Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information provides information about the functions, programs, activities and related information holdings of government institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. It provides individuals and employees of the government (current and former) with relevant information to access personal information about themselves held by government institutions subject to the Privacy Act and to exercise their rights under the Privacy Act.

The Introduction to Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information and an index of institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act are available centrally.

The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act assign overall responsibility to the President of Treasury Board (as the designated Minister) for the government-wide administration of the legislation.

Background

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) was created through legislation in 1994 to link immigration services with citizenship registration. This Department helps build a stronger Canada by taking a broad and integrated approach to helping immigrants settle in Canada, and encouraging and facilitating their ultimate acquisition of Canadian citizenship. Immigration is also an area of shared jurisdiction with the provinces and territories, with federal legislation prevailing under section 95 of the Constitution Act, 1867.

IRCC reports to Parliament through its Minister. The Minister is also responsible for the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)—an independent tribunal established by the Parliament of Canada. The IRB’s functions are separate from those of the Department.

IRCC selects and processes foreign nationals as both permanent and temporary residents, assists with immigrant settlement and integration, and offers Canada’s protection to refugees. The work of IRCC helps to reunite families and meet Canada’s humanitarian obligations. IRCC also supports Canada’s economy by assisting in the strengthening of the national labour force. As such, IRCC contributes to the country’s long-term prosperity while helping to protect and build a stronger Canada.

IRCC grants Canadian citizenship and promotes the rights and responsibilities inherent in citizenship. The Department develops Canada’s admissibility policy, sets the conditions for entering and remaining in Canada, and conducts the screening of potential permanent and temporary residents to protect the health, safety, and security of Canadians. In doing so, IRCC, in collaboration with its partners, fulfils its role of identifying applicants who could pose risks to Canada for reasons such as health, security, criminality, organized crime, and violation of human and international rights.

On July 2, 2013, primary responsibility for Passport Canada moved from the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to IRCC, with the service delivery to be provided by Service Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This move was in line with the duties IRCC already performs, such as determining Canadian citizenship for citizens applying for a passport. The new Passport Program is managed through a revolving fund.

Responsibilities

IRCC’s broad mandate is derived from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act. More specifically, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism is responsible for the Citizenship Act of 1977, and shares responsibility with the Minister of Public Safety Canada for the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which was enacted following a major legislative reform in 2002.

IRCC brings together a broad range of activities. These include the selection of immigrants and refugees and the issuance of temporary resident visas abroad; the facilitation and control of immigrants and foreign visitors in Canada; the settlement and integration of immigrants and refugees; and the processing of applications for Canadian citizenship and proof of citizenship.

IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) support their respective ministers in the administration and enforcement of IRPA. These organizations work collaboratively to achieve and balance the facilitation and enforcement objectives of the immigration and refugee programs.

IRCC is accountable for the Passport Program, and collaborates with Service Canada and GAC for the delivery of passport services. The program enables the issuance of secure Canadian travel documents through authentication of identity and entitlement, facilitates travel, and contributes to international and domestic security. IRCC and Service Canada are also working together to modernize how passports are delivered to Canadians by maintaining a high level of client service.

The Deputy Minister sets departmental priorities in conjunction with the Minister of IRCC and develops strategies to meet these goals. Ten senior departmental executives report to the Deputy Minister: the Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADMs) of Strategic and Program Policy (including Associate ADM), Operations (including Associate ADM), Corporate Services, as well as the Strategic Advisor, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director General of Internal Audit and Accountability, the Director of the Office of Conflict Resolution and the Director General of Communications. The Department operates through its national headquarter and three regional headquarters. IRCC has 46 in-Canada points of service and 70 points of service in 49 countries.

Learn more about:

Features

Reports and statistics

Page details

Date modified: