Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Statutory definition
The Canada Border Services Agency Act (SC 2005, c 38) establishes CBSA and its mandate: providing integrated border services including customs, immigration, food inspection, and other border functions. CBSA officers have broad powers under the IRPA including the power to examine persons seeking entry, issue removal orders, conduct searches, and arrest persons without warrant under IRPA s 55.
Explanation
CBSA and IRCC share responsibility for the immigration system. IRCC handles applications and policy; CBSA handles enforcement at the border and inland. A CBSA officer at the port of entry makes the final determination on whether a person is admitted to Canada — this is distinct from the visa or permit held by the traveller. CBSA can refer persons for admissibility hearings before the IRB Immigration Division, conduct inland enforcement operations, and manage the removal of persons under removal orders.