Immigration Acronyms and Full Forms

The procedure of relocating to another nation is not easy. Each country’s migration procedure has its own set of terminologies and phrases. Most of the time, these are referred to as acronyms or abbreviations.

If you wish to understand the immigration procedure and comply with the requirements and restrictions before submitting the form, you should be aware of these abbreviations and their full forms.

Acronyms simplify the submission process, make forms easier to understand, and give each country’s submission process a distinct identity.

Knowing the acronyms for immigration will aid in understanding the procedure and make it easier for the candidate.

General Acronyms

AOR	Acknowledgement of Receipt
CAIPS	Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System.
CANN	Community Airport Newcomers’ Network
CELPIP	Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program.
CIC	Citizenship and Immigration Canada
CICIC	Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
CIDA	Canadian International Development Agency
COPR	Confirmation of Permanent Resident Form
CPP	Canada Pension Plan
CSQ	Certificate du Selection du Quebec (Quebec Certificate of Selection)
DMP	Designated Medical Practitioner.
EAL	English as an Additional Language
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.
HRDC (see HRSDC)	former Human Resources Development Canada
HRSDC	Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
IA	Initial Assessment
ICCS	International Council for Canadian Studies
ID	Identification
IELTS	International English Language Testing System.
IRPA	Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
IRPA	Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
IRPR	Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
MSP	Medical Services Plan
NGO	Non – Governmental Organization
NOC	National Occupational Classification
OLA	Open Learning Agency
PNP	Provincial Nominee Program
PPR	Passport Request
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
VSO	Voluntary Services Overseas
WCB	Workers’ Compensation Board
YMCA	Young Men’s Christian Association
YWCA	Young Women’s Christian Association

 

Canada:

