Lamin

I am still looking at my options for a second career and CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) has been suggested to me. In my line of work I have met a couple and had a quick chat. They all seem very positive has any expats out there joined them or had dealings with them they would like to share?

Thanks in advance.

Aviator

Are you a Canadian citizen, if not it won't be easy to get in. Federal Govt. is pretty much a closed shop it seems, even for those with PR. If you have not seen them already, these are the requirements
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/job-emplo...-exig-eng.html

scrubbedexpat091

Its a good job, but you need citizenship. You wont get in without it.

Aviator

You might get in, but preference is given to CDN citizens.

Simon Legree

Is citizenship a requirement or isn't it ? Or is it just Canadian citizens preferred ?

Aviator

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens. So it's not required.

dinger24

Not to sure about this one but I was under the illusion that to qualify for firearms then you must have PR status? I am sure that there are a few Police officers on here who would clear this up?
It does state preference to Canadian Citizens so I would assume that you would need to show that bit extra. Do you have fire arms experience? ex forces?
I have to admit it does seem an interesting Job

Souvy

Same difference. Regardless of what the job ad might say, there is little or no chance of getting past first base if you are not a citizen.

Think about it. These people are the first line of defence. I may be a bit cynical, there, but some jobs really should not be available to immigrants, in any country.

Bill_S

I suspect this is correct.

It's probably hard to get past first base without fluent French, as well.

R I C H

I once knew a girl with the same attitude

Souvy

No. There are unilingual border agents. There are signs above their desks indicating the language offered. Service in either official language must be offered by any federal government outfit. It doesn't have to be offered by every person.

Bill_S

Interesting. I'd have thought being unilingual would be a hinderance to getting a federal job.

G77

That's right - here in Windsor, only 1 lane at the crossings is dedicated as bilingual, though occasionally they say "bonjour/hello" at the non dedicated lanes.

Steve_P

I tend to agree with you on this point.

Way back in 1972 when I was going through the process of getting hired to be an Air Traffic Controller (a position that required the signing of the official secrets act), it was made abundantly clear that I stood no chance if I was not a Canadian citizen.

Souvy

No. It's position-specific and location-specific. Even in these parts, I know of unilingual federal employees. Not very senior ones, it has to be said.