Canada Immigration Law Glossary

Definitions of 192 key terms used in Canada immigration law, with citations to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (SC 2001, c 27) and IRPR (SOR/2002-227).

Canada IRPA (SC 2001, c 27)

A

Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request — An ATIP request is a formal application under the Access to Information Act or Privacy Act to obtain government records, including GCMS notes from IRCC. It is a key tool for reviewing immigration case files.
Admissibility (Canada) — Admissibility is the legal status of being able to enter Canada. A foreign national who is inadmissible under the IRPA cannot be admitted regardless of visa status. Inadmissibility grounds include criminality, health, security, misrepresentation, and financial reasons.
Admissibility hearing — An admissibility hearing is a proceeding before the Immigration Division of the IRB in which the Division determines whether a foreign national or permanent resident is inadmissible to Canada and whether a removal order should be made.
Agri-Food Pilot — The Agri-Food Pilot is an IRCC program providing a permanent residence pathway for workers with non-seasonal experience in the meat processing, mushroom production, and greenhouse/nursery sectors.
Annulment of permanent residence — A permanent resident's status may be annulled (voided) if it was obtained through misrepresentation or fraud. Annulment voids the PR from the original grant date and renders all subsequent status obtained on that basis invalid.
Application processing time — Processing time is the period between the submission of a complete immigration application and the decision. IRCC publishes current estimated processing times by application type and stream.
Arrest warrant (IRPA) — CBSA may obtain an arrest warrant to apprehend a foreign national or permanent resident for the purpose of an admissibility examination or removal where the person has failed to comply with previous orders or where there are reasonable grounds to believe they are inadmissible.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) — The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to live and work in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) — The AIP is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live and work in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador).
Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) — An ARC is written permission from the Minister of Public Safety allowing a person against whom a deportation order has been issued to return to Canada.

B

Basis of Claim (BOC) form — The BOC form is the document in which a refugee claimant describes the facts of their claim, including the reasons why they fear persecution or harm if returned to their country of origin or habitual residence.
Best interests of the child (BIOC) — The "best interests of a child directly affected" is a primary consideration in H&C applications and certain other immigration proceedings under the IRPA. It reflects Canada's obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Biometrics — Biometrics in Canadian immigration refers to the collection of fingerprints and a digital photograph from visa and permit applicants as part of the identity verification process administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program — The BVOR program combines government and private sponsorship: the UNHCR refers cases to Canada; IRCC approves them; and private sponsors support the refugees for 6 months rather than the full year, with the government covering the remaining 6 months.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) — A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a temporary work permit available to certain foreign nationals in Canada whose permanent residence application is pending, allowing them to continue working while awaiting a PR decision.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) — A BOWP allows temporary residents who have applied for permanent residence to continue working in Canada while their PR application is being processed, even if their current work permit is about to expire.
Business immigration (Canada) — Business immigration programs provide pathways to permanent residence for investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed persons who will contribute to the Canadian economy.
Business visitor (Canada) — A business visitor is a foreign national who comes to Canada for international business activities without directly entering the Canadian labour market. Business visitors do not require a work permit but must meet specific criteria.

