About Us

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) was created in 1994 to:

  • link immigration services with citizenship registration
  • promote the unique ideals all Canadians share and
  • help build a stronger Canada.

In 2008, the Multiculturalism Program was moved from Canadian Heritage to IRCC.

IRCC’s mandate, mission and vision

Mandate

IRCC’s mandate comes from the shared jurisdiction of Section 95 of the Constitution Act, 1867, the Citizenship Act, and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Mission

IRCC and its partners will build a stronger Canada by:

  • Developing and implementing policies, programs and services that:
    • facilitate the arrival of people and their integration into Canada in a way that maximizes their contribution to the country while protecting the health, safety and security of Canadians;
    • maintain Canada’s humanitarian tradition by protecting refugees and people in need of protection;
    • enhance the values and promote the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship; and
    • reach out to all Canadians and foster increased intercultural understanding and an integrated society with equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, ethnicity and religion.
  • Advancing global migration policies in a way that supports Canada’s immigration and humanitarian objectives.

Vision for a stronger Canada

A stronger Canada – a safe and secure country with a shared bond of citizenship and values; a country that continues to support our humanitarian tradition and draws the best from the world to help build a nation that is economically, socially and culturally prosperous.

Date Modified:
2021-03-27