Member (Immigration Appeal Division and Refugee Appeal Division), Immigration and Refugee Board

The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) is seeking decision makers (“members”) for its Immigration Appeal Division and Refugee Appeal Division.

The IRB is an independent administrative tribunal. The Board hears refugee protection claims and immigration and refugee appeals, holds admissibility hearings and conducts detention reviews.

Members at the IRB work as independent decision-makers, conducting proceedings fairly, efficiently and in accordance with the law. By making timely and well-informed decisions on refugee and immigration-related appeals, members play a vital role in upholding the integrity of Canada’s immigration and refugee determination system.

Members may have access to various workplace flexibilities such as telework and flexible work arrangements at a designated IRB worksite.

Diversity and Official Languages

The IRB is committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

The IRB is committed to fostering an inclusive organizational culture, with a workforce that reflects Canada's diversity. All candidates who believe they are qualified are encouraged to apply. This includes members of the four Employment Equity groups (women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities/racialized persons, and persons with disabilities), as well as other equity seeking groups who may experience barriers based on factors that include race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, religion or any other prohibited ground of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Preference may be given to applicants who self-identify as members of one or more of the four Employment Equity groups or other communities as outlined above.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Experience in the interpretation or application of legislation and regulations;


• Experience in gathering and assessing complex information in order to prepare written decisions;


• Computer skills, specifically in the use of word processing software, such as Microsoft Word;


• Work experience as a decision-maker in an administrative tribunal would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in applying the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in any of the Immigration and Refugee Board Divisions, or in the application of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees would be considered assets.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the role and mandate of the Board;


• Knowledge of the legal and administrative principles that guide the management of an independent administrative tribunal and its Members;


• Knowledge of the principles of case management in an administrative tribunal;


• Superior interpersonal skills;


• Information seeking and decision-making skills;


• Judgement, conceptual and analytical thinking;


• Organizational skills;


• Cultural competence;


• Self-control;


• Being results oriented;


• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written); and


• Awareness of diversity, inclusion and equity principles.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred. For some positions, proficiency in both official languages is an operational requirement. You will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency during the selection process.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Impartiality


• Tact and discretion

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• If you are appointed as a full-time member, you may not accept or hold any office or employment or carry on any activity inconsistent with your duties and functions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (statutory).


• If you are appointed as a full-time member, you must devote the whole of your time to the performance of your duties under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (statutory).


• You must reside in, or within a reasonable commuting distance to Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto or Vancouver.


• You must be willing to travel across Canada.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application, along with a resume and cover letter addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 28, 2022, via the Governor in Council Appointments website.

To learn more about the application process, please visit the how to apply for an appointment opportunity on the Governor in Council Appointments website.