Fact Sheet

January 2004

Immigration Intelligence - Case Screening

One of the core functions of CBSA's Immigration Intelligence network is helping to screen immigrants, refugees, and visitors in order to prevent inadmissible persons from entering or remaining in Canada. In 2003, background checks were conducted in some 23,000 visitor applications and 1200 immigrant applications.

Specialized units assist visa officers at posts abroad and immigration officers in Canada in determining the admissibility of persons seeking to enter or remain in Canada. They provide functional guidance and case support as follows:

• Security Review. Immigrant, refugee, and visitor applicants who may pose a national security risk due to their involvement in terrorism are inadmissible to Canada. The Security Review units of the Immigration Intelligence network work closely with the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service in managing the immigration and visitor security clearance process.
• Organized Crime. Applicants who may have been involved in organized crime or other serious criminal activities, such as money laundering and terrorism financing, are inadmissible to Canada. The Organized Crime units work closely on transnational organized crime cases with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service, and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada.
• Modern War Crimes. Denying safe haven to war criminals and perpetrators of crimes against humanity is a central component of Canada's commitment to national security and to international justice. Applicants who may have engaged in war crimes or crimes against humanity are inadmissible to Canada. The Modern War Crimes units work closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Department of Justice in implementing this government-wide initiative. The Modern War Crimes units also provide expertise and advice to officers in Canada and abroad in dealing with modern war crimes cases.

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