Diplomatic Corps Services

There are currently approximately 8,000 foreign representatives and accompanying family members in Canada in various bilateral and multilateral postings which comprise the diplomatic community. The Government of Canada, through the Diplomatic Corps Services Division of the Office of Protocol, offers the following services and programs to members of the diplomatic community:

Agrément and Ceremonial Programs for Foreign Heads of Mission

We oversee the approval process of foreign heads of mission prior to their entry into Canada and manage a number of courtesies and special functions relating to their assignment in Canada.

Other Special Appointment Processes

We coordinate the process of approval of foreign military and defence attachés prior to their entry into Canada, and of honorary consular officers.

Accreditation Unit

We manage the accreditation services aimed at producing and issuing a variety of documents to eligible foreign representatives and family members to facilitate their presence in Canada, from initial arrival to final departure. We also provide and update the list of foreign representatives accredited to Canada.

Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) Liaison Unit

The Office of Protocol's CIC Liaison Unit provides services to accredited missions and international organizations on subjects such as visas for foreign representatives who intend to come to Canada or accompanying family members who are eligible for accreditation, domestic workers, births in Canada, studies following the departure of foreign representatives and locally engaged staff.

Privileges and Immunities Unit

We are responsible for managing a number of programs and services relating to the privileges and immunities that are granted to various members of the diplomatic community under the rules of international law and reciprocal arrangements or agreements. Some services, such as importation, tax exemptions, licencing and employment privileges are coordinated with other federal and provincial agencies. Learn more: Overview of Services of the Privileges and Immunities Unit.

Diplomatic Security Liaison Office

We support the RCMP in its role of discharging Canada's obligations with respect to the security and protection of eligible foreign representatives and their family members.

Outreach Programs

The Outreach Program consists of a number of informational, public diplomacy and networking activities intended for foreign representatives in Canada.