Most CBSA career content focuses on getting in. But officers also leave — for other careers, for retirement, for personal reasons, or for transfers to other federal departments. Resignation from CBSA isn’t complicated, but there are formal steps you need to follow, and several decisions that affect your pension, benefits, and re-employment rights if you ever want to come back.
Providing Written Notice of Resignation
CBSA officers resign by submitting written notice to their supervisor and HR. The collective agreement sets the minimum notice period — typically four weeks for indeterminate (permanent) employees, though shorter notice can be negotiated in specific circumstances. Officers on probation or term contracts should check their specific terms, as the notice rules differ from indeterminate employees.
Your resignation letter should include:
- Your full name and employee number
- The position you’re resigning from and your classification level
- Your effective last day of work
- A brief statement of resignation (you are not required to give reasons)
Submit it through your HR portal and keep a copy for your records. Verbal notice to your supervisor is not sufficient — the resignation must be in writing.
Returning Equipment and Credentials
On or before your last day, you must return all government-issued equipment and credentials, including:
- Firearm and duty belt — Your issued duty weapon, magazines, holster, and ammunition
- Body armour and uniform items — Vests, uniforms, outer carriers
- Identification and credentials — CBSA photo ID, peace officer credentials, building access cards
- Electronic equipment — Laptop, phone, tablet, and any peripherals issued to you
- Physical keys and fobs — Office keys, vehicle keys, parking passes
Failing to return any item triggers a formal recovery process and may delay the processing of your final pay and pension paperwork. Make a checklist in advance and confirm each return with your supervisor in writing.
Pension Entitlements on Resignation
Your CBSA pension entitlement depends on your years of service and whether you resign, retire, or transfer to another federal employer:
- Less than 2 years of service — You are entitled to a return of your pension contributions with interest, but no ongoing pension benefit.
- 2 or more years of service — You are entitled to either a deferred pension payable at retirement age, or a transfer value (a lump sum representing the commuted value of your pension).
- Transfer to another federal employer — If you move to another department covered by the Public Service Pension Plan, your pensionable service transfers with you continuously.
- Transfer to certain other employers — Reciprocal transfer agreements exist with some municipal police forces and provincial employers — your pension credits may transfer under those agreements.
Resigning before reaching your age-and-service threshold for an unreduced pension means you will receive either a reduced pension or a deferred pension payable later. Contact the Pension Centre before you resign to understand exactly what your options are for your specific situation.
Leave Payouts and Final Pay
When you resign, accumulated leave is paid out as follows:
- Vacation leave — All earned and unused vacation credits are paid out in cash as part of your final pay.
- Sick leave — Sick leave credits have no cash value and are forfeited on resignation.
- Compensatory leave and overtime banks — Any earned overtime or comp credits are paid out.
Final pay typically takes one or two pay cycles to fully reconcile, especially if you had recent overtime or acting pay. Stay in contact with your HR pay advisor after your last day to confirm your final statement of earnings.
Security Clearance Revocation
Your Secret security clearance is automatically revoked on your last day of employment. You are still bound by the Security of Information Act and the oath of confidentiality you signed at hire — these obligations continue indefinitely after you leave. Sharing protected or classified information you obtained during your CBSA employment remains a criminal offense regardless of your departure.
Re-Employment Rights
If you resign in good standing, you remain eligible to apply to future CBSA competitions and other federal public service jobs. Your previous service may count toward certain benefits (such as vacation accrual rates) if you are re-hired, but each case is evaluated based on the specific terms of your departure and re-employment. Officers terminated for cause face stricter re-employment restrictions.
Resignation vs Retirement — Know the Difference
The process differs depending on whether you resign or formally retire:
- Retirement — Initiated when you reach pension eligibility. You receive an ongoing pension, continued access to retiree health benefits, and a formal retirement package.
- Resignation — Initiated at any point. You receive leave payouts and your pension entitlement is calculated based on your service and age at resignation.
Officers near retirement age should consult the Pension Centre before resigning to confirm whether they qualify for formal retirement benefits instead — the financial difference can be significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice do I need to give when resigning from CBSA?
Indeterminate employees typically give four weeks, per the collective agreement. Check your specific terms as probationary and term employees may have different notice requirements.
What happens to my CBSA pension if I resign before retirement age?
With 2+ years of service, you can take a deferred pension payable later or a transfer value (lump sum). With less than 2 years, you get a return of contributions with interest.
Do I get paid for unused sick leave when I resign?
No. Sick leave has no cash value and is forfeited on resignation. Unused vacation leave is paid out.
Can I come back to CBSA after resigning?
If you resigned in good standing, you remain eligible to apply to future competitions. Re-hired employees may have some prior service counted toward benefits, depending on the terms of departure.
For official information, see the Treasury Board Pension Plan page and your CIU collective agreement.
