A B C D E F G H I L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y
Note:Thepurposeofthesedefinitionsistohelppeopleunderstandthetermsweuseonthiswebsite.Theyarenotintendedtobelegal
definitions,andshouldnotbetreatedassuch.
Academicprogram
Apostsecondaryprogramthatawardsanacademicdegree,diplomaorprofessionalcertification.Thisprogramisoftendeliveredatuniversities,
colleges,seminariesandinstitutesoftechnology.
Accompanyingfamilymember
Relatedterm:
Accompanyingdependant
Aspouse,commonlawpartner,dependentchildordependentchildofadependentchild(grandchild),whoplanstoimmigratetoCanadawiththe
principalapplicant.Accompanyingfamilymembersareincludedontheapplication.
Address
Anaddressistheplacewhereapersonislivingrightnow.Itcanbeidentifiedbysuchthingsasastreetnumber,streetname,apartmentnumber,city,
town,province/stateandcountry.
Forexample:AstudentfromMexicostudyinginCanadashouldentertheaddresswhereheorsheislivinginCanada.
AdequateknowledgeofCanada
TheCitizenshiptestwillevaluateyourknowledgeofCanada.Duringthewrittenexamandtheinterview,youwillbeaskedquestionsabout:
therighttovoteandrighttorunforelectedoffice
electionsprocedures
therightsandresponsibilitiesofacitizen
Canadiansocialandculturalhistoryandsymbols
Canadianpoliticalhistory(includingthepoliticalsystemandinstitutions)
Canadianphysicalandpoliticalgeography
Adequateknowledgeoflanguage
InordertobecomeaCanadiancitizen,theCitizenshipActrequiresnewcitizenstohavean"adequateknowledge"ofEnglishorFrench,Canadastwo
officiallanguages.Ingeneral,"adequateknowledge"meansyoucanunderstandsomeonespeakingEnglishorFrenchandtheycanunderstandyou.
(Readamoredetailedexplanationof"adequateknowledge."(/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=567&top=5))Wemeasurehowwellyoucan
communicate(/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=568&top=5)usingtheCanadianLanguageBenchmarks(CLB)/Niveauxdecomptence
linguistiquecanadien(NCLC).
Admissibility
SeeInadmissibility.
Adoption
Aprocesswherebyapersonbecomesamemberofanotherfamily.Thisprocessmustcreateagenuineparentchildrelationshipthatpermanently
seversthelegaltiestothechildsbiologicalparentsorguardians.
Affidavit
Adocumentbecomesanaffidavitwhenapersonsignsthedocument,inthepresenceofanauthorizedperson,aftertakinganoaththatwhatthe
documentsaysistrueandaccurate.
Anaffidavitisoftenusedinordertoverifythatatranslationofadocumentaccuratelyreflectswhatisstatedintheoriginallanguageofthedocument.
Age
WhenreferringtotheageofapermanentortemporaryresidentinCICsstatisticalinformation:
forpermanentresidents,theirageatlandingand
fortemporaryresidents,theirageatentryoronDecember1.
Annulment
Adeclarationthatamarriageisnotvalid.GroundsforannulmentinCanadaincludeanycasewhenoneorbothpartieswerenotinapositiontolegally
marry.
Applicant
ApersonwhosubmitsanapplicationunderanyofCICsbusinesslines.
Applicationkit
SeeApplicationpackage.
ApplicationforLeaveandJudicialReview
AnindividualwhohasreceivedadecisionfromCIC,andwhothinksthatanerrorwasmadeinthatdecision,cangenerallyapplytotheFederalCourtof
CanadaandaskthattheCourtreviewthedecision.MakinganapplicationtotheCourtforareviewofthedecisioniscalledanApplicationforLeaveand
JudicialReview.AreviewmeansthattheCourtwillreadthedecisionanddecidewhetheranerrorwasmadeornot.IftheCourtdecidesthatCICmade
anerror,itwillusuallymeanthatCIChastomakeanewdecision.
Formoreinformationonthisprocess,seeApplytotheFederalCourtofCanadaforjudicialreview(/english/refugees/inside/appealsreview.asp).
Applicationpackage
Apackageincludingallforms,supportingdocumentsandinformationneededtofilloutapplicationsforvisas,permanentresidenceandcitizenship.Itis
sometimesreferredtoasanapplicationkit.
Approvedinprinciple/Approvalinprinciple(AIP)
Yourapplicationisapprovedinprinciple(AIP)if:
youhavereceivedaletterfromIRCCstatingthatyoumeetthepermanentresidenceeligibilityrequirements,but
youstillhavetopassthemedical,securityandbackgroundchecksforyouand,ifneeded,yourfamilymembers.
Arrangedemployment
ArrangedemploymentiswhenyouhaveajobofferfromaCanadianemployerinaNOC0,A,orBjobforacontinuousperiodofoneyearormore.In
somecases,thisjoboffermustbeapprovedbyEmploymentandSocialDevelopmentCanada/ServiceCanada.
See:Validjoboffer
ApplicationSupportCentre(ASC)
ASCsprovidebiometriccollectionservicesforCanadiantemporaryresidentvisaapplicantsintheUnitedStates.ASCsdonotacceptimmigrantor
temporaryresidentapplicationsandcannotprovideinformationorapplicationhandlingservices.FindyourclosestASC
(https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=ASChttp://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/vac.asp).
Assessment
1.Theidentificationandmeasurementoflearning,credentials,andotherformsofqualificationsrequiredforentryintoprogramsofstudyor
occupations(assessmentmayincludetesting,examinations,orotherprescribedactivities).
2.Aprocessthatmeasuresknowledge,skillsandaptitudes.
Assessmenttools
ReferstoguidelinesusedbycitizenshipjudgesforevaluatingapersonsEnglishorFrenchproficiencytohelpdetermineifsomeonemeetscitizenship
languagerequirements.
Asylum
Protectionthatisofferedtopersonswithawellfoundedfearofpersecutionbasedonrace,religion,nationality,politicalopinionormembershipina
particularsocialgroup,aswellasthoseatriskoftortureorcruelandunusualtreatmentorpunishment.
Authorizedrepresentative
Relatedterms:
Representative
Designatedrepresentative
Accreditedcitizenshiporimmigrationconsultant
Therearetwotypesofauthorizedrepresentatives:CompensatedandUncompensated.
Individualswhoreceivesomeformofcompensationfortheirservices(eitherdirectlyorindirectly):Compensatedauthorizedrepresentativesmust
bemembersingoodstandingwiththeiraccreditedregulatorybody.
Individualswhoprovidesuchservicesforfree:Examplesoftheseindividualsincludefriends,familymembers,andvolunteersorstaffmembersat
charitableornongovernmentalorganizations(NGOS).
SeeCitizenshipandImmigrationconsultant,Representative.
Backgroundcheck
Aproceduretoverifythemedical,criminaland/orsecuritybackgroundofvisaapplicantstoensuretheyareadmissibletoCanada.
SeePolicecertificate,Medicalexamination.
BiometricInstructionLetter
Ifyouneedtogiveyourbiometrics,CICsendsabiometricinstructionlettertoyoueitherbymailorthroughyourMyCICaccountwhenyouapply.You
mustbringapapercopyofthisletterwithyoutoavisaapplicationcentre(VAC)orapplicationsupportcentre(ASC)whenyougoinpersontogiveyour
biometrics.ThelettercontainsbarcodesthatmustbescannedbytheVACorASCbeforeyoucangiveyourbiometrics.Examplesofthetypesofbar
codesinabiometricinstructionletter:
Borderservicesofficer
OfficersoftheCanadaBorderServicesAgency(CBSA),afederalgovernmentagency,whohavethelegalauthoritytodecidewhocanenterandremain
inCanada.Theseofficershavemanyofthesamepowersaspoliceofficers,includingtherighttoconductsearches,makearrests,andseizedocuments
orgoods.
Bridgingprogram
Aprogramthathelpstrainedworkersaddressthegapbetweentheknowledgeandexperiencetheyhaveandwhattheyneedtoworkintheirpreferred
joborfield.
Britishsubjectstatus
Relatedterm:
Britishsubject
Before1947,peoplebornornaturalizedinCanadahadthestatusofBritishsubjects.BritishsubjectstatusisrelevantindeterminingCanadian
citizenshipunderthe1947CanadianCitizenshipAct.
SeeNaturalization.
Business
Aprivatesectorenterpriseengagedinthepursuitofprofit.
Businessclass
Relatedterm:
Businessimmigrant
Acategorythatincludesinvestors,entrepreneursandselfemployedpeople.Apersonmaybecomeapermanentresidentinthiscategorybasedonhis
orherabilitytoeconomicallyestablishinCanada.
Theapplicantsspouseorcommonlawpartner,andtheapplicantsdependentchildren,arealsoincludedinthiscategory.
Businessexperience
Businessexperienceisatermusedwhenapplyingtoimmigrateasanentrepreneurtodescribe:
atleasttwooneyearperiodsofexperienceintheperiodfromfiveyearsbeforetheapplicationdatetothedayadecisionismadeonthe
application.
Experiencemusthavetodowith:
managingandcontrollingapercentageofequityinaqualifyingbusiness
Orwhenapplyingtoimmigrateasaninvestortodescribe:
atleasttwooneyearperiodsofexperienceintheperiodfromfiveyearsbeforetheapplicationdatetothedayadecisionismadeonthe
application.
Experiencemusthavetodowith:
managingandcontrollingapercentageofequityinaqualifyingbusinessor
experiencemanagingatleast5fulltimejobequivalentsperyearinabusinessor
acombinationofoneyearmanagingandcontrollingapercentageofequityinaqualifyingbusinessandoneyearofexperiencemanagingatleast
5fulltimejobequivalentsinabusiness.
Businessvisitor
Relatedterm:
Businesstraveller
Apersonwho:
comestoCanadatotakepartininternationalbusinessortradeactivities,
hasnointenttoentertheCanadianlabourmarket,and
worksforandispaidbyacompanyoutsideCanadaorbyaforeigngovernment.
Canadianbusiness
Anorganizationthat:
isincorporatedunderCanadianorprovinciallawandhasanongoingoperationinCanada,or
hasanongoingoperationinCanadathatcangeneraterevenue,isrunforprofit,andhasamajorityofvotingorownershipinterestsheldby
Canadiancitizens,permanentresidentsorCanadianbusinesses,or
wascreatedbythelawsofCanadaoraprovince.
