The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Government Security Screening program investigates and provides security assessments on persons whose employment with the Government of Canada requires them to have lawful access to classified information or sensitive sites, such as major ports, airports, nuclear facilities or the Parliamentary Precinct.
There are four levels of security clearances, each of which requires an assessment by CSIS in order to obtain:
- Site Access,
- Secret (Level II),
- Top Secret (Level III),
- Enhanced Top Secret (Level III)
In addition to completing security clearance assessments, CSIS also:
- Assists the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with the accreditation process for Canadians and foreign nationals seeking access or participating in major events in Canada such as Olympic events, international summits and foreign visits.
- Provides security assessments to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) with regard to drivers who apply for membership under the Canada-US Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program; and
- Through reciprocal screening agreements, provides assessments to foreign governments, agencies and international organizations, such as NATO, with regard to Canadians seeking to work in sensitive positions abroad.
The Federal Accountability Act gives departments and agencies the exclusive responsibility to initiate, grant, deny, revoke or suspend security clearances or site access clearances. A CSIS security assessment is only one element of the security screening process undertaken by a department or agency. Enquiries on the status of a security clearance application should be directed to the sponsoring department or agency.
Obtain the status of a security clearance application
Enquiries on the status of a security clearance application should be directed to the sponsoring department or agency’s Departmental Security Officer (DSO).
Under the Privacy Act, individuals have the right to access personal information about themselves held by government institutions. Therefore, individuals may request records relating to the status of their security clearance applications by visiting the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) site.
It should be noted that the role of the CSIS ATIP section is limited to the processing of records. It has no authority to intercede in the processing of security screening applications.
Forms
FAQs
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Government Security Screening program investigates and provides security assessments on persons whose employment with the Government of Canada requires them to have lawful access to classified information or sensitive sites, such as major ports, airports, nuclear ...
What are the 5 levels of security clearance in Canada? ›
- Protected A. Injury to an. individual, organization or.
- Protected B. Serious injury to. an individual, organization or.
- Protected C. Extremely grave. injury to an individual, organization or.
- Confidential. Injury to the. national interest. Secret.
- Top Secret. Exceptionally grave. injury to the national. interest.
This comprehensive process examines your criminal record, credit history, and other personal details to confirm you “demonstrate suitability and reliability throughout the assessment process” [1]. You must receive security clearance before you can begin working.
How do I get priority security screening in Canada? ›
Priority security screening is available to guests purchasing a Business or Premium fare, departing from the participating airports below. Present your boarding pass at security to be directed to the priority lane should it be available.
How long does it take to get a background check in Canada? ›
A background check in Canada typically takes between one to two weeks to be completed. Depending on the type of check, certain agencies may require specific processing times and documents.
What is security screening IRCC? ›
The government of Canada requires all immigration applicants to undergo a security screening, which is a thorough background check to ensure that you do not pose a threat to Canadian society.
What can make you fail a security clearance in Canada? ›
What Do Authorities Look At? Security assessments fall under one of two categories for resident Canadians: Government Screening, and Sensitive Sites Screening. A lower-level clearance may involve a background check into your education, job history, criminal record, credit history and residences.
What disqualifies you from a security clearance? ›
Full disclosure is paramount when applying for security clearances. Be honest about your background, including any potential disqualifiers such as criminal history, drug use, financial issues, or foreign associations. Attempting to conceal information or providing false details can lead to automatic disqualification.
What is the hardest security clearance to get? ›
Top secret clearance: This type of security clearance is the most restrictive and provides access to information that can cause grave damage to national security if disclosed without authorization. Must be reinvestigated for continued eligibility every five years.
Do they do a background check when entering Canada? ›
Canadian Immigration Background Check Procedures
During this screening, border officers may deny entry for various past convictions. Some of the most common offenses that lead to criminal inadmissibility include reckless driving, impaired driving or DUI conviction, and marijuana possession.
Our process
- Receive a conditional offer of employment. ...
- Complete Standard Form 86 (SF-86) ...
- Take a polygraph. ...
- Get a psychological or medical evaluation. ...
- Perform credit check and National Agency Check (NAC) ...
- Conduct background investigation. ...
- Adjudicate and final job offer.
Can a non-Canadian citizen or resident request a Canadian security clearance? It is possible; however, they must come from a country that has a bilateral relationship with Canada. Such countries might include Great Britain, United States, Australia and New Zealand.
How long does security screening take in Canada? ›
How Long Does It Take? It can take anywhere from 2 weeks for a Reliability Status check and a minimum of 6 months up to 2 years or longer for Secret or Top-Secret Clearance.
How do I get an enhanced security clearance in Canada? ›
For all security screening requests (reliability status, enhanced reliability, secret, or top secret), complete and submit the Personnel screening, consent and authorization form upon receiving an invitation from a CBSA hiring official. Make sure to review What you need before you start.
What are the levels of security screening in Canada? ›
There are three levels of security screening: Reliability Status, Secret Clearance, and Top Secret Clearance. Whenever the terms “status” or “clearance” are used, they encompass both standard and enhanced screening, unless otherwise specified.
How much does a security screener earn in Canada? ›
Average UPS Security Screener hourly pay in Canada is approximately $16.96, which is 6% below the national average.
What is Canada's version of TSA? ›
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is a Crown corporation responsible for the effective and efficient screening of persons who access aircraft or restricted areas of airports through screening points, the property in their possession or control, and the belongings or baggage that they give to an air ...
Who is eligible for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service? ›
Meet CSIS minimum requirements
Be a citizen of Canada. Possess 10 years of verifiable information about your identity, such as proof of previous addresses or financial transactions. Possess a valid Canadian permanent driver's license. Be willing to relocate to Ottawa to work at the corporate headquarters.
How does the Canadian Embassy do a background check? ›
The Canadian government uses the information provided in the immigration application to search national and international criminal databases. These databases contain information on criminal convictions, outstanding arrest warrants, and other relevant details.
