Canada to Slash 3,300 Immigration Jobs Over Three Years, Cutting Nearly 25% of Workforce

Workforce Reductions to Affect Every Branch of IRCC, Union Calls Decision “Reckless”

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revealed plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 3,300 employees—about 25% of its current staff—over the next three years. The announcement, communicated to employees via email on Monday, has sparked widespread concern about its potential impact on immigration services across the country.

The internal email, later confirmed by IRCC to CBC, outlined that the cuts will affect all sectors and branches within the department. Notifications to impacted employees are set to begin in mid-February.

“We estimate that about 80% of these reductions can be achieved by eliminating planned staffing, terms, and other temporary staffing commitments. The remaining 20% of reductions will need to be achieved through the workforce adjustment (WFA) process and will affect indeterminate employees,” the email stated.

While the affected functions have been identified, the specific positions have not yet been disclosed. The email also noted that some term contracts might be terminated prematurely, with those affected receiving at least 30 days’ notice.

The IRCC’s workforce expanded significantly in recent years to address urgent global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, relying heavily on temporary funding. However, with the federal government scaling back immigration levels and mandating a return to pre-pandemic spending, the department now faces substantial budget reductions.

As of March 2024, IRCC employed approximately 13,100 staff, up from 7,900 in 2019 and 5,900 in 2014. The planned cuts will bring staffing levels closer to those seen in 2021, marking a significant rollback in resources.

In October 2024, the government announced a three-year reduction in immigration levels, pausing Canada’s rapid population growth to focus on sustainable long-term development. IRCC stated that its staffing adjustments are aligned with this reduced growth trajectory and permanent funding levels.

The department’s spending cuts will total $336 million by 2027-2028, including reductions in salary and operational expenses.

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from unions and immigration experts alike.

“The news is absolutely shocking,” said Rubina Boucher, National President of the Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU). “Families longing to reunite, businesses grappling with critical labour shortages, and a healthcare system desperate for skilled workers will all suffer the consequences of this reckless decision.”

In a joint statement with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), Boucher emphasized the strain these cuts will place on an already burdened immigration system.

Tamara Mosher-Kuczer, founder and senior lawyer at Lighthouse Immigration Law, expressed similar concerns, highlighting the potential for increased processing delays.

“Some people wait years to get their immigration documents processed. These cutbacks will only further clog an already overburdened system,” Mosher-Kuczer said. “Processing times are already ridiculous, and they’re going to get worse.”