking techniques, at border points as part of primary and secondary inspections for immigration, food, plant and animals, and customs program functions
Inspect baggage to detect undeclared merchandise, or contraband
Inform manufacturers and shippers of customs and laws and procedures
Observe fabrication of articles affected by customs laws and conduct appraisals
Board carriers arriving from foreign countries to determine nature of cargo to ensure compliance with customs and commerce laws
Inspect goods imported by mail
Apply applicable legislation, policies, and procedure when screening and/or inspecting people and goods
May conduct an arrest, detention, or conduct personal search of individuals suspected of having committed a criminal offence under the Customs Act or certain other designated Criminal Code offences until police intervention is possible
Operate firearms and use defensive tactics and physical force when necessary in the performance of duties.
Immigration officers
Determine admissibility of persons seeking entry into Canada by examining documents and conducting interviews
Grant landed-immigrant status, admit persons or order detention or deportation
Locate and apprehend persons presumed to be infringing on immigration laws
Assist in the removal of deported people by seeking authorization from receiving countries and securing necessary travel documents
Appear as a witness in cases related to immigration appeals.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$58,710
$75,082
$117,649
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
246expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is required.
A four-week online training and a four-and-half-month specialized training at the CBSA College are required for border services officers.
Successful pass of the officer trainee entrance exam (OTEE), successful completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CGSC) and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) is required for border services officers.
Additional information
Border services officers must be willing to work anywhere in Canada, including rural and remote areas.
Progression to managerial positions in these fields is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Border services, customs, and immigration officers in B.C.
- Completion of Canada Border Services Agency training program
Completion of Canada Border Services Agency training program
To work as a border services agent in Canada, you need to complete the Canada Border Services Agency training program. Eligibility is achieved by taking an assessment test and, if selected, completing all the program requirements.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.