2017-18 Departmental Performance E-tables - Sub-Programs

Table of Contents

• Program 1.1: Permanent Economic Residents
  • Sub-Program 1.1.1: Federal Skilled Workers
  • Sub-Program 1.1.2: Federal Skilled Trades
  • Sub-Program 1.1.3: Quebec Skilled Workers
  • Sub-Program 1.1.4: Provincial Nominee
  • Sub-Program 1.1.5: Caregiver
  • Sub-Program 1.1.6: Canadian Experience Class
  • Sub-Program 1.1.7: Federal Business Immigrants
  • Sub-Program 1.1.8: Quebec Business Immigrants
• Program 1.2: Temporary Economic Residents
  • Sub-Program 1.2.1: International Students
  • Sub-Program 1.2.2: Temporary Work Authorization
  • Sub-Program 1.2.3: International Experience Canada
• Program 2.1: Family and Discretionary Immigration
  • Sub-Program 2.1.1: Spouses, Partners and Children Reunification
  • Sub-Program 2.1.2: Parents and Grandparents Reunification
  • Sub-Program 2.1.3: Humanitarian and Compassionate and Public Policy Considerations
• Program 2.2: Refugee Protection
  • Sub-Program 2.2.1: Government-Assisted Refugees
  • Sub-Program 2.2.2: Privately Sponsored Refugees
  • Sub-Program 2.2.3: Blended Visa Office-Referred Refugees
  • Sub-Program 2.2.4: In-Canada Asylum
  • Sub-Program 2.2.5: Pre-Removal Risk Assessment
• Program 3.1: Newcomer Settlement and Integration
  • Sub-Program 3.1.1: Settlement
  • Sub-Program 3.1.2: Grant to Quebec
  • Sub-Program 3.1.3: Immigration Loan
  • Sub-Program 3.1.4: Resettlement Assistance Program
• Program 3.2: Citizenship for Newcomers and All Canadians
  • Sub-Program 3.2.1: Citizenship Awareness
  • Sub-Program 3.2.2: Citizenship Acquisition, Confirmation and Revocation
• Program 4.1: Health Protection
  • Sub-Program 4.1.1: Health Screening
  • Sub-Program 4.1.2: Medical Surveillance and Notification
  • Sub-Program 4.1.3: Interim Federal Health
• Program 4.2: Migration Control and Security Management
  • Sub-Program 4.2.1: Identity Management
  • Sub-Program 4.2.2: Eligibility and Admissibility Screening, Status and Documents
  • Sub-Program 4.2.3: Global Assistant for Irregular Migrants
• Program 4.3: Canadian Influence in International Migration and Integration Agenda
• Program 4.4: Passport

Program 1.1: Permanent Economic Residents

Rooted in objectives outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), the focus of this program is on the selection and processing of immigrants who can support the development of a strong and prosperous Canada, in which the benefits of immigration are shared across all regions of Canada. The acceptance of qualified permanent residents helps the Government meet its economic objectives, such as building a skilled work force, addressing immediate and longer-term labour market needs, and supporting national and regional labour force growth. The selection and processing of applications involve the granting of permanent residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Sub-Program 1.1.1: Federal Skilled Workers

The goal of the Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) Program is to select highly-skilled immigrants whose high human capital enables them to contribute to Canada's long-term national and structural labour market needs, in support of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy. The program uses a points system to identify prospective immigrants with the ability to establish economically in Canada, based on their human capital (education, skilled work experience, language skills, etc.), with a minimum language threshold and a third-party foreign educational credential assessment prior to application. The selection and processing involve the granting of permanent residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned results

Expected Result: Federal skilled workers (FSWs) adapt to the needs of the Canadian labour market

Sub-Program 1.1.2: Federal Skilled Trades

The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program is intended to attract skilled tradespersons who can meet labour demands in specific trades across the country and who are granted permanent residence based on being qualified in a skilled trade. In contrast with the FSW Program’s points-based selection, the FST Program operates on a streamlined pass/fail basis with four mandatory criteria including: a minimum language threshold; a valid offer of employment in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a province or territory in a qualifying skilled trade; at least two years of work experience in the occupation within the last five years; and meeting the employment requirements set out in the National Occupational Classification system. The selection and processing involve the granting of permanent residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned results

Expected Result: Federal skilled tradespersons (FSTs) with skills that support the labour market needs of Canada

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 1.1.3: Quebec Skilled Workers

The Canada-Quebec Accord specifies that the province of Quebec is solely responsible for the selection of applicants destined to the province of Quebec. Federal responsibility under the Accord is to assess an applicant’s admissibility and to issue permanent resident visas. The Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) Program uses specific criteria to identify immigrants with the human capital and skills needed to establish economically in Quebec. Similar to the FSW Program, the QSW Program assesses applicants according to their age, education, work experience, language proficiency (in French) and enhanced settlement prospects (previous education or work experience in Canada, or a confirmed job offer). The selection and processing involve the granting of permanent residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned results

