As a Manager - Immigration Services, you will lead and direct teams responsible for delivering immigration programs and services that support Canada's national security and public safety objectives. In this role, you oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of immigration-related initiatives while managing budgets, staff, and operational priorities. You work within Department of National Defence or related federal organizations to ensure immigration services align with government policy and contribute to the defence and security mandate.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include supervising immigration service staff, coordinating with other government departments and agencies, managing program delivery, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and departmental directives. You may work on initiatives ranging from personnel security screening to defence-related immigration matters. You provide strategic guidance to your team, monitor performance against established metrics, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
You work in a structured government environment where collaboration across departments is essential. Your work contributes directly to national security and the effective operation of defence programs. This position offers the opportunity to have meaningful impact on public safety while leading a dedicated team of professionals.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of immigration services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the immigration services team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Relevant fields of study include public administration, business administration, political science, law, international relations, or a related discipline. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education.
Professional certifications that strengthen your candidacy include credentials in human resources management, project management (PMP or equivalent), or public sector management. Government of Canada training in areas such as financial administration, labour relations, and policy development is valuable.
Once hired, you will have access to ongoing professional development through the Public Service Learning Network, including courses in management skills, leadership development, federal legislation, and program evaluation. Many managers pursue additional certifications in areas like change management, strategic planning, or specialized immigration policy to advance their careers.
Entry Plans
Entry to this position typically occurs through federal Public Service staffing competitions open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents who meet eligibility requirements. Positions are usually advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and departmental career sites.
Common pathways include: applying directly to advertised Manager - Immigration Services competitions; lateral movement from related management positions in other federal departments; promotion from coordinator or specialist roles within immigration services; and, for recent graduates, participation in the Federal Student Work Experience Program or the Public Service Resourcing Group pools that lead to management opportunities.
Competitions typically involve application review, written assessments, and interviews. Prior experience in immigration services, public sector management, or defence-related roles strengthens your application. The Public Service Commission oversees all staffing processes to ensure fairness and merit-based selection.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for management positions in the federal Public Service, though they may be less common at the Manager level due to supervisory responsibilities. Depending on departmental needs and your manager's discretion, you may be able to negotiate compressed work weeks, flexible start and end times, or job sharing arrangements.
Remote and hybrid work options have expanded across the federal government. Many immigration services functions can be performed remotely, though some activities—such as in-person meetings with staff, secure facility access for certain duties, or classified work—may require on-site presence. Specific arrangements depend on your department's policies, the nature of your duties, and operational requirements.
Work-life balance support is available through programs such as the Public Service Health and Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, and leave options including parental leave, sick leave, and unpaid leave. Discuss flexibility options with your hiring department during the recruitment process, as arrangements vary by organization and role requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
