Canada to Cut 3,300 IRCC Jobs, Raising Concerns Over Immigration Delays

In a move that is already causing concern, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced plans to eliminate 3,300 positions over the next three years. This decision was confirmed in a statement issued on January 20, 2025, and is expected to have widespread consequences on Canadian services.

The job cuts will affect various levels within the organization, including executive positions, and will impact both domestic and international branches. The cuts are part of a broader effort by the Canadian government to adjust its workforce in response to reduced immigration levels and funding cuts. About 80% of these job reductions are set to come from temporary roles, with the remaining 20% affecting permanent staff.

The reason behind this drastic decision lies in the government's Immigration Levels Plan, which aims for sustainable long-term growth by pausing population growth in the short term. This recalibration focuses on housing, infrastructure, and social services to ensure a balanced approach. However, these measures are not sitting well with many unions and critics.

Unions like the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU) have fiercely criticized the cuts, labeling them a "devastating blow" to essential public services. PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa warned that these cuts would harm vulnerable populations, hurting families and businesses that rely on IRCC’s services. The unions are also dissatisfied with the lack of clarity regarding which employees will be directly affected, with more information expected only by mid-February 2025.

The timing of this announcement adds fuel to the fire, as Canada’s immigration system is already under pressure with growing backlogs and delays. These cuts could exacerbate the situation, causing even longer processing times for applications. According to Rubina Boucher, National President of the CEIU, the backlog has already reached record-breaking levels, and the job reductions will make matters worse for those waiting to reunite with family members, businesses facing labor shortages, and sectors in need of skilled workers. The healthcare system, in particular, is desperate for skilled immigrants, which could further be hindered by the staffing cuts.

This situation highlights the ongoing efforts by the Canadian government to streamline its operations and reduce public sector spending. In 2024, the IRCC’s workforce grew significantly to address the country’s growing immigration challenges, but now, the 2023 federal budget has focused on reducing public service jobs. The government's cost-cutting approach has sparked widespread concerns about the future of essential services, particularly within immigration processing.

Critics, including the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), have called for a reevaluation of the job cuts, especially considering the political and social climate. CAPE President Nathan Prier emphasized that the shifting global immigration policies should prompt the government to reconsider the timing of these layoffs.

The issue also raised concerns from New Democratic Party (NDP) immigration critic Jenny Kwan, who pointed out that many immigration streams are already struggling with severe delays. For example, spousal sponsorship applications have doubled in processing time from 12 to 24 months. These cuts could further prolong the wait times and leave thousands of applicants in limbo.

With Canada’s federal public service comprising over 367,000 employees, the IRCC job cuts represent one of the most significant reductions in recent years. The decision raises important questions about how the country will meet its immigration and economic goals, especially as labor shortages and backlogs continue to plague the system.

The government’s move to cut jobs may be aimed at creating more sustainable growth, but it remains to be seen whether these cuts will achieve that goal or result in an even deeper crisis for Canada’s immigration services.