Expected Result: Successful Quebec skilled worker (QSW) applicants and family members are admitted to Quebec

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human Resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 1.1.4: Provincial Nominee

The Provincial Nominee (PN) Program supports the Government of Canada’s objective that the benefits of immigration be shared across all regions of Canada. Bilateral immigration agreements are in place with all provinces and territories except Nunavut and Quebec,^{Footnote 7}. conferring on their governments the authority to identify and nominate for permanent residence immigrants who will meet local economic development and regional labour market needs, and who wish to settle in that specific province or territory. As part of the nomination process, provincial and territorial governments assess the skills, education and work or business experience of prospective candidates to ensure that nominees can make an immediate economic contribution to the nominating province or territory. IRCC retains the final authority to select nominees who can establish economically in Canada, and verifies that nominees meet all admissibility requirements before issuing permanent resident visas. The selection and processing involve the granting of permanent residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned results

Expected Results: Provincial nominees (PNs) support regional labour market needs

Expected Results: PNs support the labour market needs of the province or territory of nomination

Expected Results: PNs contribute to the shared benefits of immigration in regions of Canada

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 1.1.5: Caregiver ^{Footnote 11}

The Caregiver Program allows persons residing in Canada to employ qualified foreign workers to provide care for children, elderly persons or persons with a chronic medical condition or disability. In 2014, two new pathways to permanent residence for caregivers were introduced under Ministerial Instructions pilots that benefit from a processing standard of six months. One pathway features criteria for child care providers that are similar to the requirements of the Live-in Caregiver Program, but without the need for the caregiver to live in the home of their employer where they may be vulnerable to abuse. In addition, caregivers in a variety of health care occupations will also have a pathway to permanent residence; eligible caregivers in this stream are able to gain their work experience either in providing in-home care or care in a health-care facility to an elderly person or a person with a disability or chronic medical condition. With the improvements to the Caregiver Program, caregivers who had applied for the Live-in Caregiver Program with an initial work permit based on an employer’s approved Labour Market Impact Assessment submitted on or before November 30, 2014, will also be able to complete the work requirement on a live-in basis and eventually apply for permanent residence. The selection and processing in both the Caregiver and the Live-in Caregiver programs involve the granting of permanent residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned Results

Expected Results: Eligible caregivers transition from temporary resident status and are admitted to Canada, along with their family members, as permanent residents

Expected Results: Caregiver principal applicants support the needs of the Canadian labour market

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 1.1.6: Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program was introduced in 2008 as a path to permanent residence for those with eligible work experience in Canada, usually obtained as a result of temporary residence as a foreign worker or international student. The program is complementary to the FSW Program but uses different criteria, including eligible skilled Canadian work experience and a minimum level of proficiency in English or French. The program provides a streamlined route to permanent residence for those who have already established themselves in skilled work in Canada. This allows Canada to retain talented workers who have demonstrated a capacity to integrate successfully and contribute to the Canadian economy. The selection and processing involve the granting of permanent residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned results

Expected Result: Temporary residents who have demonstrated some ability to establish themselves in Canada transition to permanent residence in support of the labour market needs of Canada

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 1.1.7: Federal Business Immigrants

Federal Business Immigrants admitted to Canada are intended to have the experience and skills to support, through their investment, entrepreneurial ideas and business skills, or self-employment, the development of a strong and prosperous economy. The program was designed so that immigrant investors bring business capital to Canada, while entrepreneurs contribute to economic development through business ideas and skills that promote enterprise and employment creation. Self-employed persons hold the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada in such fields as athletics, cultural activities and farming, thereby making a contribution to specified activities in our economy. The Start-Up Visa Program is a five year pilot program that was launched in April 2013 and is designed to attract innovative foreign entrepreneurs with the skills to create new companies that can compete on a global scale. The Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Program is a pilot program designed to target high net-worth business immigrants who will each invest $2 million to fill key financing gaps in the economy in support of promising Canadian entrepreneurs, with selection criteria designed to attract investors with the skills and abilities that will help their integration into the Canadian economy and society. The selection and processing involve the granting of permanent residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned result

Expected Result: Federal business immigrants contribute investment, entrepreneurship skills and ideas towards strengthening the Canadian economy

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human Resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 1.1.8: Quebec Business Immigrants

The Canada-Quebec Accord specifies that the province of Quebec is solely responsible for the selection of applicants destined to the province of Quebec. Federal responsibility under the Accord is to assess an applicant’s admissibility and issue permanent resident visas. This program seeks to attract experienced investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons to the province of Quebec, to support the development of a strong and prosperous economy in Quebec. The selection and processing involve the granting of permanent residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned result

Expected Result: Successful Quebec-selected Business Immigrant applicants and family members are admitted to Quebec

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Program 1.2: Temporary Economic Residents

Rooted in objectives outlined in IRPA, the focus of this program is to establish and apply the rules governing entry into Canada of foreign nationals authorized for temporary work and study. Temporary economic migration enhances Canada’s trade, commerce, cultural, educational and scientific activities, in support of our overall economic and social prosperity and national interests. The selection and processing involve the issuance of temporary resident visas, work permits and study permits to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Sub-Program 1.2.1: International Students

IRCC supports a range of goals for immigration by managing the entry of international students to Canada. International students contribute to Canada’s educational and international competitiveness, and strengthen our educational institutions. International students are selected by Canadian institutions according to their respective criteria, and IRCC authorizes their entry into Canada to study by approving study permits and, where necessary, visas, which allow them to obtain a Canadian education. IRCC is responsible for ensuring that the proper documentation, financial and security requirements are met, including the bona fides of all applicants. In order to provide students with additional opportunities to obtain Canadian work experience, qualified international students are authorized to work either on or off-campus without a work permit, or as part of a co-op or internship program with a co-op work permit. Students who want to work in Canada after graduation can apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) component, which allows them to gain up to three years of Canadian work experience. Some PGWP holders will also be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class or other programs. The selection and processing of international students involve the issuance of temporary resident visas (if required) and study permits to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned result

Expected Result: Educational institutions and international students benefit from having foreign nationals study and work in Canada

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 1.2.2: Temporary Work Authorization

Foreign nationals can be authorized to work in Canada through various processes. Under situations that require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), employers are able to hire foreign workers as a last resort to meet their short-term or acute labour and skills needs when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available, ensuring that Canadians have the first opportunity for jobs where appropriate. To hire a temporary foreign worker to respond to labour market shortages, employers require an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada, which considers whether a Canadian or permanent resident is available, examines the wage and working conditions being offered, and assesses whether the job offer would have a negative, neutral or positive effect on the Canadian labour market. Once the potential employer is in possession of the LMIA, the foreign national may then apply for the work permit at a mission abroad, at the port of entry (if eligible) or inside Canada (if eligible). In certain situations, employers can also seek to employ foreign nationals to work in Canada without an LMIA. Exemptions from the LMIA process are offered where they support broader Canadian interests, such as the competitive advantages and reciprocal benefits that Canadians enjoy as a result of international agreements and partnerships (including North America Free Trade Agreement and others). Under these circumstances, the foreign national applies to IRCC for a work permit overseas, at a port of entry (if eligible) or from inside Canada (if eligible). IRCC’s role is to manage the authorization of foreign nationals to work in Canada. IRCC ensures the foreign national meets all admissibility and eligibility requirements and, when an LMIA is not required, considers the genuineness of the job offer, while also ensuring a robust operation is in place to enforce employer compliance with program requirements. The selection and processing involve the issuance of temporary resident visas (if required) and work permits to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned result

Expected Result: Eligible foreign nationals authorized for temporary work enter Canada, consistent with regulations and standards

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 1.2.3: International Experience Canada

The International Experience Canada (IEC) Program facilitates bilateral, reciprocal agreements with other countries to allow travel and work exchange opportunities for young Canadians and foreign nationals aged 18-35. Exchanges with foreign countries contribute to national interests by strengthening Canada’s bilateral relations and supporting Canada’s economic and trade agenda. Most IEC exchanges occur through bilateral reciprocal Youth Mobility Agreements (YMAs) with other countries. Foreign participants are issued work permits that are exempt from the requirement of an LMIA on the basis that their work in Canada creates or maintains reciprocal employment for Canadians in other countries. Some foreign participants will also be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class or other programs, thereby contributing to Canada’s permanent economic immigration objectives. Young Canadian participants in other countries obtain foreign work experience, which benefits their future careers in the Canadian workplace and contributes to Canada’s international competitiveness. The IEC Program has a global reciprocal quota of participants each year, and on an annual basis, negotiates bilateral quotas with each country with which Canada has a YMA. The “Participation Fee” paid by approved foreign participants generates revenue to fund program costs. Key program activities include YMA negotiation and liaison with new and existing countries; promotion of program participation to Canadians and foreign nationals; and stakeholder engagement to facilitate participation and enhance program awareness for Canadian youth. Foreign national participant application selection and processing involve the issuance of temporary resident visas (if required) and work permits to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants. Canadians’ applications are processed by the governments of the countries where they would like to participate.