Canadiancitizen
ApersondescribedasacitizenundertheCitizenshipAct.Thismeansapersonwho:
isCanadianbybirth(eitherborninCanadaorbornoutsideCanadatoaCanadiancitizenwhowasthemselveseitherborninCanadaorgranted
citizenship)or
hasappliedforagrantofcitizenshipandhasreceivedCanadiancitizenship(naturalization).
CanadianExperienceClass
AnimmigrationcategorythatallowsforeignworkersorrecentlygraduatedinternationalstudentsworkinginCanadatoapplyforpermanentresidence.
CanadianLanguageBenchmarks(CLB)
TheCanadianstandardusedtodescribe,measureandrecognizeEnglishlanguageabilityofadultimmigrantsandprospectiveimmigrantswhoplanto
liveandworkinCanada,orapplyforcitizenship.TheNiveauxdecomptencelinguistiquecanadiens(NCLC)isusedtoassessabilitiesintheFrench
language.
CaseProcessingCentre(CPC)
AnofficeinCanadathathandlescitizenshipandimmigrationapplications.Theyarenotopentothepublic.
ThereareCPCsin:Sydney,NovaScotiaMississauga,OntarioVegreville,AlbertaandOttawa,Ontario.
CEGEPs(collgedenseignementgnraletprofessionnel)
InQuebec,aneducationalinstitutionthatofferspreuniversityclasses(twoyears)takenbetweensecondaryschoolanduniversity,ortechnicalcareer
programs(threeyears)thatpreparestudentstoenterthejobmarket.
CentralizedIntakeOffice
AnofficeinSydney,NovaScotiathathandlesapplicationsfromseveralpermanentimmigrationprograms,includingfederalskilledworkersand
immigrantinvestors.
Ourstaffwillmakesureyourapplicationiscomplete,thensendittothevisaofficeresponsibleforyourhomecountry.
CertificatdacceptationduQubec(CAQ)
Relatedterm:
Certificateofacceptance
AdocumentfromQuebecsMinistredelImmigration,delaDiversitetdelInclusion(MIDI)that:
atemporaryworkermustapplyfortheCAQwithMIDIbeforecomingtoQuebectowork,or
aforeignstudentmustapplyfortheCAQwithMIDIbeforecomingtostudyinQuebec.
CertificateofCanadiancitizenship
Relatedterms:
Citizenshipcertificate
Proofofcitizenship
Citizenshipcard
ACanadiancitizenshipcertificateisadocumentthatprovesthatapersonisaCanadiancitizen.
Thecitizenshipcertificateisan8x11papersizecertificatethatcontains:
yourcertificatenumber
yourUniqueClientIdentifier
yourname
yourdateofbirth
yourgender
youreffectivedateofCanadiancitizenship
BeforeFebruary1,2012,CICissuedplasticwalletsizedcitizenshipcardsasproofofcitizenship.Thesecardscamewithcommemorativecertificates.
Thecommemorativecertificatescannotbeusedasproofofcitizenship.
Certificateofnomination
Relatedterm:
Nominationcertificate
AcertificateissuedbyaprovinceorterritorythatrecommendsaforeignnationalforpermanentresidenceundertheProvincialNomineeProgram.
Certificateofrenunciation
Relatedterm:
Renunciationcertificate
AdocumentissuedbytheGovernmentofCanadathatconfirmssomeoneisnolongeracitizenofCanadabecausetheyhavewillinglygivenuptheir
Canadiancitizenship.
Certification
Aformaldocumentthatrecognizesapersonsskills,knowledgeandabilities.
CertifiedEnglishorFrenchtranslations
Tohaveacopycertified,anauthorizedpersonmustcomparetheoriginaldocumenttothephotocopyandmustprintthefollowingonthephotocopy:
"Icertifythatthisisatruecopyoftheoriginaldocument"
thenameoftheoriginaldocument
thedateofthecertification
hisorhername
hisorherofficialpositionortitleand
hisorhersignature
Certifiedphotocopy
Aphotocopyofanoriginaldocument.Itmustbereadableandcertifiedasatruecopyoftheoriginalbyanauthorizedperson.Thepersoncomparesthe
documentsandmarksonthephotocopy:
theirnameandsignature
theirpositionortitle
thenameoftheoriginaldocument
thedatetheycertifiedthedocument
thephraseIcertifythatthisisatruecopyoftheoriginaldocument.
Certifiedtranslator
AmemberingoodstandingofaprovincialorterritorialorganizationoftranslatorsandinterpretersinCanada.
Citizen
Tobeacitizenofacountrymeansthatapersonwaseitherborninthatcountry(inmostcases)orhasbeengrantedcitizenshipbythatcountry.
Citizenship
Staterecognizednationalityandtheduties,rights,responsibilitiesandprivilegesthatcomewithit.
CitizenshipandImmigrationconsultant
Relatedterms:
CitizenshipandImmigrationrepresentative
Designatedrepresentative
Apersonwhoprovidessupport,adviceorhelp,forafeeorotherconsideration,tosomeonewhowantstoimmigratetoCanadaorobtainCanadian
citizenship.Canadascitizenshipandimmigrationlawsdefinerepresentativesandthetermsoftheirservices.Thispersondoesnotworkforthe
Canadiangovernment.
SeeAuthorizedrepresentative.
Citizenshipceremony
Relatedterms:
Clerkoftheceremony
Presidingofficer
ThefinalstepinbecomingaCanadiancitizen.Duringthecitizenshipceremony,candidatesforcitizenshipaged14andovermusttaketheoathof
citizenship.Aftertakingtheoath,newcitizensreceivetheircitizenshipcertificate.
SeeOathofcitizenship,Citizenshipjudge.
CitizenshipCommission
TheadministrativebodythatconsistsofallcitizenshipjudgesworkingacrossCanada.
Citizenshiphearing
Aninterviewwithacitizenshipjudgetoassesswhetheranapplicantmeetstherequirementsforagrantofcitizenship.
Citizenshipjudge
Anindependent,quasijudicialdecisionmakerwhomakeslegaldecisionsonresidencyrequirementsforsomeadultcitizenshipapplications,administers
theoathofCanadiancitizenship,andpresidesovercitizenshipceremonies.
SeeCitizenshipceremony,Oathofcitizenship.
Citizenshipofficer
Relatedterm:
Clerkoftheceremony
ApersonwhoisauthorizedbytheMinisterundertheCitizenshipActtoperformthedutiesofacitizenshipofficerprescribedbytheCitizenship
Regulationssuchas:
reviewingapplicationstoseewhetherapersonmeetstherequirementsforCanadiancitizenshipandconductinginterviewsandhearingswith
applicantsasnecessary,
planninginterviews,tests,hearingsandcitizenshipceremonies,
grantingcitizenshiptoapplicants,and
providingwrittendecisionofrefusaltoapplicantsincludingreasonsfortherefusal.
Citizenshiptest
CitizenshipapplicantsmustprovetheirknowledgeofCanadabytakingacitizenshiptest.
Applicantsbetweentheagesof14and64(onthedateofapplication)musttakethetest.Itisusuallyawrittentest,butissometimestakenorallywitha
citizenshipofficer.
Thetestassessesanapplicantsknowledgeof:
Canada,and
Theresponsibilitiesandprivilegesofcitizenship.
ClientIdentificationNumber
AClientIdentificationNumber(ClientID),alsoreferredtoasaUniqueClientIdentifierNumber(UCI),canbefoundonanyofficialdocumentissuedbya
CitizenshipandImmigrationCanadaoffice,CaseProcessingCentreoraCanadianvisaofficeoutsideCanada.
AClientIDconsistsoffournumbers,ahyphen()andfour(4)morenumbers(example:00000000).
ApersonwhohasneverdealtwithCitizenshipandImmigrationCanadabeforewillnothaveaClientIdentificationNumber.
College
Relatedterms:
Communitycollege
Collgedenseignementgnraletprofessionnel(CEGEP)inQuebec
Astageofhighereducationthatcomesafterhighschool.Collegesofferonetothreeyeardiplomaprogramsinacademicortechnicalsubjects.
Commitmentcertificate
Acertificateofcommitmentissuedtoanapplicantbyadesignatedprivatesectorbusiness,confirmingtheiragreement.
Commonlawpartner
Relatedterm:
Commonlawspouse
Apersonwhohasbeenlivingwithanotherpersoninaconjugalrelationshipforatleastoneyear.Thetermreferstooppositesexandsamesex
relationships.
Seethelegaldefinitionofcommonlawpartner(http://lawslois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR2002227/page1.html#h1).
Communitysponsor
AnorganizationthatsponsorsrefugeesbuthasnotsignedaformalagreementwithCIC.Acommunitysponsorwouldnormallysponsorfewerrefugees
thanaSponsorshipAgreementHolder(SAH).
Competency
Ameasurableskillorsetofskills,levelofknowledge,andbehaviouralpracticesobtainedthroughformal,nonformalorinformallearning.
Comprehensiverankingsystem(CRS)
ApointsbasedsystemusedtoassessandscoreacandidatesExpressEntryprofile(/english/immigrate/skilled/profile.asp)torankthemagainstother
candidatesinthepool.TheCRSwillassesstheprofileinformationcandidatessubmit,includingskills,workexperience,languageability,educationand
otherfactors(/english/expressentry/criteriacrs.asp).
See:ExpressEntryprofile(/english/immigrate/skilled/profile.asp)
Confirmationofpermanentresidencenumber(IMM5292or5509)
YouwillfindthisnumberintoprightcornerofyourConfirmationofPermanentResidencedocumentissuedtoyoubyaCitizenshipandImmigration
Canadaofficeorbythevisaofficewhereyousubmittedyourapplication.YourConfirmationofPermanentResidencenumberstartswitha"T"followed
byninenumbers.(Example:T100000000).
Conjugalpartner
ApersonoutsideCanadawhohashadabindingrelationshipwithasponsorforatleastoneyearbutcouldnotlivewiththeirpartner.Thetermrefersto
bothoppositesexandsamesexrelationships.
Constituentgroup
Relatedterm:
Sponsorshipagreementholder(SAH)
Agroupauthorizedinwritingbyasponsorshipagreementholder(SAH)tosponsorrefugeesundertheSAH'ssponsorshipagreement.Anexampleofa
ConstituentGroupisalocalcongregationorchapterofanationalchurchororganizationthatisaSAH.
Consulate
Relatedterm:
Mission
AGovernmentofCanadaofficethathelpsCanadiancitizensabroad.TheyareledbyaConsulGeneral.Theyarenotlocatedincapitalcities.Some
consulatesalsoprovideimmigrationservices.
