Audit of Operational Controls at
Ports of Entry (Based on the
1996 Tassé Report) – Final Report
2.1.1 Current Immigration Process
When travellers arrive at a port of entry, their primary contact is with a customs inspector from the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) at the primary inspection line. These customs inspectors have been designated by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration as immigration officers. The customs inspector determines a traveller’s right to enter Canada. It is the customs inspector’s decision to admit a traveller or require the traveller to undergo a secondary examination by an immigration officer.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) dated October 18, 1983, covers the arrangement between CIC and CCRA. It established the administrative and operational responsibilities of each department with respect to the examination and admission of persons wishing to enter into Canada. At the time of the audit, this MOU was being renegotiated.
During the secondary examination phase, the immigration officer determines whether a person (hereafter referred to as the client) can be admitted to Canada. As a result, documents (for example, employment authorization) are issued to the client, who pays a fee for these documents. It should be mentioned that in the current environment, immigration officers at ports of entry are under pressure from travellers, businesses, airlines and airport authorities to facilitate the movement of people.
- Date Modified:
