The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plays a crucial role in managing and enforcing Canada’s immigration laws. As the agency responsible for border security, CBSA ensures that individuals entering Canada comply with immigration regulations while facilitating the movement of legitimate travelers and goods.
Key Responsibilities of CBSA in Immigration
1. Border Entry and Screening
CBSA officers screen travelers at airports, land borders, and seaports to determine their eligibility to enter Canada. This includes:
- Verifying travel documents such as passports, visas, and Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs).
- Conducting background checks to identify individuals with criminal records or security risks.
- Assessing admissibility based on medical, financial, and legal factors.
2. Enforcement of Immigration Laws
CBSA enforces Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) by:
- Denying entry to inadmissible individuals, including those involved in criminal activity, fraud, or human rights violations.
- Detaining individuals who pose security threats or do not meet entry requirements.
- Executing removal orders for individuals ordered to leave Canada due to legal violations.
3. Refugee and Asylum Claims
CBSA processes refugee claims made at ports of entry and works with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to determine claim eligibility. Officers:
- Assess whether a person qualifies for refugee protection under Canadian and international law.
- Conduct security screenings to prevent fraudulent claims.
- Enforce the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) for claimants arriving from the U.S.
4. Immigration Investigations and Deportations
CBSA investigates cases of:
- Overstaying visas or work permits.
- False declarations or fraudulent immigration applications.
- Human trafficking and illegal border crossings.
If a person is found in violation of immigration laws, CBSA may issue removal orders and oversee their deportation.
5. Citizenship and Permanent Residency Fraud Prevention
CBSA works with IRCC to detect and prevent immigration fraud, including:
- Fake marriages for immigration purposes.
- Misrepresentation of information in permanent residency applications.
- Forged documents or identity fraud.
Importance of CBSA in Canada’s Immigration System
- Protects national security by preventing entry of inadmissible individuals.
- Supports economic growth by facilitating smooth and legal immigration processes.
- Ensures fairness by upholding Canadian immigration laws and human rights obligations.