Examples:ConsulateGeneralofCanadainNewYorkCityConsulateGeneralofCanadainHongKong.
SeeVisaoffice,Highcommission,Embassy.
Contactinformation
Apersonsname,mailingaddress,telephonenumber,emailaddressandfaxnumber,ifany.
Seethelegaldefinitionofcontactinformation(http://lawslois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR2002230/page1.html#h1).
Conventionrefugee
Apersonwhoisoutsideoftheirhomecountryorcountrywheretheynormallyliveandfearsreturningtothatcountrybecauseofawellfoundedfearof
persecutionforreasonsofrace,religion,nationality,membershipinaparticularsocialgrouporpoliticalopinion.
Conviction
Aconvictionoccurswhenapersonisfoundguiltyofanoffencebyacourtoflaworatribunal.
Coop/InternshipWorkPermit
ForeignstudentswhowishtoparticipateinacooporinternshipprograminaCanadianinstitutionmustapplyforaworkpermitaswellasastudy
permit.Tobeeligibleforthecoop/internshipworkpermitprogram,youmustmeetthefollowingconditions:
Youmusthaveavalidstudypermitorapplyfortheworkpermitinconjunctionwithastudypermit.
YourintendedemploymentmustbeanessentialandintegralpartofyourprogramofstudyinCanada.
Youremploymentmustbecertifiedaspartofyouracademicprogram,byaletterfromaresponsibleacademicofficialoftheinstitution.
Yourcooporinternshipemploymentcannotformmorethan50percentofthetotalprogramofstudy.
Cosponsor
Apersonororganizationthatpartnerswithaprivatesponsortoshareinthedeliveryofsettlementassistanceandsupporttoprivatelysponsored
refugees.CosponsorscanbefamilymembersofthesponsoredrefugeelivinginCanada.
Countryofcitizenship
Acountryofwhichapersonisacitizen.Apersonmaybeacitizenofmorethanonecountry.
Countryofnationality
Yourcountryofnationalityisyourcountryofcitizenship.
SeeCountryofcitizenship.
Countryofresidence
Thecountryapersonislivingin.Apersonscountryofresidencemaybedifferentfromtheircountryorcountriesofcitizenship.
CoursdelanguepourlesimmigrantsauCanada(CLIC)
FreeFrenchlanguagetrainingprogramsforadultnewcomerstoCanada.Theyarefundedbythefederalgovernmentanddeliveredbyschoolboards,
collegesandlocalorganizationsthatprovideservicestonewcomers.
Credentialassessmentservice
Aprovinciallymandatedorganization,suchasaregulatorybodyorapostsecondaryinstitution,thatisresponsibleforassessingtheportabilityof
foreigncredentials.
InCanada,provincialandterritorialgovernmentsareresponsibleforassessingandrecognizingcredentials.
Criminalinadmissibility
WhenapersonisnotallowedtoenterorstayinCanadabecausetheyhavecommittedorbeenconvictedofacrimeforwhichtheyhavenotreceiveda
recordsuspension(formerlyknownasapardon)orbeenrehabilitatedundertheImmigrationandRefugeeProtectionAct.Thecrimecouldhavebeen
committedand/ortheconvictionrenderedinoroutsideCanada.
SeeDeemedrehabilitation,Criminalrehabilitation,Recordsuspension.
Criminalrehabilitation
Relatedterm:
Overcomingcriminalinadmissibility
ThistermreferstoanapplicationprocessthatallowsapersonwhohascommittedorbeenconvictedofacrimeoutsideCanadatoenterorstayin
Canada.Rehabilitation,inthiscontext,undertheImmigrationandRefugeeProtectionAct,meansthatthepersonisnolongerconsideredinadmissible
toCanadaforaparticularcriminaloffence.
Apersoncanapplyforrehabilitationifatleastfiveyearshavepassedsincetheactwascommittedandallcriminalsentenceshavebeencompleted.In
ordertobeapprovedforrehabilitationtheapplicantmustshowthattheyleadastablelifeandarenotlikelytocommitmorecrimes.
SeeCriminalinadmissibility,Deemedrehabilitation,Recordsuspension,Rehabilitation.
Crownservant
PersonemployedinorwiththeCanadianArmedForces,thefederalpublicadministrationorthepublicserviceofaprovinceorterritory.Employmentas
alocallyengagedpersonisnotincluded.
Decisionletter
AnofficiallettersentbyCICadvisingyouofthedecisiononyourcaseandwhatyoumustdonext.
Deemedrehabilitation
ApersonwhohasbeenconvictedofacrimeoutsideCanadamaybecomeadmissibleorbedeemedrehabilitatedafter5or10yearshaspassed,
exceptincasesofseriouscriminality.Noapplicationisrequiredtobeconsideredfordeemedrehabilitation.Whethersomeonequalifiesfordeemed
rehabilitationdependsontheirindividualcircumstances.
SeeCriminalinadmissibility,Criminalrehabilitation,Recordsuspension,Rehabilitation.
Departureorder
AremovalorderissuedbyeitheraCanadaBorderServiceAgency(CBSA)officerortheImmigrationandRefugeeBoard(IRB)anindependent
administrativetribunalresponsiblefordecidingimmigrationandrefugeematters.
DepartureordersareissuedagainstpeoplewhohaveviolatedCanadasimmigrationlaw.ThepersonnamedonadepartureordermustleaveCanada
within30days.Iftheydonot,thedepartureorderbecomesadeportationorder.
SeeRemovals(http://www.cbsaasfc.gc.ca/media/factsfaits/051eng.html)onCBSAwebsite.
Dependant
Aspouse,commonlawpartnerordependentchildofapermanentresidentorprincipalapplicant.
Dependentchild
Achildwhodependsontheirparentforfinancialandothersupport.Asonordaughterisconsideredadependantoftheirparentwhenthechildis:
under19yearsold,anddoesnothaveaspouseorpartner,or
19yearsoldandover,andhasdependedlargelyontheparentsfinancialsupportsincebeforetheageof19becauseofaphysicalormental
condition.
ThedefinitionofadependentchildbeforeAugust1,2014was:
Achildwhodependsontheirparentforfinancialandothersupport.Asonordaughterisconsideredadependantoftheirparentwhenthechildis:
under22yearsold,anddoesnothaveaspouseorpartner,or
afulltimestudentonanongoingbasissincebeforetheageof22,andhasdependedlargelyonaparent'sfinancialsupportsincethattime,or
22yearsoldandover,and
becameaspouseorpartnerbeforetheageof22,and
hasbeenafulltimestudentonanongoingbasissincebeforetheageof22,and
hasdependedlargelyonaparent'sfinancialsupportsincetheybecameaspouseorpartner,or
22yearsoldandover,andhasdependedlargelyontheparent'sfinancialsupportsincebeforetheageof22becauseofaphysicalormental
condition.
Deportationorder
AremovalorderissuedbyeitheraCBSAofficerortheIRB.
ItrequiresthepersontoleaveCanadaduetoseriousoffencesorseriousviolationsofCanadasimmigrationlaw.ApersondeportedfromCanadamay
notreturnwithoutwrittenpermissionfromtheMinisterofCitizenshipandImmigration.
SeeRemovals(http://www.cbsaasfc.gc.ca/media/factsfaits/051eng.html)onCBSAwebsite.
Designatedangelinvestorgroup
AprivatebusinessthatisamemberoftheNationalAngelCapitalOrganization(NACO)andwhichhasbeendesignatedbytheMinister.
DesignatedLearningInstitution
AschoolinCanadathatastudentmustbeacceptedatbeforetheycanqualifyforastudypermit(asofJune1,2014).Consultthedesignatedlearning
institutionslist(/english/study/studyinstitutionslist.asp)(DLI)forschoolsatthepostsecondarylevel.
AllprimaryandsecondaryschoolsinCanadaareautomaticallydesignated.Theydonotappearonthelist.Applicantsforprimaryandsecondary
schoolsdonotneedaDLInumberontheirapplicationform.
SeeSecondaryschool(/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp#school).
Designatedthirdpartylanguagetest
Thisisatestthatshowsifyourlanguageskillsmeetourstandardsineachofthesefourcategories:
listening,
speaking,
reading,and/or
writing.
Thereareagenciesdesignatedtogivethetests.ThismeanstheyareapprovedtodosobyCIC.
Thesetestsaregiventoseeifyoumeetthelanguagerequirementforyourapplication.
Designatedventurecapitalfund
AprivatebusinessthatisamemberoftheCanadianVentureCapitalandPrivateEquityAssociation(CVCA)andthathasbeendesignatedbythe
Minister.
Directroutetocitizenship
AprocessforachildbornandadoptedabroadbyCanadianparentstobegrantedcitizenshipwithouthavingtoimmigratetoCanadafirst.
DiscoverCanada
DiscoverCanada:TheRightsandResponsibilitiesofCitizenshipistheonlyofficialstudyguideforthecitizenshipknowledgetest.Anapplicantshould
studyfromthisguidetoprepareforthecitizenshiptest.Ifanapplicantusesanyothermaterialtoprepareforthecitizenshiptest,theydosoattheirown
risk.
Divorced
Divorcedmeansthatacourthasgrantedadivorceandthatamarriagehasended.Thetwopeoplearenolongermarried.
Dualormultiplecitizenship
Whenapersonisalegalcitizenoftwoormorecountriesatthesametime.DualormultiplecitizenshipispermittedunderCanadascitizenshiplaws.
Someothercountriesdonotallowit.
EconomicClass
Relatedterm:
Economicimmigrant
AcategoryofimmigrantsselectedfortheirskillsandabilitytocontributetoCanadaseconomy.EconomicClassimmigrantsincludeskilledworkers,
provincialandterritorialnominees,businessimmigrants,QuebecskilledworkersandCanadianExperienceClassmembers,andtheirspousesand
dependants.
Educationalcredential
Anydiploma,degree,ortradeorapprenticeshipcredentialissuedforcompletingaprogramofstudyortrainingatarecognizededucationalortraining
institution.
Educationalinstitution
Relatedterm:
PostSecondarySchool
Anorganizationthatoffersacademic,technicalorvocationalprogramsofstudy,likeauniversityorcollege.
ElectronicTravelAuthorization(eTA)
eTAisanewentryrequirementforvisaexemptforeignnationalstravellingtoCanadabyair.ItwillallowCanadatoscreentravellersbeforetheyarrive.
Theauthorizationiselectronicallylinkedtoyourpassportandisvalidforfiveyearsoruntilyourpassportexpires,whichevercomesfirst.
