Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Statutory definition
IRCC is established under the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act. Its mandate includes: administering the IRPA and Citizenship Act; setting immigration levels plans; processing visa, permit, and citizenship applications; and managing settlement funding. IRCC operates the online application portal (MyAccount/IRCC Portal) through which most applications are now submitted.
Explanation
IRCC is the primary government agency with which immigration practitioners and applicants interact. IRCC sets and enforces immigration policy through the IRPA and IRPR, conducts application processing through its network of offices in Canada and abroad, and maintains the Express Entry pool and selection system. Decisions of IRCC officers are subject to judicial review in the Federal Court. IRCC is distinct from CBSA, which is responsible for border enforcement and admissibility determinations at ports of entry.