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Security Screening
Security Screening is one of the main operational responsibilities of CSIS and among its most visible
functions. The goals of the Security Screening program are to prevent non-Canadians who pose security concerns or
risks from entering or receiving permanent residence in Canada and to prevent anyone of security concern from
gaining access to sensitive government assets, locations or information. It serves as a first line of defence
against terrorism. Through its liaison offices in Canadian missions abroad, CSIS performs in-depth examinations of
applicants and prospective immigrants whose backgrounds present security concerns.
CSIS provides security assessments on behalf of all federal government departments and agencies (except the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)) as part of the Government Security
Policy (GSP).
Security assessments fall into the following program categories: Government Screening, Sensitive
Sites Screening, Foreign Screening, Immigration and Citizenship Screening,
and Refugee Claimant Screening.
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- The Government of Canada requires that its employees and contractors who, in the regular performance of
their duties have access to sensitive information or assets, be assessed for their loyalty and associated
reliability.
- There are three levels of security clearance as defined by the GSP: Confidential (Level I), Secret (Level
II) and Top Secret (Level III). The level of security clearance required is determined by the need for access
to classified information or assets in the performance of duties associated with an individual’s employment.
Level I and II security clearances involve checking CSIS databanks. Level III security clearances require a
full field investigation, which involves checking CSIS records; interviewing friends, neighbours and
employers; consulting with local police; and, possibly interviewing the applicant.
- CSIS provides security assessments to the Canada Border Services Agency on truck drivers who apply for a
border pass under the Canada-US Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program.
- CSIS provides security assessments on locally engaged staff (foreign nationals) who handle unclassified
material at Canadian missions abroad.
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- CSIS provides security assessments of personnel requiring access to Canada’s international airports, and
in the future, individuals requiring access to its principal maritime ports.
- Individuals who require access to sensitive government sites or facilities, such as the Parliament buildings
and official residences, are subject to site access assessments.
- CSIS conducts checks of visitors, employees, or members of the news media who require access to designated
security perimeters during events conducted under federal government sponsorship.
- CSIS provides security assessments on employees who have access to Canada’s nuclear sites.
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- Under reciprocal screening agreements, CSIS provides security assessments to the governments of foreign
states, to foreign agencies, and to international organizations (such as NATO) on Canadian residents wishing
to reside in another country and on Canadian residents who are being considered for classified access in
another country. Canadian citizens on whom information is being provided must give their consent in advance.
Screening agreements are all approved by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness after
consultation with Foreign Affairs Canada.
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- CSIS provides security advice on immigration and citizenship matters to the Minister of Citizenship and
Immigration Canada (CIC).
- CSIS provides security screening on Canadian visitor visa applicants and prospective immigrants in cases
where the applicant’s background presents security concerns, based on a determination performed in
cooperation with CIC officers posted abroad.
- CSIS provides CIC with security assessments on applicants for Canadian citizenship, and advises CIC of any
security concerns relating to a particular application.
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- CSIS performs screening of eligible refugee claimants in Canada and abroad, with the aim of identifying and
filtering potential security and criminal cases from the refugee claimant stream as early as possible in the
application process.
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