43203

Border services, customs, and immigration officers

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Education, law, social & government services

4 › 43 › 432 › 4320

Definition

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.

Main duties

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.

Example job titles

•border services officer (BSO)
•customs inspector
•customs officer
•immigration agent - government services
•immigration examining officer

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, unit group 43203 encompasses Border services, customs, and immigration officers. These professionals are primarily employed by federal government departments and agencies, including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They play a critical role in national security and economic integrity by administering and enforcing federal laws and regulations governing immigration, customs, and border control.

Key duties under NOC 43203 include inspecting luggage, cargo, and vehicles entering the country, questioning travellers to determine admissibility, and assessing customs duties and taxes. Officers are also responsible for issuing permits and visas, processing immigration applications, conducting investigations, and detaining individuals who violate border laws. To qualify for these positions, candidates typically require a university degree or college diploma, alongside the successful completion of specialized governmental training programs, physical tests, and comprehensive security clearances.

For foreign nationals and prospective applicants, it is important to note that many positions under NOC 43203 are legally restricted to Canadian citizens or permanent residents due to federal public service employment and security requirements. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal or immigration advice. For official guidelines, always refer directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the official ESDC NOC database.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.