Planned result

Expected Result: Exchanges of Canadian and foreign participants are reciprocal

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Program 2.1: Family and Discretionary Immigration

IRCC’s family and discretionary programs support the Government of Canada’s social goals for immigration. The program’s objectives are to reunite family members in Canada, and to allow for the processing of exceptional cases. Family Class provisions of IRPA enable Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada to apply to sponsor eligible members of the Family Class, including spouses and partners, dependent children, and parents and grandparents. Discretionary provisions in the legislation are used in cases where there are humanitarian and compassionate considerations or for public policy reasons. These discretionary provisions provide the flexibility to approve exceptional and deserving cases not anticipated in the legislation and to support the Government of Canada in its humanitarian response to world events and crises. Eligibility assessment and processing involve the granting of permanent or temporary residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Sub-Program 2.1.1: Spouses, Partners and Children Reunification

The objective of this program is to grant permanent resident status to foreign nationals who are the sponsored spouses, partners and dependent children (including adopted children) of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This supports the Government’s objective to reunite close family members while ensuring that there is no undue cost to the general public. The sponsor, who is a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, is responsible for providing the basic needs of his or her spouse or partner for three years, and for their dependent children for up to 10 years. Processing involves determining the sponsor’s ability to meet the sponsorship obligations and verifying the bona fides of the relationships. Given the close family relationships involved, these family members are the highest priority for processing. Eligibility assessment and processing involve the granting of permanent residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned results

Expected Results: Spouses, partners and children are reunited with their sponsor in Canada

Expected Results: Reunification applications for immediate family members are processed within published service standards

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 2.1.2: Parents and Grandparents Reunification

The objective of this program is to grant permanent resident status to sponsored foreign nationals who are the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This program makes it possible for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to be reunited with their extended family members, while ensuring that there is no undue cost to the general public. Sponsors must demonstrate, on the basis of three years of Canada Revenue Agency documentation, that they meet minimum necessary income thresholds to sponsor, and can meet their sponsorship obligations (which include providing for the basic needs of their parents and grandparents for 20 years). These requirements, together with this category’s lower processing priority, distinguish it from the spouses, partners and dependent children category. Processing involves the granting of permanent residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned result

Expected Result: Parents and grandparents are reunited with their sponsor in Canada

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 2.1.3: Humanitarian and Compassionate and Public Policy Considerations

The humanitarian and compassionate and public policy provisions of IRPA enable the Minister to address exceptional circumstances by granting an exemption from certain criteria or obligations of the Act or by granting permanent or temporary residence. These discretionary provisions provide the flexibility to approve exceptional cases that were not envisioned in the legislation. Under the humanitarian and compassionate provisions of IRPA, an applicant’s circumstances are assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account establishment in Canada, the best interests of a child, and other relevant circumstances brought forward for consideration. The public policy provision is a discretionary tool designed to grant permanent or temporary resident status to individuals in similar circumstances, all of whom must meet eligibility criteria defined in the public policy. The outcome of this program is that exceptional cases are treated with appropriate flexibility, in accordance with Canadian values. Eligibility assessment and processing involve the granting of permanent or temporary residence to qualified applicants, as well as the refusal of unqualified applicants.

Planned result

Expected Result: On an exceptional basis, persons are admitted or are allowed to remain in Canada and acquire permanent resident status

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Program 2.2: Refugee Protection

The Refugee Protection Program is in the first instance about saving lives and offering protection to the displaced and persecuted. Overseas, refugees and persons in refugee-like situations are selected by Canadian visa officers to be resettled as permanent residents to Canada. Flowing from Canada's international and domestic legal obligations, the in-Canada asylum system evaluates the claims of individuals seeking asylum in Canada and grants protected person status when a positive decision is rendered by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal.

Sub-Program 2.2.1: Government-Assisted Refugees

To guide and operate the Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) Program, Canada works closely with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and other referral agencies to identify Convention Refugees Abroad, who have no durable solution within a reasonable period of time, other than resettlement to Canada as permanent residents. The primary objectives of the program are to provide individual protection solutions to refugees, to affirm Canada’s humanitarian commitment to assist refugees in need of international protection through the provision of government assistance, and to assist the countries hosting them through responsibility sharing.

Planned result

Expected Result: Government-assisted refugees (GARs) are granted protection and resettled to Canada

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 2.2.2: Privately Sponsored Refugees

The primary objective of the Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR) Program (PDF, 1.15MB) is to partner with civil society to provide durable solutions to more refugees than would otherwise be admitted under the GAR Program. Canadian visa officers select as permanent residents members of the Convention Refugees Abroad and Humanitarian-Protected Persons Abroad classes who are referred by private sponsors for resettlement in Canada. These private sponsors provide the social, financial and emotional support to the refugees upon their arrival in Canada. The program is unique in its engagement of ordinary Canadians and permanent residents in Canada’s international refugee protection efforts and ensures an additional number of refugees are offered protection over and above those sponsored by the Government.

Planned results

Expected Results: PSRs are granted protection and resettled to Canada

Expected Results: Private sponsors participate in PSR resettlement

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 2.2.3: Blended Visa Office-Referred Refugees

Under the Blended Visa Office-Referred Refugees (BVOR) Program, Convention Refugees Abroad, who have no durable solution within a reasonable period of time, other than resettlement to Canada as permanent residents, are referred by a Canadian visa office to be matched with a private sponsor. Subsequently, upon arrival in Canada, refugees receive six months of income support from the Government of Canada via the Resettlement Assistance Program and six months of income support from their sponsor. Private sponsors also provide arrival and orientation services, temporary accommodation, and ongoing emotional and social support for 12 months. The program is a unique public-private partnership that encourages faith-based, ethnocultural and other community organizations in Canada to play a larger role in offering durable solutions to refugees found to be in need of resettlement by the UNHCR, supporting the objectives of both the GAR and PSR programs.

Planned results

Expected Results: BVORs are granted protection and resettled to Canada

Expected Results: Private sponsors participate in BVOR resettlement

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 2.2.4: In-Canada Asylum

Flowing from Canada’s international and domestic legal obligations, Canada’s asylum system provides protection to persons fleeing persecution and risk of torture, risk to life, or risk of cruel treatment or punishment, by way of legislative and regulatory measures that enable Canada to meet those obligations. The program establishes fair and efficient procedures that uphold Canada’s respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all human beings, while maintaining the overall integrity of the Canadian refugee determination system. Canada’s asylum system ensures that fair consideration is granted to those who come to Canada claiming persecution. Those found by the IRB to be in need of refugee protection receive protected person status, and may apply for permanent residence.

Planned results

Expected Results: Protected persons in-Canada and their dependants abroad are admitted as permanent residents

Expected Results: Decisions made on eligibility of in-Canada refugee claims are timely

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 2.2.5: Pre-Removal Risk Assessment

Following Canada’s international commitment to the principle of non-refoulement, and provisions in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) provides IRCC the ability to ensure that foreign nationals facing removals from Canada are not sent back to their country of origin where they would be in personal danger of persecution, torture (as defined under the Geneva Convention), cruel or unusual punishment, and risk to life is known to exist. IRCC processes applications for PRRA subject to the following restrictions: persons facing removal following a rejected claim for refugee protection may not apply for a PRRA until 12 months have passed; persons facing removal following a rejected claim who are nationals of a designated country of origin may not apply for a PRRA until three years have passed. IRCC further conducts ongoing monitoring for the issuance of exemptions to the PRRA bar based on an assessment of change in country conditions that present personal risks for individuals facing removals. 

Planned result

Expected Result: PRRA decisions are made in compliance with IRPA

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Program 3.1: Newcomer Settlement and Integration

In accordance with the Canadian Multiculturalism Act,^{Footnote 61} the Employment Equity Act and IRPA, programming is developed based on policies that support the settlement, resettlement, adaptation and integration of newcomers into Canadian society. Ultimately, the goal of integration is to encourage newcomers to contribute to Canada’s economic, social, political and cultural development. All permanent residents are eligible for settlement and integration programs. Programming is delivered by third parties (including provincial and municipal governments, school boards and post-secondary institutions, settlement service organizations and other non-governmental actors, and the private sector) across the country.

Sub-Program 3.1.1: Settlement

Settlement refers to a short period (three to five years) of adaptation by newcomers, during which the Government provides support and services. IRCC’s Settlement Program assists immigrants and refugees to overcome barriers specific to the newcomer experience, such as a lack of official language skills, limited knowledge of Canada and the recognition of foreign credentials. The program provides language learning services for newcomers, community and employment bridging services, settlement information, and support services that facilitate access to settlement programming. Also, through the Foreign Credentials Referral Office, the program provides information, path-finding and referral services to internationally trained individuals to have their credentials assessed quickly so they can find work in the fields in which they have been trained. Most services are designed and delivered by service provider organizations (SPOs); however, certain services (such as information provision) are delivered directly by IRCC in Canada and overseas.

Planned results

Expected Results: Clients make informed decisions about life in Canada^{Footnote 62}

Expected Results: Clients use official languages to function and participate in Canadian society

Expected Results: Clients participate in society

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Sub-Program 3.1.1.1: Language Training

The ability of newcomers to communicate in one of Canada’s official languages has long been recognized as key to both the initial settlement and the longer-term integration of immigrants. Language learning services are intended to help newcomers develop sufficient linguistic communication skills (including literacy) to enable newcomers to function in Canadian society and contribute to the economy. Through the Settlement Program, IRCC funds SPOs to deliver various language learning services for newcomers, including language assessment and official language instruction. This program uses transfer payment funding from the Settlement Program.

