Express Entry Canada: Glossary and guide to terms

Have you decided to take the plunge and try your luck in Canada? Congratulations! However, the immigration process is littered with specific terms and acronyms that can seem like a real headache. What does "ITA" mean? What is a "COPR"? From the Language Skills Assessment to the Validated Job Offer, each stage has its own set of specific terms. In this article, we'll decipher this jargon for you, providing a handy guide to understanding what each term means and how it applies to your immigration journey.

For a better understanding of the Canadian immigration process, particularly via the Express Entry system, it's crucial to be familiar with certain terms and acronyms. Here is a glossary in order of importance:

Initial steps and basic elements of the file

• Profile Express EntryOnline profile that candidates must create to be considered for a job. immigration to Canada.
• Evaluation of eligibility Process of examining a candidate's qualifications to determine his or her eligibility for Express Entry.
• Round of invitations Period during which IRCC sends invitations to apply for permanent residency to the top-ranked candidates.
• ITA - Invitation to apply An official invitation to submit an application for permanent residence.
• CRS - Comprehensive Ranking System: Express Entry point grading system.

Assessments and qualifications

• Language skills assessment Tests such as theIELTS for English or TEF for French, used to assess language skills.
• NOC Code - National Occupational ClassificationFour-digit code used to classify trades and professions.
• EDE - Evaluation of Educational Diplomas Evaluation of your qualifications by an organization like WES.
• Provincial Qualification Certificate (CQP) Document issued by a province or territory to prove qualification in a skilled trade.

Jobs and work

• Validated job offer : Job offer approved by the competent Canadian authorities.
• EIMT - Labour Market Impact Study Assessment required by some employers before offering a job to a foreigner.
• PVT - Working Holiday Program : Allows 18-35 year-olds to travel and work in Canada.

Application process and follow-up

• AOR - Acknowledgment Of Receipt Acknowledgement of receipt after uploading your file.
• BG - Background Check : Background checks.
• COPR - Confirmation of Permanent Residence Final document confirming permanent residency.

Other important terms

• Provincial candidate portal Portal where certain provinces attract skilled immigrants.
• Family sponsorship : Process for sponsoring family members to come to Canada.
• IRCC - ImmigrationRefugees and Citizenship Canada : The main authority on immigration matters.

This glossary is a valuable resource for anyone considering immigrating to Canada, providing explanations of important terms and steps in the immigration process.

Additional terms and process details

Status and process stages

• Acknowledgement of receipt (AOR)Confirmation obtained after submission of the necessary documents, marking the start of the evaluation process.
• Validated Medical Examination (MEP): Indicates that the medical examination has been passed and approved.
• Passport application (PPR)Request made once the immigration application has been approved, to provide the passport.
• En Cours (IP - In Process/In Progress)Status indicating that the assessment is in progress, with sub-steps linked to criminal record and other criteria.
• Additional Required Document (ADR)Indication that additional documentation is required for the evaluation.
• Review Required (RR): Indicates that the file requires further revision.
• Security Screening (SS)Step that may delay the file due to a history requiring further examination.

Immigration categories and programs

• Canadian Experience (CEC)Specific category for people with previous work experience in Canada.
• Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)Category for candidates applying on the basis of experience outside Canada.
• Program Provincial Nomination (PNP)Program enabling provinces to select candidates according to their needs.
• Declaration of Interest (DI)Extra points earned when a Canadian province selects you.

Documentation and forms

• Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR)Online application form for permanent residence.
• Letter of Explanation (LOE)Additional document to clarify points in your file.
• Proof of Funds (POF)Document attesting to financial capacity to settle in Canada.
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)Fees required to process the request.
• Police Certificate (PCC)Proof of no criminal record.

Language organizations and tests

• Canadian Immigration Centre (CIC)IRCC sub-division, responsible for immigration management.
• English Language Test (IELTS)English proficiency test often required for application.
• Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) and Test d'Évaluation du Français (TEF)French proficiency tests accepted by IRCC.

Other

• Global Case Management System (GCMS): Provides access to detailed notes on your file, useful in the event of delay or refusal.
• Not Applicable (NA)Initial indicator in the status of your request when submitted.
• Medical Visit (VM)Mandatory step in the application evaluation process.
• Visa Office (VO)Entity managing the administrative aspects of the application.

These additional terms clarify specific aspects of the Canadian immigration process. They are particularly useful for understanding the different stages, forms and categories of immigration.