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Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I apply to become an Intelligence Officer at CSIS?
- What are the basic criteria for applying to be an Intelligence Officer?
- Do I need to answer all questions on the on-line application questionnaire?
- Do I have to reside in Canada to be considered for a position?
- What kind of academic background is required?
- What kind of work experience is required?
- May I apply if I’m still in university?
- When will I learn whether I am being considered?
- Who is my contact person?
- How long does it take to move from one step of the process to another?
- How long does the entire recruitment process take?
- Can I reapply if I am unsuccessful during the recruitment process?
- Is age a factor in hiring decisions?
- What does the security clearance process involve?
- Will a family member’s past trouble with the law have a negative impact on
my candidacy?
- What if I have used drugs in the past?
- Do I need to be bilingual?
- What if I am unsuccessful during language training?
- Do I need to speak a foreign language?
- Can I work abroad?
- Do I have a choice of relocation areas?
- How often do I need to relocate as an Intelligence Officer?
- Do you offer a relocation benefits package?
- Can I negotiate a higher starting salary?
- How can I apply to become an Intelligence Officer at CSIS?
You may send your covering letter and résumé by mail or fax ((613) 231-0934);
however, we prefer that you apply on-line
through our Web site.
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- What are the basic criteria for applying to be an Intelligence Officer?
You must
- be a Canadian citizen residing in Canada;
- possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university;
- have a valid permanent Canadian driver’s licence; and
- be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
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- Do I need to answer all questions on the on-line application
questionnaire?
Yes. We perform searches on our database of questionnaires and the omission of just one question may prevent a
candidate from being considered.
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- Do I have to reside in Canada to be considered for a position?
Yes, only Canadian citizens who reside in Canada will be considered. This requirement is due in part to the
numerous interviews and assessments that applicants must undergo as part of our recruitment process.
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- What kind of academic background is required?
There is no prerequisite field of study.
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- What kind of work experience is required?
We are looking for candidates with a variety of work experiences that have enabled them to develop their
confidence and interpersonal and life skills (e.g., volunteer work, exposure to different countries/cultures).
However, we assess each candidate independently and consider a number of factors, including maturity, sense of
responsibility, and initiative.
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- May I apply if I’m still in university?
You must have completed your university degree before applying. If your candidacy is retained, you will be
required to ask the registrar of your university to forward your transcripts to CSIS Personnel Services.
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- When will I learn whether I am being considered?
It may take several months to learn whether you are being considered. We contact only those candidates who
have met the selection standards set by CSIS. We do not communicate with all applicants.
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- Who is my contact person?
Only those candidates being considered for a position will receive contact information.
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- How long does it take to move from one step of the process to another?
The time between steps generally ranges from three weeks to three months, depending on the requirements.
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- How long does the entire recruitment process take?
Because the Service follows a stringent recruitment process, it can take between six months to more than one
year to complete. The recruiting process includes an information session, a personal suitability interview,
second-language testing, psychological testing and an interview, a National Assessment Panel interview, an executive
interview, and a final file review.
The security clearance process can take from four to ten months to be completed. This process includes a security interview, a
polygraph examination, and a background investigation.
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- Can I reapply if I am unsuccessful during the recruitment process?
Before reapplying, all candidates must wait at least one year from the date they received the letter
confirming their candidacy is no longer being considered for employment.
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- Is age a factor in hiring decisions?
Age is not a factor in the selection process; an applicant’s maturity and general disposition are more
important.
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- What does the security clearance process involve?
The security clearance process involves a security interview, a rigorous and thorough background investigation
that includes credit and financial verifications, as well as a polygraph examination.
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- Will a family member’s past trouble with the law have a negative
impact on my candidacy?
Such situations do not generally pose a problem for a person’s candidacy; however, it may figure in the
evaluation of a candidate’s suitability. We do not assess a candidate’s family, as we are only interested
in the candidates themselves and how they are influenced by others.
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- What if I have used drugs in the past?
The Service has a strict policy regarding the use of illegal drugs. In order to be considered for employment
with the Service, you must be drug-free for at least one year.
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- Do I need to be bilingual?
You are not required to be bilingual in order to be considered for employment as an Intelligence Officer.
However, if you are not bilingual, an assessment of your capacity to learn the second official language will
be required, and training will be provided to eligible candidates.
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- What if I am unsuccessful during language training?
The Service gives candidates a sufficient amount of time to learn the second official language. The amount of
time provided is based on a Public Service language acquisition assessment. If a candidate is unable to meet
the basic BBB language requirements, the Service is under no obligation to retain the individual’s services.
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- Do I need to speak a foreign language?
Knowledge of foreign languages can be an asset but is not required.
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- Can I work abroad?
Employees who have completed five years of training and who have relevant operational experiences may be
considered for a foreign posting.
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- Do I have a choice of relocation areas?
Mobility is an important condition of employment for Intelligence Officers. While the Service understands that
certain situations may influence a person’s ability to relocate, the staffing of positions is based on the
Service’s operational and organizational requirements.
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- How often do I need to relocate as an Intelligence Officer?
To become an Intelligence Officer, you must complete a training program called the Intelligence Officer Career
Progression, a five-year probationary program that includes time at national headquarters in Ottawa and time
in a regional office. During this five-year period, candidates will be relocated at least once. Operational
requirements will always dictate how the Service manages its human resources, and mobility will remain a
reality throughout an Intelligence Officer’s career.
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- Do you offer a relocation benefits package?
The Service offers a relocation benefits package, which includes financial compensation and a guaranteed home
sale plan. This does not apply to the initial move to Ottawa when starting your career with the Service, but
applies to all subsequent moves.
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- Can I negotiate a higher starting salary?
The starting salary of an Intelligence Officer is $50,000, progressing to $68,490 during the probationary
period, based on successful completion of training, attaining the required experience, and on performance.
This salary range is not negotiable. Once you have successfully completed the training program, you become
eligible to apply for competitions within CSIS.
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