C

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) — CBSA is the federal agency responsible for border control, customs enforcement, and immigration enforcement in Canada. CBSA officers make admissibility determinations at ports of entry and conduct immigration enforcement operations.
Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA) — CUSMA (known as USMCA in the US and T-MEC in Mexico) is the trade agreement that replaced NAFTA. It includes Annex 1603, which facilitates temporary entry for business persons across all three countries, including Canadian and Mexican professionals entering the US and American and Mexican professionals entering Canada.
Canadian citizen — A Canadian citizen holds citizenship under the Citizenship Act and has the right to enter and remain in Canada without immigration conditions. Citizens are not subject to IRPA in respect of their own right to enter or remain.
Canadian citizenship by descent — Canadian citizenship can be acquired at birth to a Canadian citizen parent, subject to the first-generation limitation introduced in 2009. Citizenship by descent is governed by the Citizenship Act.
Canadian Experience Class — The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a federal economic immigration program under Express Entry that provides a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals with skilled work experience in Canada.
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) / Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) — CLB/NCLC is the national standard for describing English and French language proficiency in immigration applications. CLB applies to English and NCLC to French. Levels range from 1 (beginner) to 12 (advanced).
Category-based selection (Express Entry draws) — Category-based selection allows IRCC to conduct Express Entry draws targeting candidates in specific occupations or with specific characteristics (French language, healthcare, STEM, trades, etc.) rather than ranking purely by CRS score.
Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) — The CSQ is the document issued by the Quebec government (MIFI) confirming that an economic immigrant has been selected to settle in Quebec. It is a prerequisite for the federal permanent residence application.
Cessation application (refugee status) — The Minister of Public Safety may apply to the RPD to cease a person's refugee protection if the cessation conditions in IRPA s 108 are met, including re-availment of the protection of the country of nationality.
Cessation of refugee protection — Cessation refers to the ending of a refugee's protected person status under IRPA s 108 where the circumstances that justified the protection have changed, the person has re-availed themselves of their home country's protection, or the person obtained protection through fraud.
Citizenship Act (Canada) — The Citizenship Act is the federal statute governing the acquisition, retention, renunciation, and revocation of Canadian citizenship. Key requirements include physical presence, permanent residence, and language and knowledge tests.
College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) — The CICC is the federal statutory regulatory body for Canadian immigration consultants. It registers, regulates, and disciplines Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs).
Common-law partner — A common-law partner is a person who has cohabited with another person in a conjugal relationship for a period of at least 1 year. Common-law partners are eligible for family class sponsorship on the same basis as spouses.
Complete application — An immigration application is "complete" when all required documents, fees, and forms have been submitted to IRCC. The application date and processing time are measured from the date a complete application is received, not from the date of submission.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) — The CRS is the points-based scoring system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. CRS scores determine priority for Invitations to Apply in Express Entry draws.
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) — A COPR is the official document confirming a foreign national's approval for permanent residence in Canada. The COPR must be presented at a port of entry to complete the landing process.
Conjugal partner — A conjugal partner is a person in a committed conjugal relationship with a sponsor for at least 1 year, where the relationship is similar to a marriage or common-law relationship but cohabitation has been impossible due to an immigration barrier or other exceptional circumstance.
Convention refugee — A Convention refugee is a person who has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, and who is outside their country of nationality or former habitual residence.
Country of origin information (COI) — Country of origin information refers to objective information about conditions in a claimant's country of origin used by the IRB to assess refugee protection claims. Key sources include the US State Department, UK Home Office, UNHCR, and IRB's own National Documentation Packages.
Criminal Rehabilitation — Criminal Rehabilitation is the application process by which a foreign national who is inadmissible to Canada for criminality can be deemed rehabilitated and thereby overcome their inadmissibility.