Planned results

Expected Result: Clients learn official language skills for adapting to Canadian society

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Sub-Program 3.1.1.2: Community and Labour Market Integration Services

Newcomers face a variety of barriers to integration, including the need for information and connections to social and economic networks. Settlement information, bridging and other support services including foreign credential referrals, attempt to address these barriers. SPOs are funded to design and deliver bridging services that facilitate newcomers’ connections to the labour market and the wider community. Through IRCC offices and SPOs, the program also provides prospective immigrants and newcomers with access to settlement-related information so that they can make informed decisions about immigrating to and settling in Canada. The program also funds SPOs to offer services that improve newcomers’ access to settlement programming; these support services include child-minding and transportation. Information on foreign credential recognition is provided in-person and by telephone on behalf of the Foreign Credentials Referral Office by Service Canada and through the IRCC’s Web site to prospective immigrants overseas. This program uses transfer payment funding from the Settlement Program.

Planned results

Expected Results: Clients gain knowledge of life in Canada

Expected Results: Clients acquire skills to function in the Canadian work environment

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 3.1.2: Grant to Quebec

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, signed in 1991, Canada has devolved settlement and resettlement responsibility to Quebec, with a grant that includes reasonable compensation for costs. The compensation to Quebec covers services for reception services and linguistic, cultural and economic integration services, provided that they are equivalent to similar federal services in other parts of the country. An objective of the Accord is, among other things, the preservation of Quebec’s demographic importance within Canada and the integration of immigrants into that province in a manner that respects the distinct identity of Quebec. The Accord provides Quebec with exclusive responsibility for the selection of immigrants destined to the province (except for family reunification and asylum seekers in Canada) as well as the reception and linguistic and cultural integration of these immigrants (including resettlement of refugees). Under the Accord, Canada is responsible for defining overall immigration objectives, national levels, admissibility, selecting family category and asylum seekers in Canada and citizenship. This program uses transfer payment funding from the grant for the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration.

Planned result

Expected Result: Quebec provides settlement and integration services to newcomers in the province that are comparable to services provided across Canada

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 3.1.3: Immigration Loan

The Immigration Loans Program is a statutory program under IRPA. It ensures that some persons, otherwise unable to pay for the costs of transportation to Canada and medical admissibility exams, have access to a funding source. Assistance loans may also be approved for newcomers in need to cover initial settlement expenses such as rental and utilities deposits. The main target group for the program is resettled refugees. These individuals have undergone extreme hardship and most often have few personal resources and are therefore unable to access traditional lending institutions. Canadian visa officers authorize the transportation and admissibility loans and the International Organization for Migration arranges travel and medical exams for refugees and pays these costs. IRCC reimburses them and the refugee reimburses IRCC through loan repayments. Assistance loans are authorized by in-Canada officers. The interest-bearing loans are repayable in full and payment plans vary by the value of the loan and the recipients’ ability to repay while integrating.

Planned results

Expected Result: Individuals in need receive and repay immigration loans

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Planned Spending for the Immigration Loan Sub-Program is allocated under the Internal Services Program as per latest Treasury Board Secretariat Internal Services guidelines.

Human resources (FTEs)

Sub-Program 3.1.4: Resettlement Assistance Program

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provides direct financial support and funds immediate and essential services for RAP clients, including government-assisted refugees and persons in refugee-like situations admitted to Canada under a public policy consideration or on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, to meet their resettlement needs. In most cases, RAP clients have undergone extreme hardship and may lack the social networks and the financial resources to assist in addressing the needs associated with becoming established in a new country that would support their settlement in Canada. Income support is delivered directly by IRCC to RAP clients, typically for up to 12 months, if the RAP client’s income is insufficient to meet his or her own needs and those of any accompanying dependants. In some cases, RAP clients also receive start-up allowances for expenses related to furniture and other household supplies. Immediate and essential services are supported through contributions to SPOs in all provinces in Canada except Quebec, which delivers similar settlement services to refugees destined to that province through the Canada-Quebec Accord. RAP services include, but are not limited to, port of entry services, assistance with temporary accommodations, help locating permanent accommodation, help with acquiring basic knowledge of everyday life skills, orientation sessions, information and orientation on financial and non-financial topics, as well as life skills training, and links to settlement programming and mandatory federal and provincial programs. In addition to the above, privately sponsored refugees sponsored as part of a blended initiative under the BVOR Program receive limited (up to six months) income support and RAP services (port of entry only). This program uses transfer payment funding from the RAP.

Planned results

Expected Results: GARs have access to IRCC settlement services

Expected Results: GARs have their immediate and essential needs met

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (FTEs)

Program 3.2: Citizenship for Newcomers and All Canadians

The purpose of the Citizenship Program is to administer citizenship legislation and promote the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship. IRCC administers the acquisition of Canadian citizenship by developing, implementing and applying legislation, regulations and policies that protect the integrity of Canadian citizenship and allow eligible applicants to be granted citizenship or be provided with a proof of citizenship. In addition, the program promotes citizenship, to both newcomers and the Canadian-born, through various events, materials and projects. Promotional activities focus on enhancing knowledge of Canada’s history, institutions and values, as well as fostering an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship.

