Encyclopedia

A B C D

BIL

BIL, which stands for Biometrics Instruction Letter, is an official letter issued by immigration authorities that requests an individual to provide their biometric information within a specified timeframe. Biometrics typically include fingerprints and photographs, and the collection of this data is a standard part of the immigration and visa application process in many countries.

The BIL serves as a notification to the applicant, outlining the requirement to visit a designated location (such as a visa application center) to have their biometrics recorded. It includes details such as the deadline for compliance, the necessary documents to bring, and the location where the biometrics should be submitted.
The purpose of the BIL is to ensure that the applicant’s biometric data is collected and linked to their immigration or visa application, aiding in identity verification and security checks as part of the overall assessment process.

Biometrics

Biometrics refers to the process of capturing and recording unique physical characteristics of an individual for identification purposes. In the context of immigration and security procedures, biometrics typically involve taking a digital photograph of the person’s face and collecting digital fingerprints.

Digital Photo: A digital photo captures the facial features of the individual, including their eyes, nose, and mouth. This photo is often used for identification and verification purposes, allowing authorities to match the photo with the person’s identity.

Digital Fingerprints: Digital fingerprints are obtained by scanning the person’s fingertips using a specialized fingerprint reader. This process captures the unique patterns and ridges on the fingers, creating a digital record of the individual’s fingerprints.

Both the digital photo and fingerprints are stored securely and used for identity verification, background checks, and security screening purposes. Biometric data provides a more reliable and accurate means of confirming someone’s identity compared to traditional identification methods, helping to enhance security measures and prevent identity fraud.

BNA

The British North America Act (BNA Act) of 1867, also referred to as the Constitution Act, 1867 of Canada, was a significant piece of legislation in Canadian history. It was an act passed by the British Parliament that established the Dominion of Canada, uniting the separate British colonies of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single federation.

The BNA Act outlined the framework for the division of powers between the federal government and the provincial governments within Canada. It established key institutions and governance structures, including the Parliament of Canada, the Senate, and the House of Commons. The act also defined the powers and responsibilities of each level of government, including areas such as trade, defense, taxation, and immigration.

Additionally, the BNA Act laid the foundation for Canada’s constitutional structure and provided the country with a degree of self-governance, while still recognizing its ties to the British Crown. It served as Canada’s primary constitutional document until the enactment of the Constitution Act, 1982, which included the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Overall, the BNA Act of 1867 was a pivotal piece of legislation that shaped the constitutional framework and governance structure of Canada, laying the groundwork for the development of the nation as it exists today.

Board Member

A Board Member, within the context of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada, refers to a decision-maker who is an employee of the IRB. The IRB is an independent administrative tribunal responsible for making decisions on immigration and refugee matters in Canada.

Board Members play a crucial role in the IRB’s decision-making process. They are appointed and trained to assess and make rulings on various types of cases, such as refugee claims, immigration appeals, and detention reviews. Board Members review the evidence presented, hear testimonies from individuals involved in the proceedings, and consider relevant laws, regulations, and policies in reaching their decisions.

Board Members are expected to exercise impartiality, fairness, and expertise in their roles. They are responsible for upholding the principles of natural justice, ensuring that all parties involved have a fair opportunity to present their case and be heard. Their decisions impact the outcomes and rights of individuals involved in immigration and refugee matters, and their expertise contributes to the overall integrity and effectiveness of the IRB’s decision-making process.

BOC

The Basis of Claim (BOC) is a form used in the context of refugee claims in Canada. Specifically, it refers to the form RPD.02.01, which is completed by individuals seeking refugee protection to provide a detailed description of the reasons for their claim.

The BOC form allows claimants to outline the circumstances, events, and factors that have led them to seek protection as a refugee in Canada. It provides an opportunity for individuals to present their case and explain why they fear persecution or face significant harm in their home country. The form typically includes sections where claimants can describe their personal background, the specific incidents or threats they have experienced, and any supporting evidence they may have.

The BOC form is an essential document in the refugee determination process, as it helps the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) assess the claimant’s eligibility for refugee status. The information provided in the BOC form, along with any supporting documentation and testimonies, is considered in determining whether the claimant meets the legal criteria to be recognized as a refugee in Canada.

It is crucial for claimants to complete the BOC form accurately and comprehensively, as it serves as a primary basis for evaluating the validity and credibility of their refugee claim.

Border Services Officer (BSO)

A BSO, which stands for Border Services Officer, is an employee of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) who is responsible for examining individuals intending to enter Canada. BSOs play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and security of Canada’s borders and enforcing immigration and customs regulations.