Elementaryschool
Relatedterms:
Primaryschool
Gradeschool
Publicschool
Middleschool
Aninstitutionthatprovideseducationalprogramsforchildren,startingbetweentheagesoffourandsix.Yearsofinstructionusuallyincludekindergarten
(thelowestlevel)andgrades1through6(iftheareahasmiddleschools)orgrades1through8.
Eligible
Tobeeligibleforsomethingmeanstobequalifiedtoparticipateorbechosen.
Embassy
Relatedterm:
Mission
AGovernmentofCanadaofficeledbyanAmbassador.TheyarelocatedinthecapitalcityofanonCommonwealthcountry.Theyusuallyprovidethe
fullrangeofconsularandtradeservices.
InCommonwealthcountries,EmbassiesarecalledHighCommissionsandareledbyaHighCommissioner.
SomeEmbassiesandHighCommissionsalsoprovideimmigrationservices.
Examples:theEmbassyofCanadainFrance,ParisandtheHighCommissionofCanadatotheUnitedKingdominLondon
SeeHighcommission,Consulate,Visaoffice
eMedical
AnonlinetoolthatdoctorsapprovedbyCitizenshipandImmigrationCanada(CIC)todomedicalexamsusetorecordandsendImmigrationMedical
Exam(IME)resultstoCIC.Itismoreaccurate,convenientandfasterthanpaperbasedprocessing.
Emergencyservices
Publicsupportavailableimmediatelyifthereisadangeroussituationcausedbyfire,ahealthcrisisorcriminalactivity.Theseservicesmayinclude
police,firedepartmentand/orambulanceservices,and/oralocalemergencyhotline.
Employerspecificworkpermit
Atypeofworkpermit(/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp#work_permit)thatindicates:
thenameoftheemployerapersoncanworkfor,
howlongapersoncanwork,and
thelocationwhereapersoncanwork(ifapplicable).
Apersonwhoholdsthistypeofworkpermitcanonlyworkfortheemployerforthelengthoftimespecified,andifapplicable,atthelocationshownon
thepermit.
Englishasasecondlanguage(ESL)
Relatedterms:
Englishlanguageservicesforadults
Englishlanguagetraining
Englishasanadditionallanguageprogram
AprogramusedtoteachEnglishtononnativespeakers.ESLisusuallytaughtinasettingwhereEnglishisthedominantlanguage.
Enhancedlanguagetraining(ELT)
Aprogramthatprovidesadultnewcomerswithadvanced,jobspecificlanguagetraininginEnglishorFrench.ELTalsousesmentoring,jobplacements
andotherwaystohelpnewcomersfindwork.
Entrepreneur
AnimmigrantadmittedtoCanadawho:
hasbusinessexperience,and
hasalegallyobtainednetworthofatleastC$300,000.
Asaconditionofmaintainingpermanentresidentstatusasanentrepreneur,thepersonalsoagreesto:
controlatleastonethirdoftheequityinaqualifyingCanadianbusiness,
activelymanagethebusiness,and
createatleastonefulltimejobforaCanadiancitizenorpermanentresident.
Excessivedemand
Whenapersonsexistingmedicalconditioncouldplaceademandonhealthorsocialservicesthatwouldlikely:
costmoretotreatthanthecostofcaringforanaverageCanadianor
interferewithtimelyservicestoCanadiancitizensorpermanentresidents.
Seethelegaldefinitionofexcessivedemand(http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/SOR2002227/page1.html#codese:1ss:_1_
df:CODEFARDEAUEXCESSIF).
Exclusionorder
AremovalorderissuedbyeitheraCanadaBorderServiceAgency(CBSA)officerortheImmigrationandRefugeeBoard(IRB).
Usually,apersonremovedduetoanexclusionordercannotreturntoCanadaforoneyearwithoutwrittenpermission.Peopleissuedexclusionorders
formisrepresentationcannotreturnforfiveyearswithoutwrittenpermission.
SeeRemovals(http://www.cbsaasfc.gc.ca/securitysecurite/violationinfractioneng.html#s4)onCBSAwebsite
ExpressEntry
Anelectronicsystemtomanageapplicationsfortheseimmigrationprograms:
theFederalSkilledWorkerProgram(/english/immigrate/skilled/applywho.asp)
theFederalSkilledTradesProgram(/english/immigrate/trades/applywho.asp)
theCanadianExperienceClass(/english/immigrate/cec/applywho.asp)or
aportionoftheprovincialnomineeprogram.
Facilitator
Afacilitatorisafinancialinstitutionthat:
isapprovedbyCIC
isamemberoftheCanadaDepositInsuranceCorporation(CDIC)(http://www.cdic.ca/?id=100)
helpsimmigrantinvestorsmakeandredeemtheirinvestments.
Falserepresentation
SeeMisrepresentation
FamilyClass
AnimmigrationcategorythatincludesanyfamilymemberssponsoredtocometoCanadabyaCanadiancitizenorpermanentresident.
Familymembers
Anapplicantsclosestrelatives,inthecontextofanapplicationtoCIC.Itisdefinedasaspouseorcommonlawpartner,dependentchildren,andtheir
dependentchildren.
Federalskilledworker
Animmigrantselectedasapermanentresidentbasedontheireducation,workexperience,knowledgeofEnglishand/orFrench,andothercriteriathat
havebeenshowntohelppeoplesucceedintheCanadianlabourmarket.Spousesandchildrenareincludedontheapplication.
Quebecselectsitsownskilledworkers,undertheQuebecskilledworkerClass(QSW).
Financialsupport
Financialsupportmeansthatyoursponsorprovidesmoneytohelpyoupayforfood,livingexpenses,etc.
ForeignCredentialRecognition(FCR)
Foreigncredentialrecognitionistheprocessofverifyingthattheeducationandjobexperienceobtainedinanothercountryareequaltothestandards
establishedforCanadianprofessionals.Credentialrecognitionforregulatedoccupationsismainlyaprovincialresponsibilitythathasbeendelegatedin
legislationtoregulatorybodies.
Foreignnational
ApersonwhoisnotaCanadiancitizenorapermanentresident.
Seethelegaldefinitionofforeignnational(http://lawslois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I2.5/page1.html#h2).
Foreignstudent
Relatedterm:
Internationalstudent
AtemporaryresidentwhoislegallyauthorizedtostudyinCanadaonatemporarybasis.Withafewexceptions,foreignstudentsmustgetastudypermit
iftheyaretakingacourseofstudiesthatwilllastformorethansixmonths.
Seethelegaldefinitionofastudent(http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/SOR2002227/page1.html#codese:1ss:_1_df:CODEETUDIANT).
Foreignworker
AtemporaryresidentwhoislegallyallowedtoworkinCanadaonatemporarybasis.
Francophone
Relatedterm:
Frenchspeakingperson
PersonwhosemothertongueisFrenchorwhosefirstofficiallanguageinCanadaisFrencheventhoughthatpersonsmothertongueisalanguage
otherthanFrenchorEnglish.
Frenchasasecondlanguage(FSL)
AprogramusedtoteachFrenchtononnativespeakers.FSLisusuallytaughtinasettingwhereFrenchisthedominantlanguage.
Fulltimeequivalentstudies
Educationcompletedonaparttimeoracceleratedbasisthatisequivalenttoafulltimeprogramofstudy.
Fulltimejobequivalent
Definedas1,560hoursofpaidemploymentperyear.
Fulltimestudy
Relatedterm:
Fulltimestudent
Studyschedulewithaminimumnumberofhours(15hours)ofinstructionperweekduringtheacademicyear,includinganyperiodoftraininginthe
workplacethatispartofthestudentsstudies.Studentsshouldasktheirschoolwhatthefulltimerequirementsare.
Fulltimestudystatus
Fulltimestudystatusisdeterminedbyyoureducationalinstitution(school).Itisusuallybasedonthenumberofclassroomhoursperweek.
GeneralAgreementonTradeinServices(GATS)
Relatedterm:
Internationalagreement
AninternationalagreementthatprovidesthebasisforgivingsomeforeignbusinesspeopleeasieraccesstoCanada.Manycountriesthataremembers
oftheWorldTradeOrganizationhavesignedtheagreement.
Threekindsofbusinesspeoplearecovered:
businessvisitors,
professionalsand
employeestransferredwithinacompanytoworkinCanada.
Givenname(s)
Agivenname(s)isthename(s)giventoapersonatbirthandbywhichthatpersonismostcommonlyreferredto.Apersonsgivenname(s)includeshis
orherfirstnameandmiddlename.Forexample:IfapersonsnameisMarkPaulJenkins,hisgivennamesareMarkPaul.
Apersonmayhaveoneormoregivennames.
Governmentassistedrefugee
ApersonwhoisoutsideCanadaandhasbeendeterminedtobeaConventionrefugeeandwhoreceivesfinancialandothersupportfromthe
GovernmentofCanadaorProvinceofQuebecforuptooneyearaftertheirarrivalinCanada.
GARsareselectedfromapplicantsreferredbytheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees(UNHCR)andotherreferralorganizations.
Grantofcitizenship
SeeNaturalization.
Groupoffive
AgroupoffiveormoreCanadiancitizensorpermanentresidents,eachofwhomisatleast18yearsofage,whoagreetoworktogethertosponsora
refugee.
Guarantor
Aguarantorisapersonwhocanconfirmyouridentityandtheinformationyouhaveprovided.Ifyoudonothaveaguarantorwhohasknownyouforat
leasttwo(2)years,youmustcompleteaStatutoryDeclarationinLieuofGuarantor.
Healthcard
AdocumentthatallowsapersontoreceivepublichealthcareinaCanadianprovinceorterritory.Newcomerscanapplyforahealthcardwhenthey
arriveinCanada.
SeeHealthinsurance.
Healthinsurance
ACanadianprovincialorterritorialgovernmentprogramthatpaysforessentialhealthservicesprovidedbydoctors,hospitalsandcertainnonphysician
practitioners.Newcomersmustapplytotheirprovincialorterritorialhealthinsuranceplantogetcoverageandahealthcard.
SeeHealthcard.
Seethelegaldefinitionofhealthcard(http://lawslois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR2002227/page1.html#h1).
Highcommission
Relatedterm:
Mission
AGovernmentofCanadaoffice,isthesameasanembassy,butislocatedinthecapitalcityofaCommonwealthcountry.
Example:HighCommissionofCanadatotheUnitedKingdominLondon
SeeEmbassy,Visaoffice,Consulate.
