Learn Everything About Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada IRCC is a federal government agency that was formed under the name Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). However, in November 2015, the agency was renamed IRCC. The department is headed by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Canada.

Using skill-driven and forward-focused policies, Canada continues to let skilled immigrants and family members into the country. It doesn’t imply that economic immigration or family reunification is less relevant to the current administration than its predecessors. In fact, the government has vowed to increase resources allotted to IRCC to enhance program delivery and processing times.

IRCC or CIC?

The CIC and IRCC are not two separate departments; instead, they both are the names of the same department. If papers or publications refer to CIC in one case and IRCC in another, they relate to the same department. It’s not a brand-new division; rather, it’s a rebirth of an old one. CIC’s mission has been somewhat adjusted, and it has been renamed IRCC. Some stakeholders, including Canadian provincial and territory governments, may continue to use the term CIC for some years. 

Pillars of IRCC

1. Immigration

The ‘Immigration’ aspect of the department’s name alludes to Canada’s attempts to establish and sustain a policy of welcoming immigrants that is mutually beneficial to Canadians and newcomers. 

With a desire for strong economic growth and national security, immigration is projected to play an increasingly important part in Canadian life in the years to come.

IRCC’s Canada express entry program is one of the most popular ways to enter the country. 

Type of immigrants that IRCC allows are:

• Skilled workers

The population is crucial for the country to sustain its labour force and economic development. Owing to Canada’s elderly population and low birth rate, there’s a constant demand for highly skilled employees. The skilled workforce has superior language skills, job experience, education, and a strong will to achieve. Consequently, they play a crucial part in Canada’s aim to promote economic development and social services such as universal health care and education.

• Family 

Happy families also form the foundation of Canada’s culture and economy. Thus Canada welcomes the relatives of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Allowing close relatives to establish a life in Canada gives families the emotional support they need to flourish in Canadian society and the economy.

• Refugees or those who deserve humanitarian concern

As one of the world’s most fortunate countries, Canada has a moral duty to protect refugees escaping persecution and other hardships. One of the examples that indicate how Canada gives importance to humanity is the United Nations Nansen Medal- the UN’s highest honour for those who have shown distinction in aiding refugees to the people of Canada. 

2. Refugees

IRCC’s ‘Refugees’ section is a reflection of two primary causes. First, in recent years, instability and violence in some places have increased the number of refugees worldwide. These people and families have been displaced and are often in very precarious circumstances. As of June 2015, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates 60 million refugees worldwide.

The second reason to consider is that the present administration has swiftly and compassionately addressed this problem. According to Trudeau and other key Liberal Party members, increasing the number of refugees established in Canada and providing extra resources to assure refugees’ long-term security and access to opportunities is best for Canada and foreign refugees.

To qualify for refugee status in Canada, individuals must be outside of their native country and have a well-founded fear of persecution. According to the Geneva Convention, persecution must be motivated by race, nationality, membership in a specific social group, or political ideology. Nevertheless, a less stringent reading of the anticipated persecution may also result in refugee status. Canada, for instance, acknowledges that women might be persecuted based on their gender and that the definition of a refugee should be expanded to encompass this sort of persecution. A multitude of situations might render a person a refugee.

3. Citizenship

One of Canada’s immigration policy distinguishing aspects is that it offers a road to citizenship for those who want to become Canadian citizens and join the Canadian family officially.

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Permanent Resident Status

To apply for citizenship in Canada, one must be a permanent resident. Permanent resident status implies that you are no longer considered an immigrant and have not been charged with fraud. It also means you are not being subject to a removal order and have completed all the PR criteria.

Your Permanent Residence (PR) card does not need to be current at the time of application; you may apply with an expired PR card.

Canada’s Physical Presence Requirements

Before applying for Canadian citizenship, you must have resided in the country for at least three of the preceding five years (1,095 days) (unless there are exceptional circumstances). Children under 18 must also obtain permanent residence status, although the three-year minimum is waived.

If there is a difficulty with your calculation, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) suggests that you apply with more than 1,095 days of residence in Canada.

You may include a portion of your time in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident towards your physical presence requirement. Each day spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person counts as a half-day in the last five years. As a temporary resident or protected person, you may count up to 365 days towards your physical presence requirement.

Citizenship ineligibility in Canada

It is essential to study the documentation handed to you when you become a permanent resident to ensure that all Terms and conditions are satisfied. If you have not complied with these Terms and Conditions, you may not be eligible for Canadian citizenship.

Other factors that make you ineligible for citizenship in Canada are if you have:

• Criminal record or are charged with a crime in Canada or abroad;
• Received an order to leave Canada;
• Convicted of fraud.

Conclusion

Citizenship enables a person to engage in Canadian society fully. It gives various economic, social, and political rights (including the ability to vote), but most importantly, Canadian citizens have the ultimate right to enter and reside in the country. 

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