Glossary
Glossary
A
Admissibility: Admissibility refers to a person’s eligibility for entry into Canada either through the permanent or temporary residence. In order to be deemed admissible, an individual must meet the requirements set out in Canadian immigration law and policies.
Applicant: An applicant is a person who has made an application to immigrate to Canada either as a Permanent Resident or a Visitor. The individual must meet all the criteria set out in Canadian immigration law and policies in order to be approved.
Assessment: An assessment is a process of determining whether an individual meets the requirements for immigration to Canada. This includes a review of their experience, education, language abilities and other relevant factors.
B
Backlog: The backlog refers to the number of pending applications that have yet to be processed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). This can lead to delays in processing times for applications.
Background Check: A background check is a review of an individual’s past activities and behaviour in order to ensure they meet the admissibility criteria outlined by CIC.
Beneficiary: A beneficiary is a person who will be sponsored by a family member or friend to come to Canada as a permanent resident.
C
Canadian Citizen: A Canadian citizen is a person who has been granted citizenship through the process of naturalization. They have the right to vote and can live and work anywhere in Canada.
Citizenship: Citizenship is a legal status that grants an individual the right to be part of a nation and have certain rights and privileges. In order to apply for citizenship, an individual must meet the requirements set out by CIC.
Certificate of Nomination: A Certificate of Nomination is a document that allows an individual to be nominated for permanent residence in Canada. An immigrant must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for nomination.
Client Identification Number: A Client Identification Number is an individual’s unique file number assigned by CIC. This number can be used to track all applications and communications with CIC.
Common-law Partner: A common-law partner is an individual who has been in a relationship with another person for at least one year. The couple must meet certain criteria in order to be considered as such by CIC.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by CIC to assess potential immigrants. Points are awarded based on qualifications, experience, language ability and other factors.
Conjugal Partner: A conjugal partner is an individual who has been in a committed relationship with another person for at least one year but cannot live together due to immigration restrictions or other factors. They must meet certain criteria in order to be considered as such by CIC.
Conviction: A conviction is a finding of guilt in a criminal case. Convictions can affect an individual’s ability to immigrate to Canada.
Co-sponsor: A co-sponsor is an individual who helps another person with the costs associated with their immigration to Canada. The co-sponsor must meet certain criteria in order to be accepted by CIC.
Country of Citizenship: The country of citizenship is the nation that an individual holds a passport from. This can affect their eligibility for immigration to Canada.
Country of Nationality: The country of nationality is the nation that an individual has a personal connection to, such as through their ethnicity or culture. This can affect their eligibility for immigration to Canada.
Country of Residence: The country of residence is the nation that an individual currently lives in. This can affect their eligibility for immigration to Canada.
D
Dependant: A dependant is an individual who relies on their parent or guardian for financial support. This includes children and spouses, as well as other family members in some cases.
Designated Learning Institution (DLI): A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school that has been approved by CIC to host international students. Students must be enrolled at a DLI in order to be eligible for a Study Permit.
Divorced: Divorced is the legal dissolution of a marriage. This can affect an individual’s ability to immigrate to Canada.
Document Checklist: A document checklist is a list of documents that must be submitted to CIC in order to complete an application. Different forms and applications require different documents.
Dual or Multiple Citizenships: Dual or multiple citizenships are the legal status of holding more than one nationality. This can affect an individual’s eligibility to immigrate to Canada.
Duty: A duty is a fee that must be paid in order to complete certain applications, such as for a permanent residence or citizenship. The fees vary depending on the application and circumstance.
E
Educational Institution: An educational institution is a school or university that has been approved by CIC to host international students. Students must be enrolled at an educational institution in order to be eligible for a Study Permit.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an online permit that allows certain foreign nationals to travel to Canada by air. It is required for entry into Canada.
Employment Authorization: Employment authorization is a permit that allows an individual to work in Canada. This can be obtained through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or other programs.
Eligible: Eligible is a term used to describe an individual who meets the criteria for immigration to Canada. This usually refers to someone who has been approved by CIC or has completed all steps of the application process.
Embassy: An embassy is a diplomatic office of one nation in another. Embassies can provide information and services to individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada.
Employer-Specific Work Permit: An employer-specific work permit is a type of work permit that allows an individual to work in Canada for a specific employer or company. The employer must make an offer of employment before the application can be submitted.
English as a Second Language (ESL): English as a second language (ESL) is the study of the English language by someone who speaks another language at home. It can be used to satisfy language requirements for immigration to Canada.
Enhanced Language Training (ELT): Enhanced language training (ELT) is a type of language training that includes practical activities such as job searching and interview practice. It can be used to satisfy language requirements for immigration to Canada.
Entrepreneur: An entrepreneur is an individual who starts and runs a business. They may be eligible for immigration to Canada through the Start-up Visa Program.
Entry: Entry is the act of entering into Canada from another country. Different types of entry may require different documents and permits depending on the individual’s circumstances.
