Immigration Glossary

Married means that two people have had a ceremony that legally binds them to each other. This marriage must be recognized under the laws of the country where it was performed and under Canadian law.

A physical examination (that could also include laboratory/radiology tests depending on age) performed by a CICappointed medical doctor that all immigrants and some visitors must go through before they are allowed into Canada. An applicant must be in good health and have no conditions or illnesses that: · would pose a danger to Canadians or · be very expensive to treat in Canada.

When a person is not allowed to enter Canada for health-related reasons. For instance, the person might: · pose a danger to public health, · pose a danger to public safety or · place excessive demand on health or social services.

A person who has been determined to be a Convention refugee by a visa officer outside Canada.

A person who is outside their home country or the country where they normally live and is seriously affected by civil war, armed conflict, or a massive violation of human rights.

A minor child is a child who is under the age of 18 years in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan. In all the other provinces it is the age of 19 years.

When a person makes false statements, submits false information, or submits false or altered documents when dealing with CIC. This is a crime. Documents can include: · passports and travel documents, · visas, · diplomas, degrees, and apprenticeship or trade papers, · birth, marriage, final divorce, annulment, separation or death certificates, or · police certificates. Lying on an application or in an interview with a CIC officer is also an offence under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Misrepresentation renders a person inadmissible to Canada for a period of 2 years.

A visa that allows someone to leave and re-enter Canada more than once during a defined period of time.