If you’re on the hunt for a new job, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) may have just the opportunity for you.
The federal agency responsible for managing the country’s borders recently extended recruitment for its Border Services Officer Trainee Program to Feb. 27, 2026.
Hopeful applicants can submit their applications to the CBSA system for further evaluation and “apply for a career on Canada’s front line.”
What is the CBSA Border Services Officer Trainee Program?
“Border Service Officers (BSOs) across Canada facilitate legitimate trade and travel while preventing prohibited goods and inadmissible people from entering the country,” states the CBSA.
According to the agency, when candidates apply to this selection process, they aren’t applying for a specific job but rather an “inventory of future vacancies.”
When positions become available, applicants who meet the CBSA’s qualifications may be contacted for further assessment.
Applications will be kept in the agency’s inventory for three months, and applicants will be notified before they expire. They can then renew their application so that it stays active.
What to expect
The CBSA says that the pay for positions it’s hiring for ranges between $80,344 to $89,462.
Career opportunities could include positions at various ports of entry across the country, including those located in smaller communities.
“Some of the ports of entry (POE) being staffed are located in small and remote locations,” explains the CBSA. “These POEs offer many benefits and unique experiences in addition to a dynamic and rewarding career as a BSO.”
After the assessment process, candidates will have to complete the Officer Induction Training Program (OITP). From there, successful recruits will continue as BSO trainees in the Officer Induction Development Program (OID Program).
Following the OID program, candidates will finally become qualified BSOs.
The OTIP includes four weeks of facilitated distance online learning and 14 weeks of in-residence training at the Canada Border Services College in Rigaud, Quebec.
Who can apply
Persons residing in Canada, Canadian citizens, and Permanent residents abroad are welcome to apply to the developmental program.
The CBSA says it will prioritize assessment for candidates from these groups:
- Candidates who self-declare as belonging to one or more employment equity groups (Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women)
- Candidates who express their willingness to work at a small, remote, or difficult-to-staff ports of entry
- Candidates who have recent experience as a Student Border Services Officer (SBSO)
- Candidates who wish to be considered for a bilingual position (French and English only)
Some criteria will be applied or assessed at a later date, such as essential education or previous experience.
Some asset qualifications, such as experience working in a law enforcement environment, experience de-escalating “difficult” situations, or previous work experience with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), may also be needed for particular jobs.
Full information about qualifications can be found on the recruitment page.
CBSA conditions of employment
The agency has a number of employment conditions applicants should be aware of, including working various shifts, travelling, undergoing medical exams and accepting an assigned posting anywhere in Canada.
The assessment process also includes the successful completion of an officer trainee entrance exam, presenting valid documentation, a psychological assessment and security clearance, among other qualifications.
How to apply
Applications for the developmental program are currently being accepted online, and the closing date is Feb. 27, 2026, meaning hopeful candidates have time to get applications in.
Be sure to read all of the CBSA’s instructions and information on the application process before applying.
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