IRCC	Immigration, refugee & citizenship Canada
The IRCC is responsible for overseeing the entry of immigrants, providing refugee protection, and providing services to assist newcomers in settling in Canada. It also provides citizenship to Canadians and supplies travel papers such as passports.
CIC	Citizenship and Immigration, Canada
This is the umbrella organisation that oversees all Canadian immigration. It has a CIO (Centralized Intake Office) in Nova Scotia and many satellite Canadian High Commission offices (also known as visa offices) around the world.
FSW	Federal Skilled Worker
This is one of the three government programs that Express Entry manages.This program is for talented people with international job experience who desire to permanently relocate to Canada. Minimum qualifications for this program include skilled work experience, language proficiency, and education. To be qualified, you must meet all of the basic requirements.
FST	Federal Skilled Trade
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on their expertise in a skilled trade. As long as they can meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as per the National Occupational Classification, and can meet the minimum eligibility criteria, they can apply for the FSTP Program.
CEC	Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class or CEC program is aimed to help foreign workers or students who are staying on a temporary basis in Canada to become permanent residents. It considers their work experience or education and their contribution to Canadian society for granting PR status.
PNP	Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) was  started by IRCC  to help the different provinces and territories in Canada to select immigration candidates who are willing to settle down in a particular province or territory in the country and have the skills and expertise to contribute to  the economic development of the province or territory.
ECA	Educational Credential Assessment
The Educational Credential Assessment or the ECA is required if you have done your education outside Canada. The ECA is required if you are applying for a visa through the Express Entry program to prove that your foreign education degree or credential is valid and is equal to a Canadian degree.
CES	Comparative Education Services
The University of Toronto developed the Comparative Education Service (CES). Assessment reports from the CES might assist you in finding work or obtaining the licences you need to practise your profession in Canada. Employers and professional agencies across Canada rely on CES.
ICAS	International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
Individuals applying for immigration to Canada can use the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) to assess their educational credentials.The Canadian Immigration Assessment Package will assist you in determining how your education compares to the Canadian education system. When you come to Canada, you can utilise the report to hunt for work or apply for a job.
WES	World Education Services
The WES is a system for assessing degrees and certificates obtained outside of Canada. You can meet IRCC immigration programme standards and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) standards (particularly the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program) criteria with a WES ECA, or you can qualify for IRCC’s Agri-Food Immigration Pilot. The validity of a WES ECA is five years from the date of issue.
IQAS	International Qualifications Assessment Service
Alberta’s International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) is a government-run organisation. It conducts examinations and awards certifications that evaluate foreign educational credentials to Canadian educational norms. If you hold a formal academic or technical degree, diploma, or certificate earned outside of Canada, you may be eligible for this sort of evaluation.
ICES	International Credential Evaluation Service
The International Credential Review Agency (ICES) is the provincially mandated credential evaluation service of British Columbia. It has been approved by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRCC) to offer Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports for Canadian immigration (Express Entry, Permanent Residency and Agri-Food Pilot).
MCC	Medical Council of Canada
The MCC grants a qualification in medicine known as the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) to physicians who have met its requirements.   Candidates must take and pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I and the MCCQE Part II to obtain the LMCC.
PEBC	Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada
The Pharmacy Examining Board is a non-profit organisation that evaluates pharmacist and pharmacy technician qualifications on behalf of provincial regulatory agencies. The Board assesses qualifications, creates and administers exams, including a national qualifying test, and provides Certificates of Qualification.
CELPIP	Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program.
CELPIP  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.
IELTS	International English Language Testing System
Listening, reading, writing, and speaking are the four core English language abilities assessed by IELTS. Its purpose is to determine a person’s language ability in order to study, work, or immigrate to Canada.
TEF	Test d’Évaluation du Français
The TEF is the only exam that can be used to demonstrate competency in French. It assesses four aspects of French ability: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The exam is available in a number of places throughout the world.
TCF	Test de connaissance du français
TCF – French language proficiency test Canada is a French language competency examination that is recognised as one of the basic immigration tests by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).This French test for Canada immigration is open to people of any language or nationality, including French speakers and persons from French-speaking nations.
CRS	Comprehensive Ranking System
Every applicant in the Express Entry system is assigned a CRS score out of 1200 points and if he scores highest points under the CRS, he will get an ITA for the PR visa. The CRS score keeps changing with every Express Entry draw
NOC	National Occupational Classification
NOC can assist newcomers in locating information about various occupations in Canada’s labour market.For job hunters, the NOC is a useful tool. You can use it to look for job descriptions, educational qualifications, required abilities, and occupations that are similar to yours.Employers frequently utilise the NOC to assist them in writing job descriptions and identifying skill requirements for new job ads.In addition, the NOC identify skills shortages in the Canadian job market.
ITA	Invitation to Apply
(ITA) is sent to the immigration candidates in the Express Entry pool selected by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Immigration candidates with the highest CRS scores are issued an ITA. Every Express Entry draw has a minimum cutoff score and immigration candidates with a score equal or above the designated CRS score will get an ITA.
PCC	Police Clearance Certificate
A police certificate is a declaration that you don’t have a criminal record, or a copy of your criminal record if you have one. They assist in determining whether you are inadmissible to Canada for whatever reason. Each country and region has its own set of police certifications.
POF	Proof of Funds
Immigration candidates should  provide proof of funds called settlement funds to prove that they have the required funds to support their stay and that of their dependents once they come to Canada till they  are able to earn their income in the country.
RPRF	Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
Permanent resident applicants must pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) when their applications are granted. The RPRF must be paid before permanent residency status can be given. The principal applicant and accompanying spouse or partner must pay this fee at any time before their Canada Immigration Visa is issued.
PPR	Passport  Request
Once an application has been authorised and a final decision has been entered, the applicant receives a PPR. The applicant must receive the ‘Passport Request’ letter from the processing office via their MyCIC account.
LMIA	Labor Market Impact Assessment
A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), is issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). LMIA certification serves as proof that Canadian employers are not able to recruit the right candidate to fill a specific position/role in Canada, and so the employer is allowed to hire a foreign worker.
UCI	Unique Client Identifier
Unique Client Identifier (UCI), is also known as a client identification number (client ID). It’s on official documents an immigration applicant gets from the IRCC.
VACs	Visa Application Centers
VACS are centers in other countries to submit biometrics and photos for Canada immigration. They are situated all over the world.
CLB	Canadian language benchmark
COPR	Confirmation of Permanent Residence
Once a PR application is approved, the applicant will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a a permanent resident visa (if you’re from a country that requires a visa). When you come to Canada, you must show your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and Canadian immigrant visa to a Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officer at the Port of Entry.
AOR	Acknowledgement of Receipt
You will receive an “Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)” after submitting your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR), which confirms that IRCC received your application for permanent residence in Canada and has generated a file with your application number. This is also known as the AOR date, and it is the start date for your six-month processing time.
CIO	Centralized intake office
Citizenship and immigration applications are received and processed by the centralised intake office (CIO) and the Operations Support Centre (OSC). You can send your application to these addresses by mail.
CHC	Canadian High Commission.
CHCs are located in different countries to accept visa applications from people in these countries who wish to migrate to Canada.
HRSDC	Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
HRSDC/Service Canada ensures that Canadian citizens and permanent residents have access to job opportunities. Employers in Canada can hire foreign workers if doing so would not have a negative impact on the employment of Canadians and Permanent Residents, or if there are significant benefits to hiring a foreign worker.
RAP	Resettlement Assistance Program
The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) is a contribution program  through which the Canadian government assists relocated refugees with settling into their new home. Income support and a variety of immediate basic services are the two primary components of the program.
GCMS	Global Case Management System
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the GCMS (Global Case Management System) to process immigration and citizenship applications. The only way for applicants to acquire the most accurate and comprehensive view of their IRCC file is to use GCMS notes.
e-APR	Application for Permanent Residence
You will have 90 days from the date you receive your ITA to prepare and submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) in Canada. The online web portal of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is used to submit this application.
Mis	Ministerial instructions
PER
MEC	Minimum Eligibility Criteria
Qualifying score is the minimum points you need to score under the Comprehensive Ranking System or the CRS.  If your profile must be selected, you should be able to get 67 points out of 100
IRPA	Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is an Act of the Parliament of Canada, administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Canada Border Services Agency,
ELN	Employer Liaison Network
The Employer Liaison Network (ELN) helps employers to use the Express Entry system efficiently.
RCMP	Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Police in Canada which takes part in the immgration process
SIN	Social Insurance Number
A social insurance number (SIN)  is issued in Canada to administer various government programs. The SIN was created in 1964 to serve as a client account number in the administration of the Canada Pension Plan and Canada’s varied employment insurance programs
ESDC	Employment and Social Development Canada
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is the department of the Government of Canada responsible for developing, managing and delivering social programs and services.
PRC	Permanent resident card
You’ll need a permanent resident (PR) card when you travel to verify you’re a PR when you return to Canada. Make an application for a PR card or a travel document, request expedited processing, or check the status of your application. You can renew your PR card if it has expired.
CBSA	Canada Border Services Agency
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) helps lawful travellers and trade pass through the country. In addition, the organisation is responsible for enforcing over 90 statutes and regulations.

