Immigration Glossary

Immigration Law Glossary

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There are currently 16 names in this directory beginning with the letter I.
Identity card
A card used to prove who someone is. It can be issued by a government or by a recognized international agency, such as the United Nations.

Immigration consultant
A person who provides support, advice or help, for a fee or other consideration, to someone who wants to immigrate to Canada. Canada’s immigration law defines representatives and the terms of their services. This person does not work for the Canadian government.

Immigration document
An official document issued by a CIC or Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office, Case Processing Centre (CPC) or Canadian visa office outside Canada, such as one of the following: · Immigrant visa and record of landing (IMM 1000), · Confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 5292), · Permanent resident card, · visitor record, · work permit, · study permit or · temporary resident permit.

Immigration officer
A Government of Canada employee who is in charge of deciding who can enter and remain in Canada. They check documents and interview applicants to make sure their applications are accurate.

Immigration status
A non-citizen’s position in a country—for example, permanent resident or visitor.

Implied status
If a visitor, student or temporary worker applies to extend their status, prior to the expiry of that status, they may legally remain in Canada until a decision is made on the application. In this situation, the person has implied status.

In good standing
Refers to a representative who: · is licensed and insured, · is qualified to help you through the legal process, and · meets the standards of learning, competence and professional conduct.

In process
When an application that has been sent to CIC has been opened, checked for completeness, and an employee has begun to process it (enter into the computer system, etc.).

Inadmissibility
When a person is not allowed to enter or stay in Canada. Reasons can include security concerns, criminal offences, human rights violations, health or financial reasons, and failure to comply with Canada’s immigration laws.

Instruction guide
Instruction guides are documents that provide: · information a person must know about an application before sending it to CIC and · help with filling out forms and required supporting documents. These guides are posted on the CIC website.

Intercountry adoption
A legal adoption of a child residing in another country that complies with the laws of both the sending and receiving countries.

International Experience Canada (IEC)
A youth exchange program allowing Canadians, 18 to 35, to live and work in other countries, generally for up to one year at a time. The reciprocity of the program allows for youth from these same countries to live and work in Canada for up to one year.

International medical graduate
A person who has graduated from a medical school not accredited in Canada (by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools) or in the U.S. (by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education). This term includes graduates of a U.S. school of osteopathic medicine accredited by the American Osteopathic Association.

Internship
Supervised work or school-related training that may be either paid or unpaid. Internship positions can be found with some businesses, government departments and non-profit organizations. Internships can help newcomers gain Canadian work experience.

Intra-company transferee
A qualified employee who is transferred within a company to work in Canada on a temporary basis.

Investor
A term used to describe an immigrant admitted to Canada who: · has business experience · has a legally obtained net worth of at least C$1,600,000, and · has made an investment of C$800,000