Humanitarianandcompassionateapplication(H&C)
PeoplewhowouldnotnormallybeeligibletobecomepermanentresidentsofCanadamaybeabletoapplyonhumanitarianandcompassionate(H&C)
grounds.
(H&C)groundsapplytopeoplewithexceptionalcases.Factorsthatarelookedatinclude:
howsettledthepersonisinCanada,
generalfamilytiestoCanada,
thebestinterestsofanychildreninvolved,and
thedegreeofhardshipthattheapplicantwouldexperienceiftherequestisnotgrantedandtheymustleaveCanadainordertoapplyfor
permanentresidence.
(H&C)decisionmakerswillnotlookattheriskfactorsthatarelookedatinaninCanadarefugeeprotectionclaimorapreremovalriskassessment
(PRRA).Thesefactorswhichareoutsidethescopeofan(H&C)applicationincludepersecution,dangeroftortureorrisktolifeorriskofcrueland
unusualtreatmentorpunishment.
Identitycard
Acardusedtoprovewhosomeoneis.Itcanbeissuedbyagovernmentorbyarecognizedinternationalagency,suchastheUnitedNations.
Immigrationdocument
AnofficialdocumentissuedbyaCICorCanadaBorderServicesAgency(CBSA)office,CaseProcessingCentre(CPC)orCanadianvisaofficeoutside
Canada,suchasoneofthefollowing:
Immigrantvisaandrecordoflanding(IMM1000),
Confirmationofpermanentresidence(IMM5292),
Permanentresidentcard,
visitorrecord,
workpermit,
studypermitor
temporaryresidentpermit.
Immigrationofficer
AnofficerresponsiblefordecidingwhocanenterandstayinCanada.TheyusuallyworkatPortsofEntry(airports,landbordercrossings)oroneofour
officesinCanada.Theymaycheckdocumentsandinterviewapplicantstomakesureapplicationsareaccurate.
Immigrationstatus
Anoncitizenspositioninacountryforexample,permanentresidentorvisitor.
Impliedstatus
Ifavisitor,studentorforeignworkerappliestoextendtheirstatus,beforethatstatusexpires,theycanlegallyremaininCanadauntiladecisionismade
ontheapplication.Inthissituation,thepersonhasimpliedstatus.
Ingoodstanding
Referstoarepresentativewho:
islicensedandinsured,
isqualifiedtohelpyouthroughthelegalprocess,and
meetsthestandardsoflearning,competenceandprofessionalconduct.
Inprocess
WhenanapplicationthathasbeensenttoCIChasbeenopened,checkedforcompleteness,andanemployeehasbeguntoprocessit(enterintothe
computersystem,etc.).
Inadmissibility
Relatedterm:
Inadmissibleperson
WhenapersonisnotallowedtoenterorstayinCanada.Reasonscanincludesecurityconcerns,criminaloffences,humanrightsviolations,healthor
financialreasons,andfailuretocomplywithCanadasimmigrationlaws.
Indictableoffence
SeeOffence.
Individualrehabilitation
SeeCriminalrehabilitation.
Instructionguide
Instructionguidesaredocumentsthatprovide:
informationapersonmustknowaboutanapplicationbeforesendingittoCICand
helpwithfillingoutformsandrequiredsupportingdocuments.
TheseguidesarepostedontheCICwebsite.
Intercountryadoption
Relatedterm:
Internationaladoption
Alegaladoptionofachildresidinginanothercountrythatcomplieswiththelawsofboththesendingandreceivingcountries.
InternationalExperienceCanada(IEC)
Relatedterms:
Internationalyouthprogram
WorkingHolidayProgram
AyouthexchangeprogramallowingCanadians,18to35,toliveandworkinothercountries,generallyforuptooneyearatatime.Thereciprocityofthe
programallowsforyouthfromthesesamecountriestoliveandworkinCanadaforuptooneyear.
Internationalmedicalgraduate
ApersonwhohasgraduatedfromamedicalschoolnotaccreditedinCanada(bytheCommitteeonAccreditationofCanadianMedicalSchools)orin
theU.S.(bytheLiaisonCommitteeonMedicalEducation).ThistermincludesgraduatesofaU.S.schoolofosteopathicmedicineaccreditedbythe
AmericanOsteopathicAssociation.
InternationalMobilityProgram
ThisprogramletsemployershireorbringinforeignworkerswithoutaLabourMarketImpactAssessment(LMIA).Someworkersareexemptfromthe
LMIAprocess.ThisapplieswhentherearesharedbenefitsforCanadiansandotheradvantagesforCanada.
Thesepeoplecaninclude:
internationalstudentswhograduatedfromaCanadianschool
peopleworkinginCanadatemporarilyunderfreetradeagreements,suchasNAFTA
peopletakingpartinInternationalExperienceCanada
somepermanentresidentapplicantssettlinginCanadawhiletheirapplicationisfinalized,and
spousesofhighlyskilledforeignworkers.
SeeLabourMarketImpactAssessment(LMIA)
Internationalstudent
SeeForeignstudent.
Internship
Supervisedworkorschoolrelatedtrainingthatmaybeeitherpaidorunpaid.Internshippositionscanbefoundwithsomebusinesses,government
departmentsandnonprofitorganizations.InternshipscanhelpnewcomersgainCanadianworkexperience.
Intracompanytransferee
Relatedterms:
GeneralAgreementonTradeinServices
NorthAmericanFreeTradeAgreement
AqualifiedemployeewhoistransferredwithinacompanytoworkinCanadaonatemporarybasis.
Investor
AtermusedtodescribeanimmigrantadmittedtoCanadawho:
hasbusinessexperience
hasalegallyobtainednetworthofatleastC$1,600,000,and
hasmadeaninvestmentofC$800,000
Invitationtoapply
WhenacandidatesprofileispulledfromInternationalExperienceCanada(/english/work/iec/index.asp)orExpressEntrypool
(/english/immigrate/skilled/pool.asp).Theythenhavealimitedtimetofilloutandsubmitanonlineapplication.
Invitationround
Aprocesswhereweinvitecandidatesfromapooltoapplyfor:
aworkpermitthroughInternationalExperienceCanada(/english/work/iec/index.asp)or
permanentresidencethroughExpressEntry(/english/immigrate/skilled/index.asp).
Weholdtheseroundsonaregularbasis.
Seealso:Invitationtoapply,pool
IRCCoffice
AnofficeinCanadathatsupportsimmigration,citizenship,andsettlementprograms.Thistermdoesnotincludeportsofentryorcaseprocessing
centres.
LabourMarketImpactAssessment(LMIA)
ALabourMarketImpactAssessment(LMIA)isadocumentthatanemployerinCanadamustusuallygetbeforehiringaforeignworker.
ApositiveLMIAwillshowthatthereisaneedforaforeignworkertofillthejobandthatnoCanadianworkercandothejob.ApositiveLMIAis
sometimescalledaConfirmationletter.
IfyouneedanLMIA,youremployermustsendanapplicationtoEmploymentandSocialDevelopmentCanada(http://www.rhdcc
hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/home.shtml)(ESDC).
Labourmarketopinion(LMO)
SeeLabourMarketImpactAssessment
Landing
Relatedterm:
Interviewforfinaldetermination
ThefinalinterviewwithanimmigrationofficerateitheraportofentryoralocalCICofficewithinCanada,duringwhichanapplicantbecomesa
permanentresident.Thishappenswhenthepersonsignstheconfirmationofpermanentresidence.
Languageassessment
Anevaluationofapersonsreading,writing,listeningand/orspeakingabilitiesinEnglishorFrench.Thisisdonetoseeifyoumeetthelanguage
requirementforyourapplication.
Languagerequirement
Relatedterms:
AdequateLanguage
SometypesofapplicationsrequireyoutohaveacertainlevelofskillineitherEnglishorFrench.Theleveloflanguageabilityrequiredisdifferent,
dependingonthetypeofapplicationbeingsubmitted.
LanguageInstructionforNewcomerstoCanada(LINC)
FreeEnglishlanguagetrainingprogramsforadultnewcomerstoCanada.Theyarefundedbythefederalgovernmentanddeliveredbyschoolboards,
collegesandlocalorganizationsthatprovideservicestonewcomers.
Letterofintroduction
Adocumentsentfromavisaofficetoconfirmapprovalof:
astudypermit,or
aworkpermit,or
extendedstayforaparentorgrandparentfromacountrythatdoesnotrequirevisas(theSuperVisaprogram).
ApplicantsmustpresenttheletterwhentheyarriveinCanada.
Letterofinvitation
AletterfromapersoninCanadaonbehalfofafriendorfamilymemberwhowantstovisit.Thismaybehelpfulifthevisitorisfromacountrywhere
visasarerequiredtotraveltoandenterCanada.
Thelettershouldexplainhowtheyplantohelpthevisitorandwhethertheyhavethefinancialmeanstosupportthepersonduringalongervisit.
Letterofinvitationtodelegates
AletterthateventorganizersneedtogivedelegateswhentheyapplyforavisatocometoCanada.
Thelettershouldincludeinformationontheeventtoestablish:
thedelegatespurposeoftraveltoCanada,and
plansonceinCanada.
Thelettershouldalsoindicateiffinancialassistanceisgiventodelegates,suchasairlineticketsandaccommodations.
Letterofsupport
Aletterofsupportisgiventotheapplicantbythedesignatedangelinvestorgrouporventurecapitalfund.Itisproofthattheywillsupportyourbusiness
idea.
Levelofeducation
AselectionfactorundertheFederalSkilledWorkerProgramforwhichpointsareawarded.Itisbasedonthecertificate,diplomaordegreeobtained,
andthenumberofyearsofschooling.
Levelofstudy
TherearefivelevelsofstudyforforeignstudentsinCanada.Theyare:
Universities:Offerdegreegrantingprogramsattheundergraduate(bachelors)graduate(masters),andpostgraduate(doctoral,postdoctoral)
levels,andmayalsoofferprogramsleadingtocertificatesordiplomasinvariousacademicdisciplines.
Colleges:Offeracademicorprofessionaltrainingprogramsleadingtodiplomasorcertificates(includesCEGEPs(collgedenseignementgnral
etprofessionnel)inQuebec,whichisgenerallymandatorybeforeattendinguniversity).
Trade:NonuniversityeducationalinstitutionsinCanadathatoffervocationaltradesand/ortechnicalprograms(suchasvocationalinstitutions,or
privatecareercolleges).
Otherpostsecondary:Postsecondarystudiesthatarenotundertakenatuniversity,collegeortradeschool.Thisincludesstudiesatlanguage
institutionsandprivateinstitutions,andinuniversityqualifyingprograms.
