Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to cut 25% of its workforce over three years, sparking concerns about worsening visa delays.
IRCC Workforce Reductions: What’s Changing?
Canada has announced significant workforce reductions, planning to eliminate approximately 3,300 positions—around 25% of its staff—by 2027. This move is part of a broader federal strategy to return to pre-pandemic spending levels and align with reduced immigration targets.
IRCC’s workforce has expanded substantially in recent years, nearly doubling from 7,900 employees in 2019 to over 13,000 by March 2024.
These reductions will primarily come from planned staffing eliminations, temporary contract terminations, and short-term staffing adjustments. About 20% of the cuts will involve permanent workforce adjustments, with employees receiving at least 30 days’ notice.
Impact on Visa Processing Times
The planned workforce reductions are expected to worsen Canada’s already strained visa processing system. Immigration experts warn that applicants for citizenship, permanent residency, and other immigration documents could face even longer delays.
Families waiting for reunification, businesses dependent on skilled international workers, and sectors like healthcare already grappling with labour shortages are likely to be disproportionately affected.
Rubina Boucher, National President of the Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU), labelled the decision “reckless,” emphasizing the far-reaching impact on individuals and the economy.
Reduced Immigration Targets and Limits
Adding to the strain, the Canadian government has revised its Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, significantly lowering its targets for permanent residents and introducing limits for temporary residents.
- New Permanent Residency Targets:
- 2025: 395,000 admissions
- 2026: 380,000 admissions
- 2027: 365,000 admissions
This marks a sharp decline from the previous target of 500,000 permanent residents annually by 2025.
- Temporary Resident Volume Cap: For the first time, Canada has set controlled targets for temporary residents, including international students and temporary foreign workers. The aim is to limit temporary resident volumes to 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2026.
These adjustments aim to address housing shortages, infrastructure constraints, and pressures on social services. However, they are likely to result in increased visa processing delays, creating bottlenecks for applicants.
Backlogs and Growing Concerns
The decision to scale back immigration levels, coupled with workforce cuts, has drawn criticism from advocacy groups and unions.
“Families, businesses, and essential sectors will suffer,” stated Boucher in a joint release with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). The delays could have cascading effects, including critical gaps in Canada’s labour force and increased challenges for applicants navigating the immigration system.
What This Means for Applicants
Visa applicants should prepare for potential delays and plan ahead to minimize disruptions. Those seeking Canadian visas are advised to:
- Apply Early: Submit applications well in advance of travel or work plans.
- Double-Check Documentation: Ensure all required forms and supporting documents are accurate and complete to avoid processing delays.
- Monitor Updates: Stay informed about IRCC policy changes and processing times via official government announcements.
Conclusion
Canada’s decision to cut its immigration workforce and reduce immigration targets reflects broader fiscal policies but could exacerbate challenges for visa applicants and employers. As visa processing times are likely to increase, early preparation and awareness will be crucial for navigating the evolving immigration landscape.
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