This is a preliminary record, please consult the linked lower-level descriptions. Series consists of records related to overseas operations. The series includes central registry, operational and administrative files, as well as case files from various overseas posts.
The departments responsible for immigration since Confederation - continuing the practice of the Province of Canada before 1867 - maintained offices in foreign countries for the promotion of immigration to Canada and the administration of immigrant movements. This was essentially Canada's first, and until World War II the largest, foreign service. Pre-1945 offices were established in Great Britain (early 1860s ff.) Europe (1869 ff.) the United States (1870s ff.) and Hong Kong (ca.1923 ff.). All were closed during World War II. Missions were opened thereafter in a wider variety of locations. These were administratively separate from, but sometimes worked in conjunction with, the foreign missions of the Department of External Affairs.
In April 1981 a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Employment and Immigration Canada and External Affairs transferring responsibility for delivery of immigration services abroad to External Affairs; EIC retained responsibility for policy formation and related duties under the Immigration Act. Immigration services are now delivered by the Immigration (JID) sections of External Affairs' missions abroad. The Immigration Branch's overseas operations are run by External Affairs and International Trade Canada who deliver the Immigration Program abroad through the network of 65 full immigration processing centres and 34 other centres that process only visitor visas. These immigration centres are located across the globe in regions such as: Africa, the middle East, Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean, and the United States, serving potential immigrants, visitors and refugees wishing to come to Canada.
