Immigration Glossary

A Labour Market Opinion (LMO) is a document that an employer in Canada must usually get before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMO will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker can do the job. A positive LMO is sometimes called a Confirmation letter. Your proposed employer must contact Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). HRSDC will provide details on the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) application process.

The final interview with an immigration officer at either a port of entry or a local CIC office within Canada, during which an applicant becomes a permanent resident. This happens when the person signs the confirmation of permanent residence.

An evaluation of a person’s reading, writing, listening and speaking abilities in English or French.

Free English language training programs for adult newcomers to Canada. They are funded by the federal government and delivered by school boards, colleges and local organizations that provide services to newcomers.

Some types of applications require you to have a certain level of skill in either English or French. The level of language ability required is different, depending on the type of application being submitted.

A document sent from a visa office to confirm approval of: · a study permit, or · a work permit, or · extended stay for a parent or grandparent from a country that does not require visas (the Super Visa program).

A letter from a person in Canada on behalf of a friend or family member who wants to visit. This may be helpful if the visitor is from a country where visas are required to travel to and enter Canada. The letter should explain how they plan to help the visitor and whether they have the financial means to support the person during a longer visit.

A letter of support is given to the applicant by the designated angel investor group or venture capital fund. It is proof that they will support your business idea.

A selection factor under the Federal Skilled Worker Program for which points are awarded. It is based on the certificate, diploma or degree obtained, and the number of years of schooling.

There are five levels of study for foreign students in Canada. They are: · Universities: Offer degree-granting programs at the undergraduate (bachelor’s) graduate (master’s), and postgraduate (doctoral, post-doctoral) levels, and may also offer programs leading to certificates or diplomas in various academic disciplines. · Colleges: Offer academic or professional training programs leading to diplomas or certificates (includesCEGEPs in Quebec, which is generally mandatory before attending university). · Trade: Non-university educational institutions in Canada that offer vocational trades and/or technical programs (such as vocational institutions, or private career colleges). · Other post-secondary: Post-secondary studies that are not undertaken at university, college or trade school. This includes studies at language institutions and private institutions, and in university qualifying programs. · Secondary or less: Includes primary and secondary schools in Canada. · Other: Studies that cannot be classified at any of the above levels of study.

A person who is qualified to provide care for children, elderly people or people with disabilities in private homes without supervision. A live-in caregiver must live in the private home of their employer while they work in Canada.

A CIC service location in Canada. This term does not include ports of entry or CPCs.

Income levels set out by the Government of Canada where a family spends a higher percentage on necessities than other families. A family must be above the cut-off in order to · sponsor a family member to immigrate to Canada, or · host parents or grandparents for an extended stay.