 

Australia:

ANZSCO Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations	The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Statistics New Zealand collaborated on this form (which is available online). It contains a list and description of jobs that can be used to compare census and employment statistics from Australia and New Zealand to those from other nations. The list has been used by Australia’s immigration service to identify occupations for candidates.
CSOL Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List	An alphabetical list of ANZSCO jobs that can be sponsored for a 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa, a 407 Training visa, an Employer Nomination visa, or points-based skilled migration nominated by a State or Territory. The CSOL is updated on a regular basis.
DIBP Department of Immigration and Border Protection
ENS Employer Nomination Scheme	Employers can sponsor employees for permanent residency via the ENS – or subclass 186 – visa. There are two distinct ‘streams.’ The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is designed for employees who have been sponsored for a 457 visa and want to move to the United States permanently. Employees must have worked full-time for the company for at least two years to qualify. The Direct Entry (DE) stream is the second. It necessitates a positive skills assessment and the demonstration of at least three years of work experience.
ETA Electronic Travel Authority	The ETA – sometimes known as the subclass 601 visa – is a tourist or business visa. It is only available to passport holders from a select few countries.
eVisitor or subclass 651 visa Similar to an ETA, but for a different range of nationalities	Similar to an ETA, but for a different range of nationalities
LMT Labour Market Testing	For particular occupations, 457 visa sponsors must check the local labor market to guarantee that no appropriately qualified and experienced Australian citizen, permanent resident, or ‘eligible temporary visa holder’ is available to fill the post they want to nominate.
MSR Market Salary Rates	Sponsors of 457 visas must show that they will hire their nominee on the same (or better) terms and conditions as an Australian employee. The TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold) must be met or exceeded, and remuneration must be ‘at least equivalent’ to what an Australian in the same position obtains or would receive.
RCB Regional Certifying Body	The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection has designated certain organizations to advise the Immigration Department on RSMS forms. As part of the RSMS submission procedure, an RCB ‘certifies’ an RSMS nomination.
RRV Resident Return visa	Visas for present or previous permanent residents of Australia, as well as former Australian citizens, who wish to travel abroad and return to Australia as permanent residents. Note that only Australian residents have automatic entrance to the country. Non-citizens must obtain a visa in order to enter and remain in Australia.
RSMS Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme	A visa similar to the ENS but only for enterprises operating in selected regional areas and with more standards.
SOL Skilled Occupation List	It’s a list of ANZSCO jobs useful for those seeking for independent points-based skilled migration, family sponsored points-tested visas, and the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa. It’s a subset of CSOL.
TRA Trades Recognition Australia	A skills assessment service provider that specializes in evaluations for people with trade skills earned abroad or in Australia for the purposes of migration and skill recognition.
VETASSESS	A skills assessing authority for a range of professional, vocational and professional occupations.
VEVO Visa Entitlement Verification Online	The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection created and maintains a software system that allows people to check their employment privileges. The system is also accessible to registered organizations.