Immigration Acronyms

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Immigration acronyms:

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AOR - Acknowledgement of Receipt

CAIPS - Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System. This is the computer system used by Citizenship and Immigration Canada for storing all overseas visa application information. This system records every bit of information you provide. It is like an electronic identity; existence of the applicant. This is very helpful when anything abnormal happens (e.g. delay in reply, lack of updation, long processing time). It is also helpful when you are selected for the interview. You can know the probable cause of interview requirement by obtaining the CAIPS notes.

CANN - Community Airport Newcomers' Network

CELPIP - Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. This is one of only two English language testing organizations approved by CIC (IELTS is the other). CELPIP testing is only available in Canada (Vancouver and Toronto) and China.

CPP - Canada Pension Plan

CIC - Citizenship and Immigration Canada

CICIC - Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials

CIDA - Canadian International Development Agency

COPR - Confirmation of Permanent Resident Form

CSQ - Certificate du Selection du Quebec (Quebec Certificate of Selection)

DMP - Designated Medical Practitioner. Under the Skilled Worker Program application all family members must undergo a medical exam, performed by a doctor that has been approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

IRPA - Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

IRPR - Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

EAL - English as an Additional Language

e-CAS - e-Client Application Status. This on-line service allows CIC clients to view securely the status of immigration and/or citizenship application(s) on-line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may use this service if you have sponsored a member of the family class, applied for permanent residence from within or outside Canada, applied for a permanent resident card (initial, replacement or renewal), applied for a grant of Canadian citizenship, or applied for a proof of Canadian citizenship.

EFL - English as a Foreign Language

EI - Employment Insurance (also sometimes referred to as unemployment insurance)

ELT - English Language Training/Teaching

ESL - English as a Second Language

ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages

ESP - English for Specific Purposes

GIC - Guaranteed Investment Certificate

GST - Goods and Services Tax

H&C grounds - Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds. In the case of Canadian immigration, refers to section A25(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Any person who does not comply with the three categories of immigration to Canada (family, economic and refugee) may ask to be considered for immigration selection on H&C grounds.

HRDC (see HRSDC) - former Human Resources Development Canada

HRSDC - Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. The government agency responsible for performing both Arranged Employment Opinions and Labour Market Opinions for the purposes of obtaining employment confirmation letters. Such letters may be required by Skilled Worker applicants when attempting to qualify for the additional ten points under the Arranged Employment Factor.

ICCS - International Council for Canadian Studies

ID - Identification

IELTS - International English Language Testing System. One of only two English language testing organizations approved by CIC (CELPIP is the other). Note that Skilled Worker applicants will want to complete the IELTS 'General Training' exams, not the 'Academic Training' exams.

IRPA - Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

MSP - Medical Services Plan

NOC - National Occupational Classification

NGO - Non-Governmental Organization

OLA - Open Learning Agency

PST - Provincial Sales Tax

RCMP - Royal Canadian Mounted Police

RRPF - Right of Permanent Residence Fee

RRSP - Registered Retirement Savings Plan

SIN -Social Insurance Number

SWP - Skilled Worker Program

TEF - Test d'Evaluation de Français. The only French language testing organization approved by CIC. Note that Skilled Workers are to complete the following tests: Comprehension Ocrite / Comprehension Orale / Expression Ecrite / Expression Orale.

VSO - Voluntary Services Overseas

WCB - Workers' Compensation Board

YMCA - Young Men's Christian Association

YWCA - Young Women's Christian Association

IA-Intial Assessment

PPR-Passport Request