About us

Since 1869, Canada’s immigration programs have helped build a community of citizens respected around the world.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) 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 CIC.

The department:

• admits immigrants, foreign students, visitors and temporary workers who help Canada’s social and economic growth
• resettles, protects and provides a safe haven for refugees
• helps newcomers adapt to Canadian society and become Canadian citizens
• manages access to Canada to protect the security and health of Canadians and the integrity of Canadian laws and
• helps Canadians and newcomers to participate fully in the economic, political, social and cultural life of the country.

Every day, CIC employees work with people from diverse cultures. They strive to serve them fairly, efficiently and with integrity. Our applicants can expect impartial, unbiased and professional treatment, as well as clear and accountable decision making.

Citizenship

In 2006, approximately 260,000 people became Canadian citizens and took an oath of citizenship at ceremonies across the country. The oath is a personal commitment to accept the responsibilities and privileges of Canadian citizenship.

CIC manages the application process and guides applicants through the steps to becoming Canadian citizens. CIC staff process citizenship applications, requests for proof of citizenship and searches of citizenship records.

Immigration

Canada has a proud tradition of welcoming immigrants. Our immigration system, refugee system and network of organizations to help newcomers settle and integrate are among the best in the world.

One of every six Canadian residents was born outside the country. Immigration has helped to make Canada a culturally rich, prosperous and progressive nation.

Multiculturalism

The Government of Canada is committed to reaching out to Canadians and newcomers and is developing lasting relationships with ethnic and religious communities in Canada. It encourages these communities to participate fully in society by enhancing their level of economic, social, and cultural integration. CIC’s Multiculturalism Program draws its mandate from the Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1988).

---

Learn about:

CIC’s Mandate and Mission

The Minister
The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration’s biography

About this site
The website is your best source of information about immigrating to Canada, settling in Canada, and Canadian citizenship.

Biometrics
Biometrics is the automated recognition of people based on their behavioural and biological characteristics

Careers at CIC
Find out more about careers at CIC and how you can make a difference to Canada

The Immigration System
A closer look at Canada’s immigration and refugee system

Laws and Policies
Key laws and policies that govern Canada’s immigration and citizenship processes

Citizenship Judges
Information about the people who serve as Citizenship judges in Canada, and members of the Citizenship Commission

Access to Information and Privacy at CIC
How to request information, statistics and citizenship and naturalization records

Workplace Investigations
Find out about workplace investigations conducted within CIC

Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada