Customs Border Services (Law & Security Administration)

Program Highlights

New technologies and responsibilities are at the forefront of current customs and border services activities and procedures. The scope of border operations continues to expand as our economy becomes increasingly tied to the global marketplace. As cross border trade exceeds well over one billion dollars a day, our "smart border" needs to efficiently manage the flow of legitimate trade and travellers as we move toward an environment in which the exchange and use of electronic data between countries, and within Canada, becomes a permanent reality. The result is the continued growth of challenging new career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

To reflect changes in the role and responsibilities, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) now calls its front line law enforcement employees Border Services Officers, rather than Customs Officers. They are trained to function as both a Customs and an Immigration official, depending upon the needs of the port of entry where they are employed. As Canada’s first line of defence, they are also trained and equipped to protect themselves and to ensure our overall safety and well-being.

The Customs Border Services program provides experiential, hands-on learning with real life enforcement tools such as an x-ray machine, travellers’ baggage and a practice automobile, to help prepare you for common enforcement-related activities in the field with the CBSA. Throughout this program you will:

• Learn the role and legislative jurisdiction of Customs, Immigration and Canadian Food Inspection (Border Services), including enforcement techniques and procedures.
• Review Customs legislation, procedures and documentation, and Immigration legislation
• Gain an appreciation for global diversity through additional study of the legislation and regulations relating to other government departments.
• Develop the computer, communications, dispute resolution and critical thinking skills that today's employers are demanding both in the private and public sectors of Customs in Canada.

At the conclusion of your regular courses and curriculum within the program, you will participate in a mandatory field placement (co-op) in a private industry/business, customs brokerage or public agency to gain valuable work experience that often results in an offer of employment if you meet their standards.

University Grad?

Are you a university graduate? You may be eligible for direct entry into second semester of this program and graduate in as little as 12 months. Contact the program co-ordinator for more information.

Why Choose Fleming

Fleming College's Customs program has the most customs specific curriculum offered in Canada. Our graduates are known for their in-depth knowledge of customs laws and regulations, enforcement, and interviewing techniques. They have been trained in the latest technologies and enforcement strategies - techniques that have made the Canadian customs administration a model for many emerging nations. With four semesters of training, Fleming's Customs Administration program is thorough. You'll benefit from the broad-based approach to your education - faculty, placement agencies and business report that students from the Fleming College program are better prepared than those from shorter programs elsewhere.

Common First Semester

Students within the School of Law and Justice diploma programs take the same courses for their first semester after choosing and being accepted into one of our programs. This common focus exposes you to a variety of career options and other programs, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills. It also enables you to change direction if you find another program or career area is more appealing. You can enter that program in semester two, provided that you have achieved academic success in first semester, and subject to enrolment capacity.

Work Experience

As of January 2012, the program is extending the field placement from four weeks to five weeks - enough time to really get into the work you'll experience in your career. Set at the end of your program, this is a wonderful opportunity to put all of your hard work and studies to use - and is a great time to make contacts for future employment.

NOTE: Your field practice will extend beyond the traditional 15-week semester. You must successfully complete all courses before you can go out on placement. Field placement may also be dependent upon a security clearance. Therefore, having a criminal record may prevent you from finishing your entire diploma.

Is this You?

There are a few traits and skills that will help you succeed in this program, and in your eventual career in customs:

• excellent oral and written communication skills
• ability to work independently, self-disciplined
• sensitivity to different cultures, lifestyles
• empathy and tact
• problem-solving ability
• excellent judgement
• experience working with the public is an asset.
  
   

Career Opportunities

High graduate employment rates in this program mean your chances of finding a job to fit your lifestyle and career goals are excellent.  While many think of a customs career as working in enforcement with the federal government, there are also many other federal government employment opportunities and numerous satisfying opportunities exist within private companies/industries and even within organizations such as customs brokerage firms. Your job titles could include:

• Border Services Officer
• Policy Officer (Junior and Senior)
• Trade Compliance Specialist
• Import Analyst
• Release Classification Analyst
• Customs Co-ordinator/Specialist
• Customs Research Analyst

Fleming College's graduate statistics salaries range from $30,000 - $35,000 for customs brokers, with a range of  $30,000 - $40,000 for those working within private companies. Border Services Officer can currently make a salary in the $51,000 - $68,000 range. Most of these jobs are found in or near city centres such as Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara, London and Windsor.

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students

If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

*Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.

Related Programs

If you haven't yet decided what kind of law enforcement or justice career you'd like to pursue, check out the Security and Risk Management, Law Clerk, or Police Foundations programs.

Additional Costs

Plan on $740 per year for books and supplies.

Transfer Agreements

• Athabasca University
• Royal Roads University - Victoria, B.C.
• University of New Brunswick
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Windsor

For more information see the Pathways to University page.