Secondaryorless:IncludesprimaryandsecondaryschoolsinCanada.
Other:Studiesthatcannotbeclassifiedatanyoftheabovelevelsofstudy.
Liveincaregiver
Relatedterm:
Nanny
Apersonwhoisqualifiedtoprovidecareforchildren,elderlypeopleorpeoplewithdisabilitiesinprivatehomeswithoutsupervision.Aliveincaregiver
mustliveintheprivatehomeoftheiremployerwhiletheyworkinCanada.
LocalCICoffice
Relatedterm:
Localoffice
ACICservicelocationinCanada.ThistermdoesnotincludeportsofentryorCPCs.
Lockedin
Informationthatislockedinduringtheimmigrationapplicationprocesswillnotchangeovertime.Forexample,inthecaseofanagelockin,ifyour
dependantchildsageislockedinat18thatwillbetheageonwhichhisorherdependencywillbeassessedforthepurposeoftheapplication,
regardlessofhowlongittakestoprocesstheapplication.
Lowincomecutoff(LICO)
Relatedterm:
Minimumnecessaryincome
IncomelevelssetoutbytheGovernmentofCanadawhereafamilyspendsahigherpercentageonnecessitiesthanotherfamilies.Afamilymustbe
abovethecutoffinorderto
sponsorafamilymembertoimmigratetoCanada,or
hostparentsorgrandparentsforanextendedstay.
Married
Marriedmeansthattwopeoplehavehadaceremonythatlegallybindsthemtoeachother.Thismarriagemustberecognizedunderthelawsofthe
countrywhereitwasperformedandunderCanadianlaw.
Medicalexamination
Relatedterms:
Medicalexam
Immigrationmedicalexam
Aphysicalexamination(thatcouldalsoincludelaboratory/radiologytestsdependingonage)performedbyaCICappointedmedicaldoctorthatall
immigrantsandsomevisitorsmustgothroughbeforetheyareallowedintoCanada.Anapplicantmustbeingoodhealthandhavenoconditionsor
illnessesthat:
wouldposeadangertoCanadiansor
beveryexpensivetotreatinCanada.
SeeBackgroundcheck,Policecertificate.
Medicalinadmissibility
WhenapersonisnotallowedtoenterCanadaforhealthrelatedreasons.Forinstance,thepersonmight:
poseadangertopublichealth,
poseadangertopublicsafetyor
placeexcessivedemandonhealthorsocialservices.
MemberoftheConventionRefugeesAbroadClass
Relatedterm:
Conventionrefugee
ApersonwhohasbeendeterminedtobeaConventionrefugeebyavisaofficeroutsideCanada.
MemberoftheCountryofAsylumClass
Apersonwhoisoutsidetheirhomecountryorthecountrywheretheynormallyliveandisseriouslyaffectedbycivilwar,armedconflict,oramassive
violationofhumanrights.
Middleschool
Relatedterms:
Gradeschool
Publicschool
Secondaryschool
Aninstitutionthatprovideseducationalprogramsforgrades7and8,inbetweenelementaryschoolandhighschool.
Minimumnecessaryincome
Relatedterm:
Lowincomecutoff
Theamountofincomeafamilymustearninorderto
sponsorafamilymembertoimmigratetoCanada,or
hostparentsorgrandparentsforanextendedstay.
Minorchild
Aminorchildisachildwhoisundertheageof18yearsintheprovincesofAlberta,Manitoba,Ontario,PrinceEdwardIsland,Quebecand
Saskatchewan.Inalltheotherprovincesitistheageof19years.
Misrepresentation
Whenapersonmakesfalsestatements,submitsfalseinformation,submitsfalseoraltereddocuments,orwithholdsinformationrelevanttotheir
applicationtoCIC.Thisisacrime.Documentscaninclude:
Passportsandtraveldocuments
Visas
Diplomas,degrees,andapprenticeshiportradepapers
Birth,marriage,finaldivorce,annulment,separationordeathcertificates
Policecertificates.
LyingonanapplicationorinaninterviewwithaCICofficerisalsoanoffenceundertheImmigrationandRefugeeProtectionActandtheCitizenshipAct.
MisrepresentationbarsapersonfrombeinggrantedCanadiancitizenshipforaperiodof5years.
Ifmisrepresentationisfoundtohaveoccurredaftersomeonebecomesacitizen,thiscanresultintherevocationoftheircitizenshipandthisindividual
mustwaittenyearsbeforetheycanbegrantedcitizenshipagain.
Multipleentryvisa
Relatedterms:
Touristvisa
Visitorvisa
AvisathatallowssomeonetoleaveandreenterCanadamorethanonceduringadefinedperiodoftime.
SeeTemporaryResidentVisa.
NationalOccupationalClassification(NOC)
TheNationalOccupationClassification(NOC)isalistofalltheoccupationsintheCanadianlabormarket.Itdescribeseachjobaccordingtoskilltype
andskilllevel.TheNOCisusedtocollectandorganizejobstatisticsandtoprovidelabourmarketinformation.Itisalsousedasabasisforcertain
immigrationrequirements.
Nativelanguage
Yournativelanguageistheoriginallanguagethatwastaughttoyouasachildandspokeninyourhouseholdwhilegrowingup.Itisalsoknownasyour
mothertongueorfirstlanguage.
Naturalization
Relatedterm:
Grantofcitizenship
TheformalprocessbywhichapersonwhoisnotaCanadiancitizencanbecomeaCanadiancitizen.Thepersonmustusuallybecomeapermanent
residentfirst.
Nonaccompanyingfamilymembers
Relatedterm:
Nonaccompanyingdependant
FamilymemberswhoaredependentontheprincipalapplicantbutwhoarenotimmigratingtoCanada.Theyincludeaspouseorcommonlawpartner,
dependentchildren,andthechildrenofadependentchild.
Thesepeoplemustbelistedontheprincipalapplicantsapplicationforpermanentresidence.Theyshouldhaveamedicalexamsotheycanremain
eligibleforsponsorshipatalaterdate.
Nonregulatedoccupation
Aprofessionoratradeyoucanworkinwithoutneedingalicence,certificateorregistration.80%ofjobsinCanadaarenonregulated.
NorthAmericanFreeTradeAgreement(NAFTA)
Relatedterm:
Intracompanytransferee
AnagreementbetweenCanada,theUnitedStatesandMexico.Underit,citizensofeachcountrycanentertheothermoreeasilyforbusiness.
NAFTAappliestofourtypesofbusinesspeople:
businessvisitors,
professionals,
peopletransferredwithinacompanytoworkinCanada,and
tradersandinvestors.
Oathofcitizenship
Adeclarationthatapersonwill:
beloyaltotheQueen,
obeyCanadaslawsandcustoms,and
fulfillthedutiesofaCanadiancitizen.
Inordertobecomecitizens,peopleaged14orovermusttaketheoath.RecitingtheoathisthefinalrequirementforCanadiancitizenship.
SeeCitizenshipceremony,Citizenshipjudge.
Offence
Relatedterm:
Crime
AnoffenceisanyviolationofaCanadianlaworact,whetherornotitoccursinCanada.Itcanincludeanythingfromtrespassingordamagingproperty
toimmigrationfraudorviolentcrime.Therearetwomaintypes:
SummaryoffencesThesearelessserious.Themaximumpenaltyforasummaryoffenceisusuallya$5,000fineand/orsixmonthsinjail.
IndictableoffencesThesearemoreseriousandincludetheftover$5,000,breakandenter,aggravatedsexualassaultandmurder.Maximum
penaltiesvaryandincludelifeinprison.Somehaveminimumpenalties.
Oneyearwindowprovision
ThisallowsresettledrefugeesinCanadatobereunitedwithimmediatefamilymembersthatarestilloverseas.Immediatefamilymembersarespouses,
commonlawpartnersanddependentchildren.Tobeeligibleforthisprovision,anapplicationmustbemadewithinoneyearoftheresettledrefugee
arrivinginCanada.
Openworkpermit
Atypeofworkpermit(/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp#work_permit)thatallowsapersontoworkforanyemployerinCanada,exceptforanemployer:
whoislistedasineligibleonthelistofemployerswhohavefailedtocomplywithconditions,or
who,onaregularbasis,offersstriptease,eroticdance,escortservicesoreroticmassages.
Original
Theactualpaperversionofadocument,notaphotocopyoranelectroniccopy.
Panelphysician
AmedicaldoctorappointedbyCICtoperformimmigrationmedicalexaminations.
Passmark(skilledworker)
Theminimumnumberofpointsanapplicantmustgetinordertoqualifyforselectionforprogramswithapointsgrid.Thepassmarkisdifferent
dependingontheprogram.
SeePoints
Passport
Anofficialtraveldocumentthatidentifiesthepersonwhoholdsitandshowstheircitizenship.Apassportgivestheholdertherighttoleaveandreturnto
thecountrythatissuedit.Apassportistheonlyreliabletraveldocumentthatallcountriesaccept.
SeeTraveldocument.
Permanentresident
Relatedterms:
Landedimmigrant
PR
ApersonwhohaslegallyimmigratedtoCanadabutisnotyetaCanadiancitizen.
Foramoredetaileddefinition,seethelegaldefinitionofpermanentresident(http://lawslois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I2.5/page1.html#h2).
Permanentresidentcard
Relatedterms:
Mapleleafcard
PRcard
Awalletsizedplasticdocumentissuedtoallnewpermanentresidents(andtoexistingpermanentresidents,whenrequested)toconfirmtheirstatusin
Canada.Thecardincludesidentifyingdetailsandthesignatureofthepersonitwasissuedto.
Permanentresidentstatus
ThepositionofapersonwhohaslegallyimmigratedtoCanadabutisnotyetaCanadiancitizen.
Permanentresidentvisa
AdocumentissuedbyaCICvisaofficeoverseastoaforeignnational.ItallowsthatpersontotraveltoCanadatobecomeapermanentresident.
Personalnetworth
Relatedterms:
Networth
Netassets
Thefairmarketvalueofallassetsofanapplicantandtheirspouseorcommonlawpartner,minusthefairmarketvalueofalltheirliabilities.Generally,
thisfiguredoesnotincludepersonalassets,suchasjewelleryandautomobiles.
Physicalpresencerequirement(citizenship)
ForapplicantswhoapplyonorafterJune11,2015,thisistheamountoftimeapermanentresidentmustbephysicallypresentinCanadatobeeligible
foragrantofCanadiancitizenship.