D

Departure order — A departure order is the least serious type of removal order in Canada. It requires the subject to leave Canada within 30 days and confirm their departure to the CBSA. Voluntary compliance does not bar re-entry.
Dependent child — A dependent child is a son or daughter under age 22 (or over 22 if continuously dependent on a parent since before age 22 due to a physical or mental condition) who can be included in a permanent residence application as a dependent.
Deportation order — A deportation order is the most serious type of removal order in Canada. It permanently bars the subject from returning to Canada without written authorisation from the Minister of Immigration.
Deportation order — A deportation order is the most serious type of removal order in Canada. The person is permanently barred from returning to Canada unless they obtain written authorisation from the Minister.
Designated Country of Origin (DCO) — A Designated Country of Origin is a country designated by the Minister as one that does not generally produce refugees. Claimants from DCOs are subject to expedited processing and have no access to the Refugee Appeal Division.
Designated foreign national — A designated foreign national is a foreign national who is part of a group that the Minister of Public Safety has designated as an irregular arrival group under IRPA s 20.1. Designation triggers special procedural restrictions on refugee claims and detention.
Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — A Designated Learning Institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to accept international students. International students must study at a DLI to maintain their study permit status and may only obtain a PGWP after graduating from eligible DLIs.
Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. International students must be enrolled at a DLI to obtain a Canadian study permit.
Designated representative (immigration proceedings) — A designated representative is a person appointed by the IRB to represent the interests of a claimant or party who is unable to appreciate the nature of the proceedings, typically a minor or a person with a mental or physical condition affecting their ability to participate.
Detention review (Canada) — Persons detained under IRPA must have their detention reviewed by the Immigration Division within 48 hours of arrest, then again at 7 days, and every 30 days thereafter.
Dual intent — Dual intent in Canadian immigration law refers to the situation where a temporary resident applicant has both a genuine temporary purpose for their visit and an intention to apply for permanent residence. IRPA s 22(2) provides that a foreign national may have dual intent.
Dual intent — Dual intent refers to a situation where a person seeks temporary residence in Canada while also having an intention to apply for or pursue permanent residence. Canadian immigration law explicitly recognises that dual intent is not a bar to temporary residence.

E

Economic class — The economic class is an immigration category under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act through which foreign nationals are selected for permanent residence based on their ability to become economically established in Canada.
Educational credential assessment (ECA) — An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is an evaluation by a designated organization confirming that a foreign educational credential is equivalent to a Canadian credential. ECAs are required for most Express Entry applicants to claim education points.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) — An ECA is an assessment of a foreign credential by a designated organisation that confirms it is equivalent to a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate. Required for claiming education points in Express Entry.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) — An Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. It is linked electronically to the traveller's passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than US citizens) travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to the traveller's passport and is generally valid for five years or until the passport expires.
Enforcement of removal orders — Once a removal order is in force and enforceable, CBSA must effect the removal of the person from Canada as soon as reasonably practicable. The person must cooperate with CBSA in obtaining travel documents.
Excessive demand on health or social services — A person is inadmissible to Canada on health grounds if their condition is likely to cause an "excessive demand" on Canadian health or social services. The threshold is assessed against the cost of treatment compared to a specified cap.
Exclusion clauses (Refugee Convention) — Exclusion clauses in Canadian refugee law refer to Articles 1D, 1E, and 1F of the 1951 Refugee Convention, incorporated in IRPA s 98, which exclude certain categories of persons from protection — those with alternative protection, those with substantial national rights elsewhere, and those who have committed serious crimes or acts contrary to UN purposes.
Exclusion order — An exclusion order requires the person to leave Canada and bars them from returning for 1 year (or 2 years for misrepresentation) without prior written authorisation.
Express Entry — Express Entry is Canada's online immigration management system for federal economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Express Entry pool — The Express Entry pool is the collection of all active Express Entry profiles (Expressions of Interest) submitted by eligible candidates. IRCC conducts draws from the pool, inviting the highest-ranked candidates based on their CRS scores.
Express Entry profile — An Express Entry profile is a candidate's registration in the Express Entry pool, in which they are assessed under one or more of the three federal economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry. The profile includes information on language ability, work experience, education, and adaptability factors used to calculate a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Expression of Interest (EOI) — Canada — An Expression of Interest (EOI) is an online profile submitted to a provincial or territorial immigration program or to SkillSelect-equivalent pools, expressing interest in immigrating to that jurisdiction.

