Governor in Council Members

Governor in Council (GIC) members are the IRB's decision makers on refugee and immigration related appeals. The statute that governs the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) provides that GIC members of the IRB are appointed by the Governor in Council.

Expectations / Challenges of IRB Members

• As independent single decision-makers, IRB members conduct hearings in a fair and expeditious manner and render accurate, timely decisions on immigration appeals and refugee appeals
• Members must be highly specialized and trained to conduct impartial and expeditious hearings
• Member decisions affect the life, liberty and security of claimants and have implications for the security of Canadians and the integrity of Canada's immigration and refugee programs
• Members must be willing to work long and odd hours and be committed to personal productivity
• The IRB decision-making is extremely complex and highly demanding: the lack of corroborating evidence, the interpreted testimony, the cross-cultural issues demand an open and informed mind
• Members must be committed to work efficiently and in concert with the objectives of the Divisions
• Members, as public office holders, must comply with the Conflict of Interest Act

Applying to Become a Member

On July 9, 2007, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced revisions to the selection process for appointment of full-time GIC members to the IRB.

Under the selection process, which is merit-based, prospective candidates must:

• Meet behavioural competencies to ensure that they have the required skills, abilities and personal suitability to fulfill related tasks
• Meet the requirements of the Statement of Qualifications for GIC Members
• Undergo a preliminary screening, a Selection Advisory Board review, a written test, a behavioural event interview and a reference/validation check.

To apply, interested candidates must:

1. Complete and print the application form (must be dated and signed)
2. Provide any additional information believed to be useful. If the space provided is not sufficient, you may supplement it by attaching additional numbered pages.
3. Return the completed form and a current curriculum vitae by regular mail to the following address:

For security reasons, do not fax or e-mail application forms.

For more information:

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