Adultsmust,sincebecomingapermanentresident,bephysicallypresentinCanadaforatleast1,460daysinthesixyearsimmediatelybeforethedate
ofapplication.Applicantsmustalsobephysicallypresentforatleast183daysduringeachoffourcalendaryearsthatarefullyorpartiallywithinthesix
yearsimmediatelybeforethedateofapplication.Theserequirementsdonotapplytochildrenunder18yearsold.
Exceptions(/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=370&top=5)applyforcertainCrownservantsandcertainfamilymembersofCrownservants.
Points
Referstotwothings:
1.thescoringsystemusedtoassesseligibilityforfederalskilledworkersandselfemployedimmigrants.Pointsareearnedforsixfactors:education,
Englishand/orFrenchskills,workexperience,age,arrangedemploymentinCanada,andadaptability.Apersonmusthaveaminimumnumberof
pointstoqualifyineachcategory.
2.theunitofmeasurementusedintheComprehensiveRankingSystem(/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp#crs)toscoreExpressEntry
(/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp#ee)candidates.
SeePassmark
Policecertificate
Relatedterms:
Policeclearancecertificate
Certificateofgoodconduct
Judicialrecordextract
Anofficialcopyofapersonscriminalrecord,oradeclarationthattheydonothaveacriminalrecord.Policeauthoritiesorgovernmentdepartments
issuesuchcertificates.Authoritiesusethemtoconfirmwhethervisaapplicantsarecriminallyinadmissible.
SeeBackgroundcheck,Medicalexamination.
Pool
Peoplewhomeetcertaincriteriaareputintooneormorepoolsofcandidates.Thisisagroupofpeoplethatwemayinvitetoapplyfor:
aworkpermitforInternationalExperienceCanadaor
permanentresidencethroughExpressEntry.
See:ExpressEntry,InternationalExperienceCanada
Portofentry
AplacewhereapersonmayseekentryintoCanada,suchasatanairport,landormarinebordercrossing.
Postgraduationworkpermit
AdocumentissuedbyCICtoeligibleforeignstudentswhohave:
graduatedfromanapprovedprogramofstudyataneligiblepostsecondaryinstitutioninCanadathatisparticipatinginthePostGraduationWork
PermitProgram(/english/study/workpostgrad.asp)
appliedtoCICwithin90daysofcompletingalldegreeorprogramrequirements.
ItallowsthebearertoworklegallyinCanadaaftercompletingstudies.
Postsecondaryinstitution
Relatedterm:
Highereducation
Astageofhighereducationthatcomesafterhighschool.Referstoacollege,universityortechnicalschoolofferingprogramsofstudy.
SeeUniversity,College.
Preremovalriskassessment(PRRA)
Athoroughprocessthatevaluateswhetherapersonwouldfacepersecution,torture,risktolifeorriskofcruelandunusualtreatmentorpunishment,if
returnedtohisorhercountryoforigin.
Principalapplicant
Whenafamilyappliestogether,onemembermustbethemainorprincipalapplicant.Forexample,amotherapplyingforpermanentresidencewith
herthreechildrenwouldbetheprincipalapplicant.Whenparentsareincludedinanapplication,dependentchildrencannotbeprincipalapplicants.
Priorlearningassessmentandrecognition(PLAR)
ThisisaprocessthatisusedacrossCanadabyschools,colleges,universities,employersandgovernmentstoformallyrecognizeapersonsskillsthat
theyhaveacquiredoutsideofformaleducationsettings.Thisprocessallowspeopletohavetheseskillsassessedandpossiblyrecognizedintheformof
academiccredits.Formoreinformationonpriorlearningassessmentandrecognition,seetheCanadianAssociationofPriorLearningAssessment
(PanCanadian)(http://capla.ca/News.php)
Privatelysponsoredrefugee
Relatedterms:
CommunitySponsor
GroupofFive
SponsorshipAgreementHolder(SAH)
ApersonoutsideCanadawhohasbeendeterminedtobeaConventionrefugeeormemberoftheCountryofAsylumclassandwhoreceivesfinancial
andothersupportfromaprivatesponsorforoneyearaftertheirarrivalinCanada.PrivatesponsorsareSponsorshipAgreementHolders(SAHs),
GroupsofFiveorCommunitySponsors.
Probation
Ifyouareonprobation,youhavebeenconvictedofacrimeoroffenceandhavebeenreleasedwithouthavingtogotoapenitentiary,jail,reformatoryor
prison.Typicallyapersononprobationmustliveundercertainconditionssetbythecourt,forexample,acurfewornotallowedtotakealcohol.
Professionaltraining
Atypeoftrainingusuallyofferedtoapersonwhoisalreadyaprofessionalinagivenfield.Thistypeoftrainingisusuallyrecognizedasmeetingan
officialstandardofanindustry,association,orprofession.
Profile
AnonlineformthatpeoplefillouttofindoutiftheyareeligibleforExpressEntry(/english/immigrate/skilled/index.asp)orInternationalExperience
Canada(/english/work/iec/index.asp).Eligiblepeopleareputintooneormorepoolsofcandidates.Weinvitesomecandidatesfromthepoolstofillout
applications.
Prohibition
PermanentresidentswhohavecommittedcrimeseitherinCanadaoroutsideCanadamaynotbeeligibletobecomeCanadiancitizensforaperiodof
time.Forexample,peoplemaybeconsideredunderaprohibitionandcannotgetcitizenshipifthey:
areinprison,onparoleoronprobationinCanada,orservingasentenceoutsideCanada,
havebeenconvictedofanindictableoffenceinCanadaoranoffenceoutsideCanadainthefouryearsbeforeapplyingforcitizenship,or
arechargedwith,ontrialfor,orinvolvedinanappealofanindictableoffenceinCanada,oranoffenceoutsideCanada.
Foracompletelistofprohibitions,refertoSituationsthatmaypreventyoufrombecomingaCanadiancitizen(/english/citizenship/situations.asp).
Proofofcitizenship
Relatedterms:
Citizenshipcard
Citizenshipstatus
Clarificationofstatus
Confirmationofstatus
Citizenshipcertificate
AdocumentissuedbytheGovernmentofCanadathatconfirmsapersonsstatusasaCanadiancitizen.
SeecertificateofCanadiancitizenship.
Protectedperson
ApersonwhohasbeendeterminedtobeaConventionrefugeeorpersoninsimilarcircumstancesbyaCanadianvisaofficeroutsideCanada,aperson
whomtheImmigrationandRefugeeBoardofCanadahasdeterminedtobeaConventionrefugeeorinneedofprotectioninCanada,orapersonwho
hashadapositivepreremovalriskassessment(inmostcases).
SeeRefugeeclaimant.
Protectedpersonstatusdocument
AnofficialdocumentissuedbyCICthatconfirmsapersonsstatusinCanadaasaprotectedperson.
Protectedtemporaryresident
ApersonadmittedtoCanadaonatemporaryresidentpermitbecauseaCanadianvisaofficerabroadhasdeterminedthattheyfaceanimmediatethreat
totheirlife,libertyorphysicalsafety.
ProvincialNomineeProgram
AprogramthatallowsprovincesandterritoriestonominatecandidatesforimmigrationtoCanada.
Provincialorterritorialnominee
SomeonewhoisnominatedforimmigrationtoCanadabyaprovincialorterritorialgovernmentthathasaProvincialNomineeProgram
(/english/immigrate/provincial/index.asp).Nomineeshavetheskills,educationandworkexperienceneededtomakeanimmediateeconomic
contributiontotheprovinceorterritorythatnominatesthem.
Qualificationrecognition
Aprocessthatinvolvestheassessmentofcredentials,competencies,andworkexperienceinordertoassistemployers,educationalinstitutionsand
professionalregulatorybodiesinmakinginformeddecisions.
Qualifications
Thecombinationofcredentials,knowledge,skillsandworkexperience.
QualifyingCanadianbusiness
ForthepurposesofdeterminingwhetheranentrepreneurhasmanagedandcontrolledaqualifyingCanadianbusiness,aqualifyingCanadianbusiness
isoneinwhichthepercentageofthebusinesscontrolledbytheentrepreneurmeetsatleast2ofthefollowingthresholdsinoneyear:
fulltimejobequivalentsareequaltoorgreaterthantwo,
totalannualsalesareequaltoorgreaterthan$250,000,
netincomeintheyearisequaltoorgreaterthan$25,000,and
netassetsattheendoftheyearisequaltoorgreaterthan$125,000.
Qualifyingbusiness
Forthepurposesofmeetingbusinessexperiencerequirementsasanentrepreneurorinvestorapplicant,aqualifyingbusinessisoneinwhichthe
percentageofthebusinesscontrolledbytheapplicantmeetsatleast2ofthefollowingthresholdsinoneyear:
fulltimejobequivalentsareequaltoorgreaterthantwo,
totalannualsalesareequaltoorgreaterthan$500,000,
netincomeintheyearisequaltoorgreaterthan$50,000,and
netassetsattheendoftheyearisequaltoorgreaterthan$125,000.
Reaffirmationceremony
AformaleventwhereCanadiancitizensexpresstheircommitmenttoCanadabyrepeatingtheoathofcitizenship.
Recallofcitizenshipcertificate
Theprocessbywhichapersonmayberequiredtosurrendertheircertificateifthereisreasontobelievethatthepersonmaynotbeentitledtothe
certificateorhasviolatedanyoftheprovisionoftheAct.
Recordoflanding(IMM1000)
AnofficialdocumentonceissuedtoapersonwhentheyarrivedinCanadaasapermanentresident.CanadastoppedissuingrecordsoflandingonJune
28,2002.
SeeConfirmationofpermanentresidence,Permanentresidentcard
Recordsuspension
Arecordsuspension(formerlyapardon)allowspeoplewhowereconvictedofacriminaloffence,buthavecompletedtheirsentenceanddemonstrated
theyarelawabidingcitizensforaprescribednumberofyears,tohavetheircriminalrecordkeptseparateandapartfromothercriminalrecords.
SeeCriminalinadmissibility,Criminalrehabilitation,Deemedrehabilitation.
RefugeeandHumanitarianResettlementProgram
TheGovernmentofCanadasprogramunderwhichrefugeesfromabroad,whomeetCanadasrefugeeresettlementcriteria,areselectedandadmitted
toCanada.
Refugeeclaimant
ApersonwhohasappliedforrefugeeprotectionstatuswhileinCanadaandiswaitingforadecisiononhis/herclaimfromtheImmigrationandRefugee
BoardofCanada.
