Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published its first-ever internal misconduct report, detailing 62 cases of employee misconduct during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The report includes incidents ranging from bribery attempts and unauthorised access to immigration files to workplace harassment and time theft.
The report was intended to increase transparency and reinforce accountability within one of Canada’s largest federal departments.
According to Immigration News Canada (INC), the report is a part of IRCC’s intention to build public trust and protect the integrity of the Canadian immigration system, which handles millions of applications annually. IRCC currently employs 11,148 people, a reduction from 13,092 earlier in 2025.
Bribery Attempt Revealed by Internal Communication
One of the most serious cases involved a case processing agent who used an internal messaging system to ask a colleague whether they would accept money to approve a study permit. The colleague reported the incident per IRCC’s Code of Conduct.
An internal investigation determined that the employee faced financial difficulties and fabricated a story about someone else using their computer. The employee’s security clearance was revoked, and they were disciplined.
Study permits are essential to Canada’s international education sector. Attempts to influence their processing raise concerns about vulnerabilities in the immigration process and could affect Canada’s reputation as a study destination.
Unauthorised Access to Immigration Files by Employees
Reports indicate that twelve cases involved employees accessing immigration files without authorisation, violating IRCC’s Network Acceptable Use Policy. Some employees accessed the files of family members, friends, or their own, while others made unauthorised edits or requested colleagues to intervene.
In one case, an employee attempted to speed up a relative’s application. Disciplinary actions included suspensions and reprimands. All incidents were reported to IRCC’s privacy division.
IRCC systems like the Global Case Management System store sensitive data, and unauthorised access raises issues of data protection and applicant trust. Misusing this data could result in broader consequences, such as identity theft or procedural compromise.
Harassment and Discrimination Among Staff
Nine cases involved harassment, threatening behaviour, or disrespectful communication. One employee made racist remarks about a specific nationality, while another issued a death threat to a supervisor and was ultimately terminated.
A different case involved repeated emails to a manager questioning their competence and refusing to attend meetings. Disciplinary actions for these cases ranged from written reprimands to suspensions and dismissals.
According to the report, these behaviours impact workplace morale and the services delivered to applicants. IRCC stated that ongoing training and awareness campaigns support a respectful workplace.
Widespread Administrative Misconduct
Administrative misconduct comprised the incidents of founded cases, with 37 incidents. These included time theft, repeated absences, tardiness, misuse of government resources, and insubordination.
IRCC recorded 27 cases involving improper timekeeping or absenteeism. Some employees falsely claimed overtime or failed to provide required medical notes. Two employees were terminated, and 22 were suspended without pay.
One employee used a government travel card for purchases under $1,000 but repaid the amount. Another resigned before disciplinary action could be completed.
These issues, while less high-profile, can lead to service delays and increased workloads for compliant staff.
Code of Conduct Violations and Ethical Lapses
Three cases involved breaches of the IRCC Code of Conduct or federal public service ethics policies. One employee was disciplined for derogatory comments about applicants, and another, with help from a subordinate, cheated on a mandatory exam for a job transfer.
In a separate case, an employee formed a personal relationship with an asylum claimant and co-signed a car loan on their behalf, raising conflict of interest concerns. All were suspended without pay.
Such violations of ethical standards can create perceptions of favouritism or bias, threatening the impartiality of the immigration system.
IRCC’s Institutional Response to Misconduct
Deputy Minister Harpreet Kochhar stated that the department is committed to maintaining a safe and ethical workplace and acknowledged the importance of staff who report wrongdoing.
“We recognise the courageous employees who raised concerns or blew the whistle,” Kochhar said in the report.
IRCC outlined disciplinary measures ranging from written warnings to dismissals and highlighted its Fraud Management Policy Framework and adherence to federal workplace harassment regulations.
The department’s response to the findings also includes training initiatives, cybersecurity oversight, and increased support for staff.
Consequences for Public Trust and Immigration Integrity
The release of this report comes at a time when Canada’s immigration system faces high application volumes and scrutiny over delays and processing efficiency. These confirmed incidents of misconduct could undermine public confidence and affect Canada’s international standing.
IRCC’s decision to publish the report marks a shift toward transparency, but ongoing oversight, internal training, and stronger reporting systems are necessary to address and prevent future incidents.
The department stated it will continue to promote ethical conduct, provide staff support, and improve internal accountability; whether these measures will be sufficient remains to be seen as the immigration system evolves to meet growing demands.