F

Family class — The family class is an immigration category under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act through which Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor eligible foreign national family members for permanent residence in Canada.
Family class sponsorship — Family class sponsorship allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain close family members for permanent residence. The sponsor must meet income requirements and sign a sponsorship undertaking.
Federal Court of Canada (immigration jurisdiction) — The Federal Court of Canada has exclusive jurisdiction to judicially review immigration decisions made under the IRPA and Citizenship Act. It also hears appeals on certified questions from immigration judicial reviews.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) — The FSTP is the Express Entry stream for workers in eligible skilled trade occupations who have at least 2 years of work experience and meet the relevant language and job offer or certification requirements.
Federal Skilled Worker Program — The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a federal economic immigration program under Express Entry for skilled workers with foreign work experience who wish to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.
Flagpoling — Flagpoling is the practice of leaving Canada briefly to a land border with the United States and immediately returning in order to obtain an in-person decision on a work or study permit renewal from a CBSA officer at the port of entry.
Foreign national — A foreign national is a person who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, including stateless persons.
Francophone immigration — Francophone immigration refers to IRCC programs and incentives designed to attract and retain French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec, supporting the growth of Francophone minority communities across Canada.
Francophone minority community — A Francophone minority community is a French-language community outside Quebec. IRCC's Francophone immigration objectives aim to increase the proportion of French-speaking immigrants settling outside Quebec to support these communities.

G

Ghost consultant — A ghost consultant is an unregistered person who prepares or assists with immigration applications for a fee without being identified as an authorised representative. Ghost consulting is illegal and can result in application refusals and criminal charges.
Global Case Management System (GCMS) — GCMS is IRCC's primary case management system for tracking immigration and citizenship applications. GCMS notes (obtained through an ATIP request) are the primary tool for understanding an officer's rationale for a decision.
Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) — A GAR is a refugee who is resettled to Canada directly by the UNHCR and selected by the Canadian government, with settlement support provided for the first year through a Resettlement Assistance Program provider.

H

Home Child Care Provider Pilot / Home Support Worker Pilot — These are IRCC pilot programs providing permanent residence pathways for in-home caregivers (child care providers and home support workers) who have Canadian work experience in their respective occupation.
Human rights violations (IRPA s 35) — A person is inadmissible to Canada if they are found to have been responsible for or complicit in war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide as defined under s 35 of the IRPA.
Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) — Humanitarian and compassionate consideration is a discretionary mechanism under IRPA s 25 that allows the Minister to exempt a foreign national from any requirement of the Act or grant permanent residence from within Canada if the Minister is satisfied that justified by humanitarian and compassionate considerations.
Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) application — An H&C application allows foreign nationals in Canada to apply for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, even if they do not meet the standard eligibility criteria for any immigration class.
Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds — Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds under section 25 of IRPA allow a foreign national who is inadmissible or does not meet the requirements of the Act to apply for an exemption on the basis of humanitarian and compassionate considerations, including the best interests of any child directly affected.

