The Canadian government organizes a security screening process that all immigrants must undergo. In this process, a thorough background check is done to ensure that the applicant does not pose any threat to society. So, before you arrive, Canadian immigration officials will conduct a background check to decide on your application for admission into the country. 

The federal bodies work jointly to do immigration & citizenship safety/ security screenings: 

  • CSIS, i.e., Canadian Security Intelligence Services 
  • CBSA, i.e., Canada Border Services Agency 
  • IRCC, i.e., Immigration Refugees & Citizenship Canada

 

Canadian Security Intelligence Services 

In the security screening process, the CSIS’s role is to check your background for any kind of activities that could pose a risk to the country’s security. In addition, this federal body reports the same to the Canadian government. 

Section 14 of the CSIS Act authorizes CSIS to collect data regarding security/ criminal activity which is relevant to duty under IRPA. In addition, Section 15 of the act gives authority to CSIS to conduct security screenings for applicants seeking to immigrate to Canada via IRCC. 

Furthermore, Section 34 of the act deals with inadmissibility based on security. This section states that a permanent inhabitant or international applicant is inadmissible to the country on security grounds for: 

  • Engaging in an act of espionage which is against the interests of the country
  • Engaging in/ instigating the subversion of the government’s force
  • Associated with terrorism in any way
  • Engaging in a subversion act against a democratic government, institution, & process
  • Being a danger to Canadian society 
  • Engaging in acts of violence that might put the lives of other people at risk

 

Typically, the security screening process takes place to discover applicants who are or have been engaged in terrorism, espionage, subversion, etc. 

 

Canada Border Services Agency 

The CBSA offers integrated border services to support national security & public safety priorities. Their responsibilities consist of the following:

  • Detaining individuals who might pose a threat to the country
  • Removing people who are inadmissible to Canada 
  • Investigating individuals who violate IRPA or are suspected as criminals 

 

The CBSA also screens visitors, refugees, as well as immigrants who seek admission to Canada. In addition, this federal body performs background checks on anyone 18 years of age and above who applies for immigration or claims to have refugee status. 

 

Immigration, Refugees, & Citizenship Canada 

IRCC closely works with these federal bodies to carry out the screening process. Moreover, it works with CSIS & CBSA, who have access to international databases, thus enforcing a provision of IRPA & determining immigration admissibility. 

CSIS & CBSA do not decide on immigration applications. Instead, their security assessment is offered to IRCC, which independently reviews the findings of CSIS, thus making final decisions on the applications. 

 

What Do You Need To Provide For The Security Screening Process? 

The security & background clearance checks require information & documents from the candidates, like: 

  • Biometrics 
  • Medical examination result 
  • A valid passport
  • A police clearance certificate 

 

As a candidate, you must submit a Police Clearance Certificate. This certificate must be acquired from the country of your present residence as well as from the country in which you have lived for more than six months since your 18th birthday. 

However, it is vital to note that there is a clear distinction between the certificates you must obtain and the security clearance, wherein you are not actively involved for most of the part.