SeeProtectedperson.
Refugeedependant
AfamilymemberofarefugeeinCanada,whoseapplicationforpermanentresidenceisprocessedatthesametimeastheprincipalapplicants.
RefugeelandedinCanada
ApermanentresidentwhoappliedforandreceivedpermanentresidentstatusinCanadaaftertheirrefugeeclaimwasaccepted.
Refugeeprotectionstatus
Whenaperson,inlandoroverseasisdeterminedtobeaConventionrefugeeorprotectedperson,theyaresaidtohaverefugeeprotectionstatusin
Canada.RefugeeprotectionisgiventoapersoninaccordancewiththeImmigrationandRefugeeProtectionAct.
Refugeetraveldocument
AdocumentforpeopleinCanadawithprotectedpersonstatustousefortraveloutsideCanada.Thisincludesrefugeesandpeoplewhohavereceived
apositivePreRemovalRiskAssessment.
Itcanbeusedtotravelanywhereexceptthecountrythepersonisacitizenoforthecountryofclaimedpersecution.
RegulatedOccupation
Aprofessionthatsetsitsownstandardsofpractice.Ifyouwanttoworkinaregulatedoccupationandusearegulatedtitle,youmusthavealicenceora
certificate,orberegisteredwiththeregulatorybodyforyouroccupation.Sometimesanoccupationisregulatedinsomeprovincesorterritoriesbutnotin
others.20%ofjobsinCanadaareregulated.
Regulatorybody
Anorganizationthatsetsthestandardsandpracticesofaregulatedoccupation.
Withineachprovinceandterritory,aregulatorybodyexistsforeachregulatedoccupation.
Rehabilitation
Aprocessbywhichapersoncanovercomecriminalinadmissibility.
SeeDeemedrehabilitation,Criminalrehabilitation.
Relationshipofconvenience
Relatedterm:
Marriagesofconvenience
Amarriage,commonlawrelationship,conjugalpartnershiporadoptionthatisnotgenuine,orwasenteredintoforstatusorprivilegeinCanada.People
intheserelationshipsarenotmembersofthefamilyclass.
Relative
Apersonwhoisrelatedtoanotherpersonbybloodoradoption.
Relevantexperience
Whenapplyingtoimmigrateasaselfemployedperson,relevantexperiencemeans:
atleasttwooneyearperiodsofexperienceintheperiodfromfiveyearsbeforetheapplicationdatetothedayadecisionismadeonthe
application.
Experiencemustbeinoneoftheseareas:
selfemploymentinculturalactivitiesorathletics,
participatinginculturalactivitiesorathleticsattheworldclasslevelor
farmmanagement.
Removalorder
WhenanimmigrationofficialordersapersontoleaveCanada.Therearethreetypesofremovalorders(departure,exclusionanddeportation)andeach
onehasdifferentconsequences.
Renunciationofcitizenship
Relatedterm:
Renunciationdocument
TheprocessbywhichacitizenwillinglygivesupofficiallyhisorherCanadiancitizenship.Onceacitizenshipjudgeapprovesanapplicationfor
renunciation,arenunciationcertificateisissued.
SeeResumptionofcitizenship.
Representative
ApersonwhohasthepermissionofsomeonewantingtoimmigratetoCanadaorobtainCanadiancitizenshiptoconductbusinesswithCIContheir
behalf.Therepresentativecanbepaidorunpaid.Whensomeoneappointsarepresentative,theymayalsoauthorizeCICtoshareinformationfromtheir
casefilewiththisperson.Canadascitizenshipandimmigrationlawscoverrepresentativesanddefinesthetermsoftheirservices.
SeeCitizenshipandImmigrationconsultant(/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp#immigration_consultant),Authorizedrepresentative
(/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp#authorized_representative).
Residencerequirement(citizenship)
ForapplicantswhoapplybeforeJune11,2015,thisistheamountoftimeapermanentresidentmustliveinCanadatobeeligibleforagrantof
Canadiancitizenship.
AdultsmusthavelivedinCanadaforatleastthreeyears(1,095days)inthefouryearsimmediatelyprecedingthedateofapplication.Itdoesnotapply
tochildrenunder18yearsold.
Residencerequirement(permanentresident)
TheamountoftimeapermanentresidentmustliveinCanadatokeeptheirstatusasapermanentresident.
Inmostcircumstances,permanentresidentsmustliveinCanadaforatleasttwoyears(730days)outoffive.Theremaybetimeswhenyoucancount
timeoutsideofCanada(/english/information/applications/guides/5445ETOC.asp)meetingthisrequirement.
Resumptionofcitizenship
TheprocessbywhichaformercitizenmayresumehisorherCanadiancitizenshipbackafteroneyearofresidenceinCanadaasapermanentresident
precedingimmediatelythedateofapplication.Theymustbecomeapermanentresidentfirst.
SeeRenunciationofcitizenship.
Retired
Retiredmeansyouhavewillinglystoppedworking.Thisisusuallybecauseofage.
Revocationofcitizenship
Relatedterms:
Lossofcitizenship
Ceasetobeacitizen
ApersonscitizenshipmayberevokedfollowingadecisionfromtheMinisterofCitizenshipandImmigrationoradeclarationfromtheFederalCourt.
Reasonsforrevocationinclude:
Falserepresentation,
Fraud,
Knowinglyconcealinganymaterialcircumstancesor
CommittinganoffenceagainstCanadasnationalinterests.
Citizenshipmayberevokedifaperson,whoisadualcitizen,beforeorafterthecomingintoforceofsubsections10(2)and10.1(2),andwhilealso
beingaCanadiancitizenwas:
Convictedofterrorism,hightreason,treason,orspyingoffencesdependingonthesentencereceivedor
ServedasamemberofanarmedforceofacountryoranorganizedarmedgroupthatengagedinarmedconflictwithCanada.
Rightofpermanentresidencefee
Achargepaidbyaprincipalapplicant(withsomeexceptions),andaspouseorcommonlawpartnertravellingwiththem,beforetheapplicantcan
becomeapermanentresidentofCanada.
Safethirdcountry
Asafethirdcountryisacountry,otherthanCanadaandthecountryofallegedpersecution,whereanindividualmaymakeaclaimforrefugee
protection.InCanada,theImmigrationandRefugeeProtectionActoutlinesthecriteriafordesignatingacountryasasafethirdcountry.
Satisfactoryacademicstanding
Satisfactoryacademicstandingmeansgettingacertainmarkorgradepointaverageinaprogramofstudy,orcompletingcertainprogramrequirements.
Differentprogramsofstudywillhavedifferentstandardsofwhatisconsideredsatisfactory.Checkwithyoureducationalinstitution.
Secondaryschool
Relatedterms:
Highschool
Middleschool
Aninstitutionthatprovidesaneducationtostudentswhohavecompletedelementaryschool.Theseschoolsusuallyincludegrades9through12
(although,insomeareas,theystartwithgrade7).IntheprovinceofQuebec,secondarygradesarecalledgrades1through5.
Applicantsforprimaryandsecondaryschoolsdonotneedadesignatedlearninginstitution(DLI)numberontheirapplicationform.
Sectorcouncil
Anorganizationthatbringstogetherrepresentativesfrombusiness,labour,education,andprofessionalgroupswithinanindustryorprofession.
Selfemployedperson
AnimmigrantadmittedtoCanadabecausetheyhaverelevantexperienceinworkingforhimselforherself.Thepersonmustintendandbeableto
becomeselfemployedinCanadainthearts,athleticsorfarmmanagement.
Selfsupportingrefugee
AnapplicantacceptedasaConventionrefugeeabroad,orasamemberoftheCountryofAsylumClass,whohassufficientfinancialresourcesto
supportthemselvesinCanada.
Separated
Separatedmeansthattwopeoplearemarriedbutnolongerlivingtogether,andtheydonotwishtolivetogetheragain.Theymaybewaitingfora
divorceorhavenotyetdecidedtodivorce.
Seriouscriminality
Acategoryofcriminalinadmissibilitythatappliestopeoplewhohavecommittedorbeenconvictedofanoffence,insideoroutsideCanada,punishable
byasentenceofatleast10yearsinCanada,orconvictedofanoffenceinCanadaforwhichthepersonreceivedasentenceofmorethansixmonths.
ReferredtoinCanadaasanindictableoffence.
Serviceproviderorganization(SPO)
Relatedterms:
Immigrantsettlementagency
Immigrantserviceprovider
Settlementagency
Immigrantservingagency
Immigrantservingorganization
Settlementassistanceorganization
Immigrantsettlementassociation
Aserviceproviderorganization(SPO)isanagencythatprovidesservicesfornewcomerstoCanada.
ServiceproviderorganizationsofferprogramsthatcangivenewcomersresourcesandtrainingtoliveandworkinCanada.Theirprogramscanhelp
refugeeswhooftenhaveadifficulttimewithdaytodaytaskslikefindinganapartment,takingpublictransportation,ormakingadoctorsappointment.
Theseorganizationscanalsohelprefugeescompleteforms,getpermanentresidentcards,healthinsurance,socialinsurancenumbers,etc.Theyalso
offerinterpretationandtranslationservicestohelpwithsuchspecialneedsasgivingmedicalbackgroundstodoctors.
VisitCICswebsiteformoreinformationonthemanyservicesprovidedbySPOs(/english/refugees/spo.asp).
Settlementfunds
Thistermcanrefertooneoftwothings.
1.SufficientandavailablefundsthateconomicimmigrantsmustprovetheyhavetosettleinCanada.Thefundsmustbe:
available,
transferableand
notcommittedtodebtsorotherobligations.
Thesefundswillcoverfees,relocationcostsandcoststosettle.
2.FundsallocatedbytheGovernmentofCanadatopayformeasurestodevelopwelcomingandinclusivecommunities,ortohelpnewcomerssettle
intotheirnewcommunities.
Singleentryvisa
Relatedterms:
Touristvisa
Visitorvisa
AvisathatallowssomeonetoenterCanadaonlyonce.
SeeTemporaryresidentvisa.
Skilllevel
TobeeligiblefortheFederalSkilledWorkerClassandCanadianExperienceClass,foreignworkersmusthaveworkexperienceatspecifiedskilllevels.
SkilllevelsforoccupationscomefromtheNationalOccupationalClassification(NOC)(http://noc.esdc.gc.ca/English/noc/welcome.aspx?ver=11)system.
Theyareclassifiedbytypeofworkandtrainingrequiredtobeproficient.
Skilledworker
SeeFederalskilledworker.