The FS (Foreign Service) Group is an occupational group within the federal government which comprises positions that are primarily involved in the planning, development, delivery and promotion of Canada’s diplomatic, commercial, human rights, cultural, promotional, consular and international development policies and interests in other countries and in international organizations through the career rotational foreign service.
The FS group is divided into five distinct streams, each with its own specialization. They are:
INTERNATIONAL TRADE / TRADE COMMISSIONER SERVICE (TCS)
Foreign Service Officers in the trade stream work to help the Canadian business community and other partners access international markets and develop export opportunities, attract foreign investment, conclude science, technology and innovation partnerships, and recruit foreign students. Trade Commissioners assigned abroad and within Canada provide clients with market intelligence and insights, connect them with useful contacts, and help resolve complex business problems. They develop extensive experience in the organization of business-relevant activities and events, advocacy to government and communications with the public, as well as an understanding of issues related to, for example, responsible business conduct and corruption risks. Officers in this area may also focus on Canada’s international trade policy, representing Canada at the World Trade Organization or other international economic organizations, negotiating and implementing Canada’s free trade agreements, and managing trade disputes or irritants from within Canada or posted at key trading partners.
FOREIGN POLICY AND DIPLOMACY (FPDS)
Foreign Service Officers in the Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service represent the foreign policy interests of Canada in countries and multilateral organizations across the globe. Through bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, advocacy, and the negotiation and implementation of international agreements, diplomats engage and influence international players to advance Canadian interests and values. They enhance social and cultural ties and promote international security and democratic development in support of global stability.
MANAGEMENT CONSULAR OFFICER (MCO)
Foreign Service Officers who are Management Consular Officers are responsible for the strategic, integrated management and delivery of the consular, readiness and mission operations programs. Mission operations responsibilities include financial management, property management, materiel management (encompasses procurement, contracting and fleet management), human resources for locally engaged staff, and information management and technology. MCOs provide consular assistance, sometimes in complex circumstances, to Canadians who are travelling, working and living abroad. This includes provision of travel advice and assistance to individual consular clients and delivery of passport and citizenship services. They also manage readiness programs to ensure that Canadian personnel and facilities around the world are secure, prepared for a wide range of emergencies and able to fulfill their mandate.
INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE (IA)
Foreign Service Officers in the International Assistance stream work with Canadian, multilateral, international and local partners to develop policies, and manage programs, in support of Canada’s objectives in the field of international assistance. They also work to reduce the vulnerability of people in crises, such as during armed conflicts, acute food insecurity and natural disasters, by providing humanitarian assistance bilaterally and through multilateral institutions.
IMMIGRATION
Abroad, Foreign Service Officers deliver the Canadian immigration program. They process and render decisions on applications from persons seeking to immigrate to, study in, work in or visit Canada. Through these decisions, Foreign Service Officers contribute to building Canada’s future and meeting Canada’s economic and social needs. Foreign Service Officers also liaise with local and international authorities and organizations and monitor and report on migration trends. When assigned in Ottawa, they provide support to our offices abroad or to other areas of IRCC (such as policy development, ministerial support, international and intergovernmental co-ordination or corporate services).