I

Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) — The IRB is Canada's independent administrative tribunal responsible for making decisions on immigration and refugee matters. It includes four divisions: the Refugee Protection Division (RPD), Refugee Appeal Division (RAD), Immigration Division (ID), and Immigration Appeal Division (IAD).
Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) — The Immigration Appeal Division is the division of the IRB that hears appeals from removal orders (in most cases), sponsorship refusals for family class members, and appeals by permanent residents or protected persons who have lost permanent resident status abroad.
Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) — The Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) is a division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada that hears appeals from Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsoring a family member, from permanent residents subject to a removal order, and from certain permanent residents outside Canada seeking to maintain their status.
Immigration bond — An immigration bond is a financial security deposited with CBSA as a condition of release from immigration detention. The bond is forfeited if the released person fails to comply with the conditions of release.
Immigration consultant (RCIC) — In Canada, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is a professional regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) who is authorised to provide immigration advice and representation for a fee.
Immigration detention (Canada) — Immigration detention in Canada is the administrative detention of persons under IRPA for the purpose of establishing identity, preventing flight risk, or addressing public danger. It is reviewed by the Immigration Division at prescribed intervals.
Immigration Division (ID) — The Immigration Division is the division of the IRB responsible for conducting admissibility hearings and detention reviews for persons held in immigration detention in Canada.
Immigration Levels Plan — The Immigration Levels Plan is IRCC's annual plan that sets Canada's targets for permanent resident admissions by immigration category. It is tabled in Parliament and drives program intake caps.
Immigration Medical Examination (IME) — The IME is a health examination required for most permanent residence applications and some temporary visa applications. It must be conducted by a IRCC-designated panel physician.
Immigration officer — An immigration officer in Canadian immigration law is a person designated under IRPA to perform functions under the Act, including assessing visa applications, conducting examinations at ports of entry, and making admissibility determinations.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) — IRCC is the federal department responsible for immigration policy, processing immigration and citizenship applications, and supporting newcomers' settlement in Canada. Formerly known as Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Implied status (maintained status) — Implied status (also called maintained status) in Canadian immigration law refers to the situation where a temporary resident whose status has expired is still considered to be in lawful status while a renewal application is pending, if the application was made before the previous status expired.
Implied status (maintained status) — Canada — A foreign national who submits an application to extend their temporary status before it expires is considered to have implied (maintained) status while the application is pending. They may continue the same activities authorised under the original status.
Inadmissibility — Inadmissibility in Canadian immigration law refers to the circumstances set out in ss 34–42 of IRPA that make a foreign national or permanent resident ineligible to enter or remain in Canada.
Inadmissibility report (s 44 report) — A s 44 report is a document prepared by a CBSA or IRCC officer setting out the facts and grounds for believing that a person in Canada is inadmissible. It is the initiating document for admissibility proceedings.
Inland refugee claim — An inland (onshore) refugee claim is a claim for refugee protection made in Canada by a person already in Canada, as opposed to an overseas resettlement application. Inland claims are processed through the Refugee Protection Division of the IRB.
Inland refugee claim — An inland refugee claim is a claim for refugee protection made by a person who is already inside Canada, at a port of entry upon arrival, or at an IRCC office. It is distinct from overseas resettlement.
Inland sponsorship — Inland sponsorship refers to a family class sponsorship application where the sponsored person (typically a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner) is already in Canada and applies for permanent residence from within Canada, rather than from outside (outland sponsorship).
International Experience Canada (IEC) — International Experience Canada is a program that allows young people from eligible countries to work temporarily in Canada through Working Holiday, Young Professional, and International Co-op streams. IEC is managed through bilateral agreements.
International Mobility Program (IMP) — The IMP covers work permit categories that are exempt from the LMIA requirement, including intra-company transfers, CUSMA/USMCA professionals, International Experience Canada participants, and post-graduation work permit holders.
Intra-company transfer (ICT) — Canada — An intra-company transfer allows a multinational company to temporarily transfer an employee to a Canadian affiliated entity. ICT workers must be in an executive, senior managerial, or specialised knowledge role.
Intra-company transferee — An intra-company transferee is a foreign worker who is transferred within a multinational company to work in Canada in a senior managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge role. Intra-company transferees are exempt from LMIA requirements under IRPR r 205(a).
Invitation to Apply — An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is an electronic notice issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to a candidate in the Express Entry pool inviting them to submit an application for permanent residence.

J

Judicial review (immigration — Canada) — Judicial review is the process by which the Federal Court reviews the legality of immigration decisions. An applicant must obtain leave (permission) from the Court before the review is heard. Grounds include unreasonableness, procedural unfairness, and jurisdictional error.

