What Who Is the New Immigration Minister Canada Deputy's Background Tells Us About IRCC's Direction
Short answer: Gallivan compliance and enforcement background points to stronger document verification, increased TFWP and LMIA employer compliance audits, and faster removals leveraging his CBSA enforcement experience — combined with CRA-honed operational efficiency, expect "fewer immigrants but better outcomes" aligned with Carney government priorities.
Deputy minister appointments are not random. The government picks someone whose skill set matches the department's priorities. Gallivan's profile points in a clear direction.
Expect Stronger Compliance and Verification
Gallivan spent his entire career building and running compliance systems. At CRA, he oversaw tax enforcement for five years. At CBSA, he managed the operational side of border enforcement. This is someone who knows how to build systems that catch fraud and enforce rules.
For immigration applicants, this likely means:
- Tighter document verification: Expect IRCC to invest more in detecting fraudulent applications, fake job offers, and misrepresented credentials.
- Employer compliance audits: The TFWP and LMIA system could see increased audits on employers who sponsor foreign workers.
- Faster removals: With his CBSA background, Gallivan understands the deportation and removal process. Enforcement of departure orders and inadmissibility findings may become more efficient.
Operational Efficiency Over Volume
Gallivan's CRA career was defined by managing large-scale operations. The CRA processes millions of tax returns annually. That experience in high-volume processing could translate to faster application processing times at IRCC, but with a focus on accuracy over speed.
This aligns with the Carney government's stated priority: fewer immigrants, but better outcomes for those who come.
Alignment with Carney's Immigration Vision
Prime Minister Carney has already laid out a clear immigration agenda:
- Reduced PR targets: 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, 365,000 in 2027
- International Mobility Program cuts: Nearly halved, from 285,750 permits in 2025 to 128,700 in 2026
- Express Entry priorities: Healthcare workers, skilled trades, scientists, researchers, and senior managers get priority
- New doctor pathway: A dedicated Express Entry stream for international doctors to address healthcare gaps
- H-1B talent recruitment: Active efforts to attract skilled workers from the United States
Gallivan's enforcement background makes him a natural fit to implement these priorities. Reducing immigration numbers while maintaining program integrity requires exactly the kind of compliance-first mindset he brings.
What This Means for Your Immigration Application
Short answer: Express Entry candidates should ensure NOC code accuracy and verifiable work experience; work permit applicants face increased employer compliance scrutiny; visitor visa applicants need strong home-country ties and clear travel purpose; family sponsorship applicants need complete accurate documentation; international students should choose DLI programs aligning with labour market needs; PNP applicants may face increased federal-provincial scrutiny.
If you are applying to come to Canada or are already in the system, here is what to keep in mind:
For Express Entry candidates: The system continues to prioritize skilled workers in healthcare, trades, and STEM fields. CRS scores matter, but so does your occupation. Use our CRS calculator to check your current score and make sure your NOC code and work experience documentation are accurate and verifiable.
For work permit applicants: Employer compliance is likely to face more scrutiny. If your employer is sponsoring you through the TFWP or an LMIA, make sure the job offer is genuine and the employer can demonstrate a real labor market need.
For visitor visa applicants: Gallivan's CBSA experience means he understands admissibility from the enforcement side. Strong ties to your home country, clear travel purpose, and solid financial documentation remain critical.
For family sponsorship applicants: While enforcement tightening primarily affects economic streams, all family immigration applicants should ensure their documentation is complete and accurate. Processing times may improve as IRCC modernizes its systems.
For international students: With study permit caps already in place, competition for spots will remain intense. Choose DLI programs that align with labor market needs to strengthen future PR pathways.
For Provincial Nominee Program applicants: PNP streams may face increased scrutiny as the federal government works with provinces to ensure nominees meet both provincial and federal requirements.
The Bottom Line
Short answer: Gallivan appointment signals the Carney government is serious about transforming IRCC from volume-focused to compliance-, enforcement-, and selectivity-focused — his 20+ years in tax compliance and border enforcement provide the tools to implement reduced immigration targets while cracking down on fraud; accuracy and genuineness in applications matter more than ever.
Ted Gallivan's appointment signals that the Carney government is serious about transforming IRCC from a volume-focused department into one that prioritizes compliance, enforcement, and selectivity. His 20+ years in tax compliance and border enforcement give him the tools to implement the government's reduced immigration targets while cracking down on fraud and misuse.
For immigration applicants, the message is clear: accuracy and genuineness in your applications have never been more important. The era of high-volume, low-scrutiny immigration in Canada is over.
Stay updated on immigration policy changes by reading our latest news and updates or book an appointment with our licensed RCICs to discuss your specific situation.