When individuals arrive at a port of entry, such as an airport, seaport, or land border crossing, BSOs are stationed to conduct inspections and assessments. Their duties include verifying travel documents, such as passports and visas, interviewing travelers to determine their purpose of entry, and assessing their admissibility to Canada based on immigration laws and regulations.

BSOs have the authority to conduct searches, seize prohibited items, and detain individuals who may be in violation of immigration or customs laws. They may also work closely with other law enforcement agencies to address security concerns and prevent smuggling or other illegal activities.

The role of a BSO requires strong communication and decision-making skills, as well as knowledge of immigration laws, customs regulations, and security protocols. They are responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of legitimate travelers while protecting the borders of Canada.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

BOWP, which stands for Bridging Open Work Permit, is a special type of open work permit offered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to eligible skilled workers who are already in Canada. The purpose of the Bridging Open Work Permit is to allow individuals to continue working in Canada while they await the processing of their immigration application.

The BOWP is designed for individuals who have submitted an application for permanent residence in Canada and have a valid work permit that is set to expire before a decision is made on their application. Instead of having to cease working or leave the country, eligible applicants can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit to maintain their status as temporary residents and continue working in Canada until a decision is reached on their permanent residence application.

The BOWP provides flexibility and continuity for eligible skilled workers, allowing them to avoid disruptions to their employment and remain in Canada while their immigration application is being processed. It is important to note that specific eligibility criteria and application requirements apply, and individuals must meet the necessary qualifications to be considered for a Bridging Open Work Permit.

CAIPS

The Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System (CAIPS) is a computerized system that was previously used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for managing and processing immigration applications. It was an internal system utilized by IRCC officers to store and access information related to immigration cases.

CAIPS was designed to streamline the processing of immigration applications and facilitate efficient decision-making. It allowed IRCC officers to track the progress of applications, review supporting documents, record notes, and make decisions based on established immigration policies and guidelines.

However, it’s important to note that as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the CAIPS system has been phased out and replaced by the Global Case Management System (GCMS). GCMS is the current computerized platform used by IRCC for managing immigration applications and case processing. It serves similar functions as CAIPS but with enhanced features and capabilities to support the evolving needs of immigration processing.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

CEC stands for the Canadian Experience Class. It is one of the immigration programs under the Express Entry system in Canada. The CEC is specifically designed for individuals who have acquired at least one year of recent work experience in Canada.

To be eligible for the CEC, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

Work Experience: They must have accumulated at least 12 months of full-time (or an equivalent amount of part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years. The work experience should be in an occupation classified under skill type 0 (managerial occupations), skill level A (professional occupations), or skill level B (technical occupations and skilled trades) of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.

Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by providing acceptable language test results.

Education: While there is no minimum education requirement for the CEC, having a higher level of education can enhance the overall profile of the applicant.

Intention to Reside Outside of Quebec: The CEC is applicable for individuals intending to reside in any province or territory in Canada, except Quebec. Quebec has its own selection process for immigration.

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for the CEC can submit their profile into the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked based on various factors, including their age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other additional factors. Candidates with the highest-ranking scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws from the Express Entry pool.

The Canadian Experience Class offers an opportunity for individuals who have gained valuable work experience in Canada to transition to permanent residency, recognizing their contributions to the Canadian workforce and their integration into the country’s society.

CBSA

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is the federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration and customs laws at the Canadian border. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and security of Canada’s borders while facilitating the movement of legitimate trade and travel.

As the enforcement arm of the immigration law, the CBSA has a wide range of responsibilities, including:

Border Security: The CBSA works to prevent the entry of inadmissible individuals and goods into Canada. Its officers are stationed at ports of entry, such as airports, seaports, and land border crossings, where they conduct inspections, verify travel documents, and assess the admissibility of individuals to Canada.

Immigration Enforcement: The CBSA enforces immigration laws and regulations. It investigates cases of immigration fraud, monitors compliance with immigration conditions, and takes necessary enforcement actions, such as detentions, removals, and deportations of individuals who are found to be in violation of immigration laws.

Customs Control: The CBSA is responsible for collecting duties and taxes on imported goods, enforcing trade regulations, and preventing the smuggling of contraband, narcotics, firearms, and other prohibited or restricted items.

Border Services: The CBSA provides a range of services to travelers, including processing of work permits, study permits, visitor visas, and permanent resident cards. It also conducts immigration interviews, examines travel documents, and assesses the eligibility of individuals for entry into Canada.

The CBSA operates with a focus on national security, public safety, and economic prosperity while upholding the rights and privacy of individuals. Its enforcement activities contribute to the overall immigration system in Canada, ensuring the integrity of the immigration process and protecting the safety and well-being of Canadians.