Canada’s immigration system is facing renewed scrutiny after a newly released federal report revealed more than 100 substantiated cases of misconduct and wrongdoing involving employees of the country’s immigration department during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
The report, published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, detailed 105 founded cases involving administrative misconduct, ethical breaches, harassment, privacy violations and abuse of authority both within Canada and at foreign diplomatic missions.
Among the most serious cases outlined in the report were allegations involving federal employees holding multiple full-time government jobs simultaneously, executives allegedly providing preferential treatment to romantic partners and staff improperly accessing sensitive immigration files for personal reasons.
According to the report, administrative misconduct accounted for the majority of the cases, with 56 incidents confirmed following internal investigations. Of those, 47 involved time theft, absenteeism, unauthorized leave or tardiness.
In one notable case, an employee was found to have secretly held two full-time federal government positions between 2020 and 2023 while also claiming overtime pay. Investigators concluded the individual falsified work activity reports and deliberately sent emails at strategic times to create the impression of actively working.
Other incidents included employees allegedly sharing login credentials with family members to simulate online work activity, submitting fraudulent medical assessments and misleading supervisors about project progress.
The report also highlighted several ethical and conduct-related investigations involving senior executives at the department’s Ottawa headquarters.
One executive was found to have provided preferential treatment to a subordinate who was also reportedly a romantic partner. Investigators concluded the executive helped facilitate promotions, overtime opportunities and even employment opportunities for the individual’s relatives.
In another case, an executive allegedly pressured subordinates to hire preferred candidates, including family members and individuals connected to other senior officials, raising serious concerns about nepotism and abuse of authority within the department.
Privacy violations also emerged as a significant concern. Twelve employees were found to have improperly accessed immigration files involving friends, family members, acquaintances or personal interests without authorization.
One employee reportedly used immigration databases to track down an estranged relative and monitor information connected to an individual involved in legal proceedings against them.
The report further identified incidents involving harassment, inappropriate conduct and discriminatory behaviour. Investigators confirmed cases involving racist comments, sexual harassment and inappropriate physical contact between colleagues.
One employee working abroad reportedly operated a public blog identifying themselves as a Canadian diplomat while discussing internal embassy matters and expressing political opinions that officials believed could damage Canada’s international reputation.
Deputy Immigration Minister Ted Gallivan acknowledged the seriousness of the findings in the report, stating that accountability remains essential within a department employing more than 10,000 staff members.
“All the substantiated cases resulted in administrative or disciplinary action,” the report stated, including reprimands, mandatory corrective training, suspensions and terminations.
The latest findings represent a sharp increase from the department’s previous misconduct report released last year, which identified 62 substantiated cases.
The revelations come at a time when Canada’s immigration system is already under growing public and political pressure over processing backlogs, international student concerns, work permit controversies and broader immigration policy debates.
The report is expected to fuel further discussions around transparency, oversight and accountability within one of Canada’s largest and most closely watched federal departments.