Sub-Program 3.2.1: Citizenship Awareness

The Citizenship Awareness Program aims to enhance the meaning of Canadian citizenship for both newcomers and the Canadian-born and to increase a sense of belonging to Canada. Through knowledge of Canada’s history, institutions and values, as well as the rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship, newcomers and the Canadian-born are better equipped for active citizenship and can contribute to the development of an integrated society. The program undertakes various knowledge-building and promotional activities such as citizenship ceremonies, citizenship reaffirmation ceremonies, Citizenship Week and the distribution of citizenship educational publications (e.g., Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship study guide, the Welcome to Canada guide). IRCC also partners with public and private stakeholders on citizenship awareness activities.

Planned results

Expected Result: Newcomers and established Canadians are made aware of responsibilities and privileges associated with Canadian citizenship

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Sub-Program 3.2.2: Citizenship Acquisition, Confirmation and Revocation

Citizenship processing activities include interpreting and administering the Citizenship Act and Regulations, managing the naturalization process (whereby non-citizens become citizens), issuing proof of citizenship to those who are citizens by birth or by naturalization, and maintaining these records. The processing of applications for Canadian citizenship contributes to newcomers’ abilities to participate in all aspects of Canadian life and enhances their successful integration into Canadian society. IRCC reviews files particularly where there are allegations of fraud and collects and analyses information to determine if a recommendation to initiate revocation proceedings should be made to the Minister.

Planned results

Expected Result: Applications for proofs and grants of citizenship are processed

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Program 4.1: Health Protection

This program aims to provide effective immigration health services to manage the health aspect of migrant entry and settlement to Canada, and facilitate the arrival of resettled refugees to Canada and their integration while contributing to the protection of the health and safety of all Canadians and contributing to the maintenance of sustainable Canadian health and social services.

The program aims to evaluate health risks related to immigration and coordinate with international and Canadian health partners to develop risk management strategies and processes to assess the health risks posed by applicants wishing to immigrate to Canada. The strategies, processes and interventions are intended to reduce the impact of the risks identified on the health of Canadians and on Canada’s health and social services.

Sub-Program 4.1.1: Health Screening

This program aims to manage the health risks related to permanent and temporary residence according to the three grounds for inadmissibility under IRPA, which are (1) danger to public health, (2) danger to public safety and (3) excessive demand on health or social services.

The Immigration Medical Examination (IME) is a tool used to screen for infectious diseases of public health significance in all applicants for permanent residence and certain applicants for temporary residence. It includes x-rays and lab tests that identify applicants who could pose health threats to Canadians or to the Canadian health and social systems. Those who are considered admissible on health grounds are cleared for entry into Canada; those who are found with infectious disease of public health significance are referred for treatment, where relevant, before admittance to Canada; those who are a danger to public health or public safety or are deemed to cause excessive demand on Canada’s health and social system are deemed inadmissible.

Planned results

Expected Result: Applicants for permanent and temporary residence who pose a risk to public health and/or public safety and/or may be reasonably expected to cause excessive demand on the Canadian social and/or health-care systems are identified

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Sub-Program 4.1.2: Medical Surveillance and Notification

Section 38(1) of IRPA sets danger to public health as one key condition of inadmissibility to Canada.

Applicants for temporary or permanent residence in Canada whose Immigration Medical Assessments (IMAs) demonstrate that one of their health conditions may pose risks to public health require further health assessment and monitoring following their landing in Canada in order to ensure that they do not represent a danger to public health.

The Medical Surveillance and Notification Program informs provincial and territorial public health authorities of applicants who require medical surveillance in order to ensure that the terms and conditions of landing are met.

Planned results

Expected Result: Provincial and territorial public health authorities are notified, for the purposes of medical surveillance, of migrants who pose public health risks

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Sub-Program 4.1.3: Interim Federal Health

The Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program provides temporary coverage of health-care benefits to protected persons, including resettled refugees, refugee claimants, persons detained under IRPA, and certain others who are not eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. The IFH Program provides six types of coverage. Eligibility and type of coverage under the IFH Program are determined by the beneficiary’s immigration status in Canada. The program helps protect public health and public safety and supports the successful settlement of resettled refugees receiving government support. IFH Program beneficiaries with valid coverage access health services through registered health care providers, who are reimbursed directly by the IFH Program claims administrator for covered services.

Planned result

Expected Result: Eligible clients receive health services that reduce risks to the health and safety of Canadians

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Program 4.2: Migration Control and Security Management^{Footnote 88}

IRCC facilitates the travel of bona fide permanent residents, visitors, students and temporary workers while protecting the health, safety and security of Canadians by effectively managing migration access. This is accomplished through a variety of policy and operational measures, including through the establishment of visa and other document entry requirements and otherwise maintaining the policy framework for terms and conditions of entry, admissibility criteria, anti-fraud measures, negotiations of bilateral and multilateral information-sharing agreements and treaties, as well as setting identity management practices. IRCC also provides assistance to illegal migrants who are deemed destined to Canada, to return them to their home country of origin. Strategic partnership engagements with security and public safety-related departments and international organizations are another essential component of this program.

