Quick Answer
After passing all stages of the CBSA hiring process — the OTEE exam, interview, reference checks, security clearance, medical exam, and PAT — candidates receive a formal offer of employment. The offer is conditional until all pre-employment requirements are confirmed. Once accepted, you receive a start date and reporting instructions for OITP training at Rigaud.
What Is a Conditional Offer of Employment?
Most offers extended to CBSA Border Services Officer candidates are initially conditional. This means the offer is valid only if you successfully complete any remaining pre-employment requirements that were not yet finalized when the offer was made.
Common conditions attached to CBSA offers include:
- Successful completion of the Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
- Confirmation of a valid Enhanced Reliability or Secret security clearance
- Passing a medical examination
- Verification of references and academic credentials
- Proof of legal eligibility to work in Canada
Until all conditions are met, the offer can be withdrawn. Once conditions are satisfied, the offer becomes a firm offer of employment.
For context on earlier hiring stages, see the CBSA Hiring Process: Step-by-Step Guide.
What the Offer Letter Includes
A CBSA offer of employment letter will typically contain:
- Position title and classification — e.g., Border Services Officer, FB-02 (trainee)
- Salary — based on the FB pay scale at the time of hire; trainees start at the FB-02 level
- Reporting location — the CBSA College at Rigaud, Quebec for the Officer Induction Training Program
- Start date — the date you are expected to report for OITP
- Terms and conditions — reference to collective agreement provisions, probationary period details, and any relocation support offered
- Acceptance deadline — usually a short window (days to a week) to formally accept
For salary details at the trainee stage, see CBSA BSO Trainee Salary at Rigaud.
Accepting the Offer
To formally accept a CBSA offer of employment, you will generally be required to:
- Sign and return the offer letter by the stated deadline
- Provide any outstanding documentation (e.g., original credential copies, updated ID)
- Complete any remaining onboarding paperwork through the Government of Canada HR systems
- Receive confirmation of your start date and reporting instructions
Once accepted, you will be contacted by your future supervisor or regional HR team with logistics for your first day and OITP start.
What Happens Between Offer and Start Date
The period between accepting the offer and reporting to Rigaud for training can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the cohort schedule. During this time:
- Continue to maintain the fitness level needed to pass the PAT if it has not yet been completed
- Review any pre-reading or preparation material sent by CBSA
- Arrange housing near Rigaud or confirm travel plans if relocating
- Notify your current employer according to your contractual obligations
For what to expect at the training college itself, see CBSA Training at Rigaud College: What to Expect.
Probationary Period After Start
New CBSA officers typically serve a probationary period of 12 months following their start date. During this period:
- Performance is closely monitored
- Officers can be released with limited recourse if performance is unsatisfactory
- Successful completion of OITP is a requirement within the probationary period
See CBSA Probation Period: What New Officers Need to Know for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take from offer to start date?
It varies widely. Some candidates report starting within 4–6 weeks of their final offer; others wait several months for the next available OITP cohort. CBSA runs multiple cohorts per year.
Can I negotiate the salary or posting location in the offer?
CBSA BSO salaries are set by the collective agreement and are not negotiable. Posting preferences can be expressed but are subject to operational requirements — CBSA assigns postings based on need.
What happens if I miss the offer acceptance deadline?
Missing the deadline without notifying CBSA may result in your offer being withdrawn. Contact your recruitment officer immediately if you need more time.
Can I defer my start date after accepting the offer?
Deferrals are generally not guaranteed and depend on operational requirements. You can request a deferral, but CBSA is not obligated to grant one. In most cases, it is better to confirm your availability before accepting.
