Immigration abbreviations by IME Clinic Inc.

IME-Related abbreviations explained by IME Clinic Inc. located in North Vancouver, Surrey, Langley & More

Updated on May 5th, 2023

Here is a list of some of the difficult IME-Related Abbreviations you might come across in your immigration application to Canada

Are you applying for immigration to Canada? You may find yourself lost and confused with all the language. Here we have compiled a list of all the most relevant IME-Related Abbreviations you might come across in your application to immigrate to Canada.

What are some most commonly used IME-Related Abbreviations?

IME: Immigration Medical Exam. This is a physical examination (may also include laboratory tests and chest x-ray depending on your age) that an IRCC-appointed panel physician performs, and all immigrants must undergo before they are allowed into Canada. In summary, applicants must be in good health and have no conditions that:

  • pose a danger to Canadians, or
  • are very expensive to treat here in Canada

To learn more please check our guide on the importance of immigration medical exam. Additionally, you can book an Immigration Medical Exam here.

eMedical: This software is an online platform for doctors approved by IRCC to do immigration medical exams. They use it to record and send IME results to the IRCC. It is more accurate, faster, and convenient than paper processing.

IRCC: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This group helps to facilitate the arrival of immigrants, protect refugees, as well as offering programs that help newcomers settle in Canada. Learn more here.

PP: Panel Physician. The physician is approved by IRCC to perform Immigration Medical Exams.

RCIC: Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. They must be an authorized immigration and citizenship representative. They evaluate Visa applications and submit them on the applicant’s behalf. Additionally, RCIC’s provide strategies for Visa options.

LMIA: Labour Market Impact Assessment. This is a document that employers in Canada may need in order to hire a foreign worker. A positive LMIA shows that the foreign worker is necessary to fill the job. It also proves that no other Canadian/permanent resident workers are available to do the job.

PR: Permanent Residency – The status of being a permanent resident in Canada.

TR: Temporary Resident. A foreign national legally admitted to Canada for a short period. It may include students, workers as well as visitors.

TRV: Temporary Resident Visa. This is an official document from the Canadian visa office, placed inside the applicant’s passport, that shows they have met requirements for admission to Canada. However, a TRV does not guarantee entry to Canada.

What are some other Abbreviations used in Canada Immigration Process?

Medical Inadmissibility: When the IRCC does not allow an applicant to enter Canada due to health reasons, for example they:

  • Pose a danger to public health
  • Pose a danger to public safety
  • Place excessive demand on health/social services

However, you may still have alternative options.

Sponsorship Agreement: a signed contract between the sponsored immigrant and their sponsor in Canada, that confirms the obligations of both parties. This agreement must occur before the sponsored person immigrates to Canada.

Visa Officer: an officer that makes decisions on temporary or permanent resident applications.

Border Services Officer: officer of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). They have the legal authority to decide who can enter and stay in Canada. They also have the right to conduct searches, make arrests and seize documents.

Dependent Child: a child under the maximum age, that is not married or in a common-law relationship. To qualify, they must be:

  • Under 22 years old
  • Not have a spouse/partner

Proof of Citizenship: a document issued by the Canadian government that confirms your status as a Canadian citizen.

Other abbreviations and terms you may come across during your search and process of Canadian immigration

ADR: Additional Document Request – A request for additional documents to support an immigration application.

COPR: Confirmation of Permanent Residence – A document that confirms an individual’s permanent residency status in Canada.

CRS: Comprehensive Ranking System – A points-based system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool.

CEC: Canadian Experience Class – An immigration category that allows foreign workers or recently graduated international students working in Canada to apply for permanent residence.

EE: Express Entry – A system used to manage applications for permanent residency in Canada.

FSW: Federal Skilled Worker – An immigration category for skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residency in Canada.

FST: Federal Skilled Trades – An immigration category for skilled tradespeople who meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residency in Canada.

GCMS: Global Case Management System – A system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage immigration applications.

NOC: National Occupational Classification – A system used to classify jobs in Canada.

PCC: Police Clearance Certificate – A document that shows an individual’s criminal record or lack thereof.

PNP: Provincial Nominee Program – A program that allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates for permanent residency in Canada.

RPRF: Right of Permanent Residence Fee – A fee paid by individuals who have been approved for permanent residency in Canada.

UCI: Unique Client Identifier – A unique identification number assigned to individuals who have applied for immigration to Canada.

Biometrics – The collection of an individual’s fingerprints and photograph for identification purposes.

Citizenship – The status of being a citizen of Canada.

Criminality – The assessment of an individual’s criminal record or lack thereof.

Educational credentials – An individual’s educational qualifications and degrees.

Eligibility criteria – The requirements that an individual must meet to be eligible for a particular immigration program.

Family class sponsorship – A program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members for permanent residency in Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – The Canadian government department responsible for immigration and citizenship.

Job offer – An offer of employment from a Canadian employer.

Labour market impact – The impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labour market.

Language proficiency – An individual’s ability to speak and understand English or French.

Points system – A system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.

Provincial nomination – The nomination of a candidate for permanent residency in Canada by a province or territory.

Refugee and humanitarian immigration – Immigration programs for refugees and individuals in need of humanitarian assistance.

Thank you for reading with us and learning more about the most commonly used IME – related abbreviations in the Canadian immigration process

We hope you found our findings informative. Please feel free to visit our resources page to find more informative blogs. Additionally, please feel free to share our resources with your friends and family to spread the knowledge. Furthermore, to stay updated with immigration news, check our website for weekly/bi-weekly updates. Alternatively, connect with us via our Facebook or Instagram page to get notified of our recent posts. Thank You!

Furthermore, if you require IME, please book online with our registered panel physicians at our location nearest to you.

Moreover, IME Clinic accepts patients from all over Canada, with multiple locations in Lower Mainland, BC (Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Langley and more). Whether you come from Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, or even Toronto, Montreal or Calgary, we are here to help you!

Lastly, We hope our IME-related abbreviations has helped you understand the terms used in the Canadian immigration process.