What Does a Canadian Border Services Agency Officer Do?

Currently employing a task force of over 14000 officers, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) hires and trains individuals to protect our country’s borders. The CBSA is a federal border and immigration control agency formed in the year 2001. Since its inception, the agency has been tasked with the responsibility of invigilating and regulating the movement of people and commodities on 117 land crossings situated across Canada’s border.

A CBSA officer is a crucial part of this agency’s operations and takes care of several other responsibilities beyond constant border vigilance. A Canadian border services agency officer needs to understand the nuances associated with this country’s immigration legislation, prevent the illegal flow of commodities across the border and aid the passage of citizens traveling across the country.

Here’s a closer look at the responsibilities of a Canadian border services agency officer:

Secures The Borders

A Canadian border services agency officer plays a significant role in securing the borders of the country and reducing the threat of terrorism and crime. Very few immigrants entering Canada escape thorough screening from a CBSA officer. This is evident by the fact that most illegal immigrants residing in the country fall under the category of refugee claimants awaiting the approval for their citizenship. Since most land routes towards Canada are shrouded in the wilderness, a CBSA officer has to work consistently towards securing the borders of this country.

Facilitates Trade

CBSA specifies that an officer in its employ is obligated to fulfill the following duties to facilitate trade:

• Interdicting commodities that are deemed illegal

• Protecting the safety of this country’s resources including its plants and animals

• Enforcing remedies that prevent the entry of sub-standard goods that adversely affect this country’s industrial growth

• Promoting economic growth by implementing trade policies that benefit the country’s commerce

• Collecting taxes that are considered mandatory on imported commodities.

Assists Migrators

One of the key responsibilities of a CBSA officer is promoting the country’s welfare among international forums and establishments. This includes providing a fair and inclusive system of redress for any offenses that may be committed during the trade of commodities across the border.

Enforces Border Legislation

A CBSA officer serves a vital role in implementing Canada’s immigration legislation. These officers are well-versed with the mandates established by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration of Canada. He/she enforces these provisions to screen individuals crossing the border and prevent the entry of goods and personnel prohibited by the law.

How to Become a Canadian Border Service Agency Officer

Becoming a Canadian border service agency officer is the perfect opportunity for anyone who wishes to serve their country and tackle a new challenge every single day. A CBCA officer’s job is gratifying yet challenging at the same time. Though there are several criteria for selection, the main one is clearing a standardized test for the same. However, with diplomas like Columbia College’s Justice and Public Safety program, you can accelerate this process and even be exempt from writing the test.

Visit our website to apply for the diploma or consult our experts to guide you through the entire process.