Exempt: Exempt is a term used to describe an individual who does not need to meet certain requirements in order to enter or remain in Canada. This usually applies to foreign nationals with certain diplomatic or official status.
Express Entry: Express Entry is an online system used to apply for permanent residence in Canada. It includes a number of programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Provincial Nominee Program.
F
Family Sponsorship: Family Sponsorship is a program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for immigration to Canada.
Facilitator: A facilitator is an individual who assists with the immigration process. This can include lawyers, consultants, or other professionals.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a program that allows individuals with certain employment experience, education, and language skills to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Financial Support: Financial support is money or other forms of assistance that an individual can use to cover the expenses associated with immigration.
Foreign National: A foreign national is a person who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. They may be eligible for immigration to Canada.
Foreign Student: A foreign student is an individual who has studied outside of Canada and wishes to study in Canada. They may be eligible for immigration to Canada through a study permit.
Foreign Worker: A foreign worker is an individual who works in Canada but is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. They may be eligible for immigration to Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or other programs.
French as a Second Language (FSL): French as a second language (FSL) is the study of the French language by someone who speaks another language at home. It can be used to satisfy language requirements for immigration to Canada.
Full-Time Equivalent Studies: Full-time equivalent studies is a term used to describe an amount of study, typically at least 15 hours per week, that meets the requirements for certain immigration programs.
Full-Time Job Equivalent: Full-time job equivalent is a term used to describe an amount of work, typically at least 30 hours per week, that meets the requirements for certain immigration programs.
Full-Time Study: Full-time study is a term used to describe an amount of study, typically at least 15 hours per week, that meets the requirements for certain immigration programs.
Full-Time Work: Full-time work is a term used to describe an amount of work, typically at least 30 hours per week, that meets the requirements for certain immigration
Full-Time Study Status: Full-time study status is a term used to describe an individual’s status as a full-time student in Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
G
Given Name(s): Given name(s) is the term used to describe an individual’s first, middle, and/or last name.
Guarantor: A guarantor is an individual who agrees to sign a document guaranteeing that the foreign national will fulfill their obligations related to immigration.
H
Health Card: A health card is an identification document issued by the provincial or territorial government that provides coverage for medical services. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Health Insurance: Health insurance is insurance that covers the cost of medical care. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds: Humanitarian and compassionate grounds are reasons why an individual may be eligible to stay in Canada even if they do not meet the requirements of a regular immigration program.
I
Identity Card: An identity card is an identification document issued by the provincial or territorial government that contains a photo and personal information. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Immigration: Immigration is the process by which people move to another country to live, work, study or invest.
Immigration Consultant: An immigration consultant is a professional who provides advice and assistance with immigration matters. They are regulated by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council.
Immigration Status: Immigration status is the term used to describe an individual’s legal status in a country. It is determined by their citizenship or visa.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the government department responsible for immigration-related matters in Canada. It is formerly known as Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Immigration Programs: Immigration Programs are the categories of immigration that allow foreign nationals to come to Canada. They include programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Quebec-selected Skilled Worker Program, and Provincial Nominee Programs.
Immigrant Visa: An immigrant visa is a document that allows an individual to travel to Canada, start the process of becoming a permanent resident, and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.
International Student: An international student is a foreign national studying in Canada on a study permit. They must meet the requirements of the relevant immigration program to be eligible to study in Canada.
Inadmissibility: Inadmissibility is a term used to describe individuals who do not meet the requirements for entry into Canada. Inadmissibility may be based on health, criminality or misrepresentation. It can make an individual ineligible for certain immigration programs.
L
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada that allows employers to hire foreign workers. It is required for certain immigration programs.
Language Assessment: A language assessment is a test that measures an individual’s ability to communicate in one of Canada’s official languages. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Language Requirement: Language requirements are the minimum language proficiency levels that an individual must meet in order to be eligible for a particular immigration program.
Letter of Introduction: A letter of introduction is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows an individual to start the process of becoming a permanent resident. It is valid for only one year from the date it was issued.
Letter of Invitation: A letter of invitation is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows an individual to travel to Canada. It is valid for only one year from the date it was issued.
Letter of Support: A letter of support is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that indicates an individual will be financially supported in Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Level of Education: The level of education is the highest degree or diploma an individual has completed. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Level of Study: The level of study is the type of program an individual studies, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Living Expenses: Living expenses are the costs associated with day-to-day life, such as rent, food, clothing, transportation and entertainment. They may be required for certain immigration programs.
M
Maintained Status: Maintained status is a term used to describe an individual who has not lost their permanent resident status, even if they have been outside of Canada for more than two years.
Medical Examination: A medical examination is a test that assesses an individual’s health to determine if they are admissible to Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Medical Inadmissibility: Medical inadmissibility is a term used to describe individuals who do not meet the health requirements for entry into Canada. It can make an individual ineligible for certain immigration programs.
Minimum Necessary Income: The minimum necessary income is the amount of money an individual must make to be eligible for a particular immigration program. It may include personal and family income.
Minor Child: A minor child is a person who is under 18 years of age. They may be eligible for certain immigration programs.
N
National Occupational Classification (NOC): The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a system used in Canada to classify jobs. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Native Language: A native language is the first language an individual learns at a young age and uses daily. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a trade agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. It allows certain individuals to work in Canada.
O
Offence: An offence is a term used to describe any act or omission that contravenes the law. It can make an individual ineligible for certain immigration programs.
Open Work Permit: An open work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows an individual to work in Canada without needing an employer-specific offer of employment.
P
Pass Mark (Skilled Worker): The pass mark (skilled worker) is a term used to describe the minimum score an individual must obtain in order to qualify for certain immigration programs.
Passport: A passport is a document issued by an individual’s country of citizenship that allows them to travel outside the country. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Permanent Resident: A permanent resident is a term used to describe an individual who has been granted the right to live and work in Canada on a permanent basis.
Permanent Resident Card: A Permanent Resident Card (PRC) is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows an individual to prove their status as a permanent resident of Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Permanent Resident Status: Permanent resident status is a term used to describe an individual who has been granted the right to live and work in Canada on a permanent basis. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Points-Based System: The points-based system is a type of selection process used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to assess potential immigrants based on predetermined
Port of Entry: A port of entry is the place where a person enters Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Post-Graduation Work Permit: A post-graduation work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows an individual who has completed a program of study in Canada to work in the country.
Probation: Probation is a term used to describe the period of time following an individual’s admission into Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Proof of Citizenship: Proof of citizenship is a document issued by an individual’s country of citizenship that proves the individual is a citizen of that country. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Proof of Funds: Proof of funds is a document that proves an individual has enough money to support themselves and their family in Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a program that allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on criteria established by the province or territory. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Q
Qualifications: Qualifications are the skills, education and experience an individual has that make them eligible for certain immigration programs.
Qualifying Business: A qualifying business is an organization that has been approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as a suitable employer for a certain immigration program.
R
Reaffirmation Ceremony: A reaffirmation ceremony is a term used to describe the ceremony that an individual must attend in order to become a Canadian citizen. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Relative: A relative is a term used to describe an individual who is related to another person by blood, marriage or adoption.
Restoration of Status: Restoration of status is a term used to describe the process of restoring a person’s permanent resident status if it has been lost. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Removal Order: A removal order is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that orders an individual to leave Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Representative: A representative is a term used to describe an individual who has been appointed by the government of Canada to assist in processing applications for certain immigration programs.
Revocation of Citizenship: Revocation of citizenship is a term used to describe the process of revoking an individual’s Canadian citizenship. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
S
Skill Level: Skill level is a term used to describe the amount of experience or education an individual has in their field of work. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Skilled Worker: A skilled worker is an individual who has the skills and qualifications to fill a job position in Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Sponsor: A sponsor is a term used to describe an individual or organization that has agreed to support another person’s application for certain immigration programs.
Sponsored Person: A sponsored person is a term used to describe the individual who has been sponsored by another person or organization for certain immigration programs.
Sponsorship Agreement: A sponsorship agreement is a document that outlines the terms and conditions of an individual’s sponsorship. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Spouse: A spouse is a term used to describe an individual’s legally recognized partner. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Study Permit: A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows an individual to study in Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Surname: Surname is a term used to describe the last name of an individual. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
T
Temporary Foreign Worker Program: The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a program that allows employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Temporary Resident: A temporary resident is a term used to describe an individual who has been granted permission to enter and remain in Canada on a temporary basis. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Temporary Resident Permit: A temporary resident permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows individuals to enter and remain in Canada on a temporary basis. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Temporary Resident Visa: A temporary resident visa is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows individuals to enter and remain in Canada on a temporary basis. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Travel Document: A travel document is a term used to describe the documents that are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in order for individuals to travel abroad. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Tuition: Tuition is a term used to describe the fees charged by educational institutions for courses and programs. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
U
Unauthorized Representatives: Unauthorized Representatives are individuals or organizations who are not authorized by the government of Canada to represent people in their immigration matters. It is important to be aware that hiring an unauthorized representative may result in delays, refusal of your application, and/or deportation.
V
Valid: Valid is a term used to describe a document or visa that has not expired. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Valid Job Offer: A valid job offer is a term used to describe an offer of employment that has been approved by the government of Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Verification of Status Document: A Verification of Status Document is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that confirms an individual’s immigration status in Canada. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Visa: A visa is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that gives an individual permission to enter and remain in Canada on a temporary basis. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Visitor Visa: A visitor visa is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows an individual to enter and remain in Canada on a temporary basis. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
W
Work Permit: A work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows an individual to work in Canada on a temporary basis. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Work Permit Renewal: A work permit renewal is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows an individual to renew their work permit on a temporary basis. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
Y
Years of Schooling: Years of schooling is a term used to describe the number of years an individual has attended school. It may be required for certain immigration programs.
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