What is ICCRC, IRCC, RCIC, CIC, and CAPIC?

Author: Al Parsai, LL.M, RCIC-IRB

Last Updated On: May 26, 2024

The world of immigration to Canada is full of abbreviations and acronyms. The following list shows some of those abbreviations.

Acronym	What does it represent?
ICCRC	Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory CouncilICCRC is the former national regulatory body designated by the government of Canada in July 2011 to regulate Canadian immigration, citizenship, and international student advising services. The Permitted service providers for these regulated professions are Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs). The government of Canada replaced ICCRC with CICC in 2022.
RCIC	Regulated Canadian Immigration ConsultantA member in good standing of ICCRC. A person who is authorized to receive money and offer Canadian immigration and citizenship advice or representation. Relevant article: RCIC v. Immigration Lawyer
IRCC	Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship CanadaFormerly known as CIC, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada. It also: grants citizenship, issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians; and promotes multiculturalism. [Source]
CIC	Citizenship and Immigration CanadaThe previous name for IRCC.
CAPIC	Canadian Association of Professional Immigration ConsultantsCAPIC is the professional organization created for regulated Canadian immigration consultants (RCICs) and founded on the four pillars of education, information, lobbying, and recognition. [Source]
BSO	Border Services OfficerThe officer you normally meet when you attempt to enter Canada through any of the borders.
CBSA	Canada Border Services AgencyThe Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) ensures the security and prosperity of Canada by managing the access of people and goods to and from Canada. [Source]
CSIC	Canadian Society of Immigration ConsultantsFormer regulator (prior to ICCRC) for Canadian immigration consultants. The government of Canada replaced CSIC with ICCRC in 2011.
ESDC	Employment and Social Development CanadaAn organization that monitors the Canadian job market, regulates certain aspects of employment and develops the National Occupational Classification (NOC), etc.
RCMP	Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceAn acronym referring to the federal police of Canada

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Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting

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Disclaimer:
“This article provides information of a general nature only. It may no longer be current. It does not provide legal advice nor should it be relied upon. If you have specific legal questions you should consult a lawyer. If you are looking for official immigration advice contact us.”

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Al Parsai, LL.M, RCIC-IRB

Al Parsai is a distinguished Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (L3 RCIC-IRB – Unrestricted Practice) hailing from vibrant Toronto, Canada. Al's academic achievements include an esteemed role as an adjunct professor at prestigious Queen's University Law School and Ashton College, as well as a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from York University (Osgood Hall Law School). A respected member of CICC, Al's insights are further enriched by his experience as the dynamic CEO of Parsai Immigration Services. Guiding thousands of applicants from over 55 countries through the immigration process since 2011, Al's articles offer a wealth of invaluable knowledge for readers.