Annual Report on Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
As required by the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on travel, hospitality and conference expenditures for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 except for information withheld under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.
Travel, hospitality and conference expenditures incurred by a federal department or agency relate to activities that support the department or agency’s mandate and the government’s priorities.
IRCC’s Mandate
Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures
IRCC works in a multi-faceted, rapidly changing policy environment. Canada is a nation built on immigration, which has always played an important economic role in meeting our labour market needs. International migration is increasingly complex, with the movement of people being closely linked to trade, global health, and security concerns. Even as we strengthen partnerships at home, we must also foster international partnerships to ensure well-managed, safe and secure international migration.
Managing in a global environment dictates that IRCC must travel in order to ensure program integrity and to provide an oversight and monitoring of its national and international operations.
With the significant investments made by the government in the Immigration Programs in the past years, IRCC deployed resources for processing in its networks and to engage with various stakeholders. Such activities had an impact on overall travel requirements allowing the department to deliver on its mandate and commitments. Travel expenditures are required to face the growth in permanent and temporary residence applications, to deliver the right training for the department workforce, and to maintain and reinforce the necessary liaison with key partners and stakeholders for business delivery.
IRCC’s hospitality expenses are mainly derived from activities related to events and meetings with foreign dignitaries as well as with federal, provincial, and territorial stakeholders.
IRCC’s conference expenses include congress, convention, briefing seminars or other formal gatherings where participants debate or are informed of the status of a discipline.
Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Year ended March 31, 2025
| Expenditure Category | Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2025 ($ thousands) [current year] | Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2024 ($ thousands) [previous year] | Variance ($ thousands) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | |||
| Operational activities | $11,115 | $15,253 | -$4,138 |
| Key Stakeholders | $1,225 | $1,872 | -$647 |
| Internal governance | $75 | $161 | -$86 |
| Training | $1,225 | $2,894 | -$1,669 |
| Other | $284 | $604 | -$320 |
| A. Total Travel | $13,924 | $20,785 | -$6,861 |
| B. Hospitality | $290 | $275 | $15 |
| C. Conference Fees | $776 | $989 | -$213 |
| Total [A+B+C] | $14,990 | $22,048 | -$7,058 |
| International travel by Minister and Minister’s Staff (included in travel) | $15 | $18 | -$3 |
Significant variances compared to the previous fiscal year
Travel:
In 2024–25, the Department’s travel expenditures is showing a significant decline, totalling $6.9 million less than the previous fiscal year—a 33% reduction. This decrease reflects IRCC’s efforts to reassess travel practices and align with the expenditure restraint measures set out in the 2023 Federal Budget.
To contain costs, the department introduced a spending cap that applies to all travel-related activities, including both operating expenditures (Vote 1) and those funded through the Passport Program’s revolving fund. The year-over-year reduction between 2023–24 and 2024–25 illustrates the effectiveness of this mechanism and demonstrates IRCC’s commitment to responsible management of public finances.
Hospitality:
In 2024–25, the department’s hospitality expenditures increased by $15,000 - an increase of 5% compared to 2023–24. This modest rise remains consistent with last year’s spending levels and reflects the department’s ongoing operational needs within a stable expenditure trend.
Conference fees:
In 2024–2025, IRCC's conference expenditures decreased by $213,000 — a reduction of 22% compared to 2023–2024. This decline is indirectly linked to the travel spending cap, which limited the department’s participation and exhibition at various conferences, particularly those related to the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
Minister and minister’s exempt staff:
In 2024–25, international travel expenditures for the Minister’s exempt staff decreased by $3,000 compared to 2023–24. This slight decrease is consistent with the previous year’s spending levels and does not represent a material change in expenditure.
For further details on international travel, please visit the IRCC Proactive Disclosure web page.