ASCs provide biometric collection services for Canadian temporary resident visa applicants in the United States. ASCs do not accept immigrant or temporary resident applications and cannot provide information or application handling services. Find your closest ASC.

An individual who has received a decision from IRCC, and who thinks that an error was made in that decision, can generally apply to the Federal Court of Canada and ask that the Court review the decision. Making an application to the Court for a review of the decision is called an Application for Leave and Judicial Review. A review means that the Court will read the decision and decide whether an error was made or not. If the Court decides that IRCC made an error, it will usually mean that IRCC has to make a new decision.

For more information on this process, see Apply to the Federal Court of Canada for judicial review.

See Application package.

A package including all forms, supporting documents and information needed to fill out applications for visas, permanent residence and citizenship. It is sometimes referred to as an “application kit.”

Your application is “approved in principle (AIP)” if:

• you have received a letter from IRCC stating that you meet the permanent residence eligibility requirements, but

• you still have to pass the medical, security and background checks for you and, if needed, your family members.

A job offer arranged with a Canadian employer that is

• for work in a TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation

• for a continuous period of 1 year or more

In some cases, the job offer must be approved by Employment and Social Development Canada.

See: Valid job offer

1. The identification and measurement of learning, credentials, and other forms of qualifications required for entry into programs of study or occupations (assessment may include testing, examinations, or other prescribed activities).

2. A process that measures knowledge, skills and aptitudes.

Refers to guidelines used by citizenship judges for evaluating a person’s English or French proficiency to help determine if someone meets citizenship language requirements.

Protection that is offered to persons with a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group, as well as those at risk of torture or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

There are two types of authorized representatives: Compensated and Uncompensated.

• Individuals who receive some form of compensation for their services (either directly or indirectly): Compensated authorized representatives must be members in good standing with their accredited regulatory body.

• Individuals who provide such services for free: Examples of these individuals include friends, family members, and volunteers or staff members at charitable or non-governmental organizations (NGOS).

See Citizenship and Immigration consultant, Representative.

A procedure to verify the criminal and/or security background of visa applicants to ensure they’re admissible to Canada.

See Police certificate.

A person named in a life insurance policy to receive the death benefit payment when the person who owns the life insurance policy dies.