Sub-Program 4.2.1: Identity Management

Identity management provides the foundation for all decision-making processes at IRCC by establishing, confirming and managing the identity of each IRCC client across the temporary resident, permanent resident, refugee and citizenship lines of business. This program seeks to ensure that the personal identifiers, identity documents and biometric information of each client are collected, protected and managed appropriately at IRCC. This program contributes to fraud prevention and strengthened program integrity by helping ensure that services are delivered to the correct individual, which in turn allows IRCC to streamline its interactions with repeat clientele and develop efficiencies in processing and reviewing applications in multiple business lines.

Planned results

Expected Result: The identity of applicants is established and verified across the immigration continuum

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Sub-Program 4.2.2: Eligibility and Admissibility Screening, Status and Documents

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations lay out the eligibility and admissibility requirements for foreign nationals seeking entry to Canada as temporary residents (TR) or permanent residents (PR). Various authorizations and/or documents may be required for TRs and new PRs before entry, such as: an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for TRs from visa-exempt countries, a visa for TRs from visa-required countries, a PR card or PR travel document for a person who has become a permanent resident.

This program allows IRCC to manage eligibility and admissibility to Canada by screening clients against safety and security criteria established in cooperation with its federal security partners. Once a client passes both eligibility and admissibility screening, the client is issued the appropriate status or document and will become a temporary resident or permanent resident when the document is validated at a port of entry. Under specific conditions, IRCC has the discretion to issue a Temporary Resident Permit or a Public Policy Temporary Resident Visa to individuals who are inadmissible to Canada, if their entry into Canada is justified. This gives IRCC the flexibility to address exceptional circumstances while maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration program.

Planned results

Expected Results: Travel is facilitated for legitimate permanent residents, temporary residents and visitors

Expected Results: Inadmissible foreign nationals are identified prior to arrival in Canada

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Sub-Program 4.2.3: Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants

The purpose of the Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants (GAIM) Program is to provide assistance to migrants intercepted as part of efforts to deter and prevent or disrupt illegal organized human-smuggling operations that are believed to be destined to Canada. The GAIM Program reflects IRCC’s role in Canada’s whole-of-government strategy to combat human-smuggling activities and responds to the need for Canada to have a program to manage the consequences of these activities. The program assists illegal migrants in returning to their home country of origin by providing basic needs and medical support to stranded irregular migrants, assisting in the reintegration of returned individuals, supporting capacity building activities for governments of transit states, delivering information and awareness activities in countries of origin, and conducting research in support of the program. The program provides transfer payments in the form of contributions to trusted international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations (such as the International Organization for Migration). This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants (GAIM) Program. 

Planned results

Expected Result: Migrants who are determined to be destined to Canada through human smuggling operations are returned to and reintegrated in their countries of origin

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Program 4.3: Canadian Influence in International Migration and Integration Agenda

As part of its mandate, IRCC aims to influence the international migration and integration policy agenda. This is done by developing and promoting, together with other public policy sectors, Canada’s positions on international migration, integration and refugee protection issues through meetings with multilateral and bilateral partners, membership in international organizations, and participation in regional forums.

IRCC works closely with bilateral partners to ensure the effective management of migration and administration of immigration laws through an exchange of information, including biometric data. This international migration policy development helps Canada advance its interests with respect to international migration as well as meet its international obligations and commitments.

IRCC supports international engagement and partnerships through membership in and contributions to such organizations as the International Organization for Migration, Regional Conference on Migration, the UNHCR, the Five Country Conference, the Global Forum on Migration and Development, and the Intergovernmental Consultations on Migration, Asylum and Refugees. The program uses transfer payment funding for the following: Migration Policy Development Program (grants), and membership in the International Organization for Migration (annual assessed contributions) and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (annual assessed contributions) formerly called the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research.

There are no sub-programs for this Program.

Program 4.4: Passport

IRCC is accountable for the Passport Program, and collaborates with Service Canada and Global Affairs Canada to provide passport services that enable eligible Canadian travellers to access other countries. Through an extensive service delivery network in Canada and abroad, the program disseminates information, collects and processes Canadian travel document applications, authenticates applicants’ identity and determines eligibility, and issues secure Canadian travel documents. The program also performs activities to ensure that fraud and misuse of travel documents are prevented and detected. The Canadian passport is an internationally recognized and respected travel and identification document for Canadians who travel abroad, and is relied upon in Canada and by foreign governments to support the bearer’s claim to Canadian citizenship. The program operates on a full cost-recovery basis from fees charged for travel document services. Fees are collected in the Passport Program Revolving Fund and are efficiently managed to ensure value-for-money for Canadians.

There are no sub-programs for this Program.