Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to cut 3,300 jobs—around 25% of its workforce—over the next three years to align with reduced immigration levels and budget cuts. The move, confirmed on January 20, 2025, aims to bring spending back to pre-pandemic levels.
The cuts will primarily target temporary roles, with 20% affecting permanent staff. Unions like the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have called the decision a “devastating blow,” warning it will worsen backlogs and delay critical applications for families and businesses.
The reductions coincide with the government’s October 2024 decision to lower immigration targets temporarily to focus on sustainable growth tied to housing and infrastructure. Critics argue the cuts will strain an already overburdened system, delaying reunifications and worsening labour shortages.
