Canada Border Services Agency is Hiring — Jobs That Pay Over $80,000 a Year

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is looking for Border Services Officers. Do you want a career with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that can pay a salary of $100,000 or more? The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) offers Border Services Officer positions. The salary range can go above $100,000. In a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Border Services Officer role you will help with trade and travel. You will stop banned goods and people who cannot enter Canada. We have watched the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) keep our borders safe. We think the Border Services Officer role matters. CBSA is looking to hire people to work at various locations in Canada, which include small and remote locations.

CBSA border services officer Canada job 2026
CBSA Border Services Officers protect Canada’s borders at over 1,200 points of service across the country

Duties : CBSA border officer 

A BSO is the perfect career for anyone who wants to serve their country and be challenged every day. No two days are alike and continuous learning is part of the job. BSOs contribute to the fight against terrorism, crime, illegal immigration and the illegal wildlife trade 

Work with and support other government departments to protect the safety of Canada’s resources.CBSA is responsible for enforcing more than 100 acts and regulations that help keep Canadians safe. 

Collect duties and taxes on imported commodities,protect Canadians, the environment and industry by preventing narcotics, weapons and firearms, obscene materials and other prohibited goods from entering Canada,assist to protect against human, animal and plant diseases

BSOs pride themselves on customer service, working to support a strong economy with sustainable and economic growth, and safeguarding the border to create safer communities. 

Officers handle immigration and customs enforcement tasks.They assess the credibility of individuals entering Canada. Moreover, officers collect and analyze data related to border activities.They may also collaborate with other government agencies. Communication skills play a significant role in their tasks.

Working Environment : CBSA border officer  

BSOs work at 1,200 points of service across the country, including highway crossings, airports, marine terminals, rail ports and postal facilities. They may need to work in adverse weather conditions and at high volume points of service.

BSOs must also:

  • be willing to relocate anywhere in Canada including rural, remote and isolated areas
  • be willing to work overtime
  • be willing to work shifts on rotations, including weekends and statutory holidays
  • wear and maintain a uniform
  • have a valid unrestricted driver’s license and be willing to operate a government vehicle
  • be willing to travel, domestically and internationally as required
  • carry, use and maintain CBSA-issued defensive equipment
  • Officers usually work in fast-paced environments at ports of entry.
  • They may face challenging situations daily.
CBSA working environment border officer Canada
BSOs work at airports, highway crossings, marine terminals and rail ports across Canada

Qualifications :  To become a CBSA border officer

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.

  1. Age minimum

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

  1. Citizenship status

You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

  1. Education

You must have a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalent.However, post-secondary education in law enforcement can be beneficial.

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

  1. 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)
The CBSA will not accept:
a license with provincial graduated licensing restrictions
a probationary driver’s license
an expired driver’s license

  1. Work location

We want to remind you that you must be prepared to work in Canada. All border services officer positions have a condition of employment. That condition is that a border services officer must accept a posting in Canada.The CBSA will try to align your placement to your preferences, but this may not always be possible.

Candidates must also complete a rigorous training program. Physical fitness and mental resilience are essential for this role. Applicants must be prepared to work anywhere in Canada, the CBSA added.

CBSA border officer qualifications requirements Canada
Applicants must meet all 5 prerequisites before applying for a CBSA Border Services Officer position

What makes a good border services officer

BSOs are federal public servants who must always demonstrate:

  • respect
  • courtesy
  • fair application of the law

A BSO is part of a team that upholds the safety and security of Canada and Canadians.

  • Behaviours, abilities and skills a BSO needs to do their jobs include:
  • analytical thinking, judgement and decisiveness
  • client service orientation and effective communications skills
  • personal values, ethics and integrity
  • managing difficult and stressful situations
  • good writing skills

Trainee program selection process is open

The CBSA’s border officer trainee developmental program selection process is open.

While attending the Canada Border Services College — the agency’s primary training centre — border services officer trainees will receive paid accommodations and meals, plus an allowance to cover basic living expenses.

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.

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.

Salary : CBSA border officer

While attending the Canada Border Services College you will receive paid accommodations and meals, and an allowance to cover basic living expenses.The annual salary for a border officer trainee is $78,769 to $87,708.To become a border services officer, an employee must successfully complete a development program at an assigned port of entry. 

Upon successful completion of the development program at an assigned port of entry, you will become a border services officer. Your annual salary will increase to $85,211 to $101,058. You might also be entitled to a bilingual bonus if you occupy a bilingual position.

CBSA border officer salary Canada 2026
CBSA Border Services Officers can earn between $85,211 and $101,058 per year after completing training

Career opportunities : CBSA

Some of the career opportunities at the CBSA.

  1. Border services officer
  2. Superintendent
  3. Dog handler
  4. Trainer

Superintendent

A CBSA superintendent is responsible for managing staff and overseeing the Nexus unit, which expedites border crossings for pre-approved, low-risk travellers.

This job can earn between $91,000 to $98,000 annually, depending on experience, location and specific job requirements. 

Dog handler

A CBSA dog handler, who is also a border services officer, works with a canine unit to search for common drugs, including fentanyl. 

A dog handler can expect to earn $78,769 to $101,058 per year.

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 .

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