Canadian Immigration: Acronyms, Legal Jargon and General Meanings

Immigration is hard enough without needing a guidebook for all the legal jargon you can be faced with.

Doherty Fultz Immigration has put together a list of acronyms that you may come across on your Canadian immigration journey. Behind every acronym and legal term lies a story — a story of opportunities, challenges, and aspirations. We unravel not only the meanings but also the implications and applications of these words in the broader context of the Canadian immigration system.

1. Status: This word is used when referring to someone’s legal situation/status in Canada, i.e they may hold temporary status (visitor, student, or worker), or they may be a permanent resident or a citizen.
2. PA: Principal Applicant named in the application.
3. IRCC: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This is the government department responsible for immigration and citizenship matters in Canada.
4. CIC: Citizenship and Immigration Canada. This was the previous name for IRCC.
5. CBSA: Canada Border Services Agency. This agency is responsible for managing the flow of people and goods across Canadian borders.
6. PR: Permanent Resident. This status allows an individual to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
7. PNP: Provincial Nominee Program. These are immigration programs through which Canadian provinces and territories can nominate individuals to become permanent residents based on their skills and ability to contribute to the local economy.
8. EE: Express Entry. This is an online system used to manage applications for immigration to Canada under the federal economic programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
9. CEC: Canadian Experience Class.
10. FSW: Federal Skilled Worker.
11. FST: Federal Skilled Trade
12. LMIA: Labour Market Impact Assessment. This is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market.
13. CRS: Comprehensive Ranking System. This is a points-based system used in Express Entry to rank candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more.
14. AOR: Acknowledgment of Receipt. This is the confirmation letter you receive from IRCC when they have received your application.
15. COPR: Confirmation of Permanent Residence. This is the document issued to individuals who have been approved for permanent residence, allowing them to enter Canada as a permanent resident.
16. PR Card: Permanent Resident Card. This is an official document issued to permanent residents of Canada as proof of their status.
17. RPRF: Right of Permanent Residence Fee. This is a fee required for most applicants who have been approved for permanent residence before they can become permanent resident.
18. CSQ: Certificat de sélection du Québec. This is the document issued by the province of Quebec to individuals who have been selected for immigration to Quebec.
19. CAQ: “Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec,” which translates to “Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec.” The CAQ is a document issued by the government of Quebec in Canada. It is a mandatory requirement for individuals who wish to study or work in the province of Quebec.
20. FWC: Foreign Worker Canada. This is a term used to refer to individuals who are working in Canada on a temporary basis.
21. TRV: Temporary Visitors Visa.
22. SP: Study Permit
23. WP: Work Permit.
24. PGWP: Post Graduate Work Permit.
25. BOWP: Bridging open work permit.
26. VR: Visitor Record (apply for from inside Canada only. It’s an extension of your visitor status.
27. ATIP: Access to Information and Privacy – An online submission to obtain information. Also known as Freedom of Information act in other countries.
28. NOC Code: National Occupational Classificaton.
29. IRPA: Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
30. RCIC: Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
31. TEER: Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities
32. IEC: International Experience Canada
33. NOI: Notice of Interest
34. POE: Port of Entry
35. ITA: Invitation to Apply
36. eTA: Electronic Travel Authorization
37. LOE: Letter of Employment
38. Stat Dec: Statutory Declaration
39. VAC: Visa application Centre
40. CLB: Canadian Language Benchmarks
41. UCI: Unique Client Identifier Number
42. FC: Family Class
43. H & C: Humanitarian and Compassionate
44. TRP: Temporary Resident Permit
45. CSE: Case Specific Enquiry
46. CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
47. IELTS: International English Language Testing System
48. EOI: Expression of Interest