January 29th, 2025 at 05:58 pm

Canada Visa Delays Expected to Worsen as IRCC Reduces Workforce by 25%

Canada’s visa delays may worsen as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to reduce its workforce by 25%. This decision raises concerns about processing backlogs that will impact families, businesses, and international workers.

IRCC Workforce Reductions: Key Changes Ahead

IRCC has announced significant workforce cuts, aiming to eliminate around 3,300 positions by 2027. This reduction represents approximately 25% of its current staff. The move aligns with a federal strategy to revert to pre-pandemic spending levels while adjusting immigration targets.

In recent years, IRCC’s workforce nearly doubled, growing from 7,900 employees in 2019 to over 13,000 by March 2024. Now, the agency plans to implement staffing cuts through the elimination of positions, terminating temporary contracts, and making short-term adjustments. Approximately 20% of these cuts will involve permanent layoffs, with affected employees receiving at least 30 days’ notice.

Impact on Visa Processing Times

Experts anticipate that these workforce reductions will exacerbate Canada’s already strained visa processing system. Applicants for citizenship, permanent residency, and other immigration documents may face even longer wait times.

Families awaiting reunification, businesses reliant on skilled international workers, and sectors like healthcare will be disproportionately affected. Rubina Boucher, National President of the Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU), criticized the decision as “reckless,” underscoring its far-reaching impact on individuals and the economy.

Reduced Immigration Targets and Limits

In addition to workforce reductions, the Canadian government has revised its Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027. The new targets for permanent residents have significantly lowered, alongside the introduction of limits for temporary residents.

New Permanent Residency Targets:

• 2025: 395,000 admissions
• 2026: 380,000 admissions
• 2027: 365,000 admissions

These figures mark a sharp decline from the previous target of 500,000 permanent residents annually by 2025.

Temporary Resident Volume Cap

For the first time, Canada will set controlled targets for temporary residents, including international students and temporary foreign workers. The goal 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 will likely lead to increased visa processing delays, creating further bottlenecks for applicants.

Backlogs and Growing Concerns

The decision to cut immigration levels and workforce has drawn criticism from advocacy groups and unions. Boucher stated, “Families, businesses, and essential sectors will suffer.” The anticipated delays may create critical gaps in Canada’s labor force and complicate the immigration process for applicants.

What This Means for Applicants

Visa applicants should prepare for potential delays and plan accordingly to minimize disruptions. Here are some recommended steps:

• Apply Early: Submit applications well ahead of travel or work plans.
• Double-Check Documentation: Ensure all forms and supporting documents are accurate and complete to prevent delays.
• Monitor Updates: Stay informed about IRCC policy changes and processing times through official government announcements.

Conclusion

Canada’s decision to cut its immigration workforce and reduce immigration targets reflects broader fiscal policies. However, these changes could exacerbate challenges for visa applicants and employers. As processing times are likely to increase, early preparation and awareness will be essential for navigating the evolving immigration landscape.