Program delivery update: IL 3 - Designation of officers and delegation of authority

January 16, 2026

The Instrument of Designation and Delegation (IDD) has gone through a significant review and has been updated effective December 15, 2025. The updates include:

Expanded delegations

• Broader authority distribution: New powers were granted to various roles (for example, Director General, senior program officers, case processing agents, locally engaged staff) across branches like Settlement and Resettlement Operations. This reflects updated responsibilities and replaces outdated titles.
• Designated Learning Institution (DLI) updates: Changes were made to reflect current compliance roles and responsibilities related to DLIs.

3 new items added to the IDD

1. Quebec selection refusals: Resettlement Operations officers can now refuse permanent resident visas if Quebec’s selection criteria aren’t met, streamlining PSR processing.
2. Communicable disease list authority: The authority to designate countries requiring Immigration Medical Exams (under IRPR 30(2)) is reinstated to the Director General of the Migration Health Branch, correcting a previous omission.
3. Refugee claim eligibility delegation: The authority to determine refugee claim eligibility is split—lower-level agents can confirm eligibility, while higher-level officers handle ineligibility decisions.

Removals and role rationalization

• Technical and organizational updates: Obsolete roles were removed, and officer titles standardized to reflect current operations and ensure consistency.
• Structural alignment: Decision-making was streamlined (for example, rehabilitation decisions moved to managers), geographic areas reduced from 9 to 5, and delegations consolidated under the Service Delivery Sector.
• Branch name updates: Names and alignments were revised to match IRCC’s current organizational structure, keeping the IDD accurate and relevant.

Updated instructions

• IL 3 – Designation of Officers and Delegation of Authority