L

Labour Market Impact Assessment — A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada assessing the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labour market, generally required before a closed work permit is issued.
Labour Market Needs / Skills Shortage (PNP criteria) — Many PNP streams assess whether the applicant's occupation is in shortage in the nominating province and whether they have a genuine job offer. The provincial assessment of labour market need is separate from and additional to any federal LMIA requirement.
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) — LINC is a federally funded program providing free English language instruction to adult permanent residents and refugees in Canada. Equivalent French language programs are available in Francophone communities.
Language test results (immigration use) — For Canadian immigration, only results from IRCC-designated language tests are accepted. For English: IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General. For French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Test results must be recent (typically within 2 years of the application or profile date).
Language testing (IELTS / CELPIP / TEF Canada / TCF Canada) — Language testing in Canadian immigration refers to the requirement for applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English or French through approved language tests. Results are converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scores.
Letter of Introduction (LOI) — A Letter of Introduction is a document issued by IRCC confirming that a work or study permit has been approved. The applicant presents the LOI to a CBSA officer at the port of entry, who then issues the actual permit.
LMIA-exempt work permit — An LMIA-exempt work permit does not require an LMIA. The exemption may arise from an international agreement (CUSMA), Canadian interests (significant benefit, intra-company transfer), or reciprocal employment arrangements.

M

Maintained status (implied status) — Canada — A temporary resident whose status expires while an application to extend their status is pending is considered to have "maintained status" (also called implied status) and may continue their authorised activities until IRCC decides the application.
Minister of Immigration (Canada) — The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the federal minister responsible for administering IRPA and Canada's immigration, refugee, and citizenship programs. Several powers under IRPA are personal ministerial powers that cannot be delegated.
Ministerial exemption (s 25.1 IRPA) — Section 25.1 of the IRPA allows the Minister to, on the Minister's own initiative, grant an exemption from the IRPA or its regulations on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Unlike s 25, this is triggered by the Minister personally, not by an application.
Ministerial relief (inadmissibility) — Ministerial relief is the process by which the Minister of Public Safety can exempt a person from certain grounds of inadmissibility (particularly security and human rights violations grounds) in the national interest.
Misrepresentation — Misrepresentation is a ground of inadmissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that arises where a permanent resident or foreign national directly or indirectly misrepresents or withholds material facts relating to a relevant immigration matter.
Misrepresentation (IRPA s 40) — A person is inadmissible to Canada for 5 years if they directly or indirectly misrepresented or withheld material facts that could have induced an error in the administration of the IRPA.

N

National Occupational Classification (NOC) — The National Occupational Classification is Canada's national system for describing and classifying occupations. NOC codes are used in immigration programs including Express Entry to categorise skilled work experience and determine eligibility.
National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 — The NOC 2021 is the current edition of Canada's national system for classifying occupations. It replaced the NOC 2016 in November 2022 for immigration purposes. The key change was the introduction of Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories in place of skill levels.
Notice to Appear (NTA) — A Notice to Appear is a document issued by CBSA or IRCC requiring a person to appear before the Immigration Division or Immigration Appeal Division of the IRB for an admissibility hearing or other proceeding.

O

Officer's notes — Officer's notes are the written record maintained by an IRCC or CBSA officer in GCMS documenting their assessment, concerns, and reasoning in processing an immigration application. They are the primary record of the decision-making process.
One-year bar (refugee claims) — The one-year bar prevents a person who has been returned to a designated safe third country (the US) from making a new refugee claim in Canada for 1 year.
Open work permit — An open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions) and in any occupation. It is not employer-specific. Common categories include post-graduation work permits, spousal open work permits, and bridging open work permits.
Outland sponsorship — Outland sponsorship refers to a family class sponsorship application where the sponsored person applies for permanent residence from outside Canada, processed through a visa office abroad rather than from within Canada.

P

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) — The PGP allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. Annual intake is limited by lottery and is highly competitive.
Permanent resident — A permanent resident is a foreign national who has been granted permanent resident status in Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) but has not yet become a Canadian citizen.
Permanent Resident (PR) card — A PR card is the document that proves a person's permanent resident status in Canada. It is required to board a commercial vehicle bound for Canada and for most identification purposes. PR cards are valid for 5 years.
Person in need of protection — A person in need of protection is a person in Canada whose removal to their country of nationality or former habitual residence would subject them personally to a danger of torture, a risk to their life, or a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
Persons who may work without a permit (Canada) — Certain categories of foreign nationals are authorised by the IRPR to work in Canada without a work permit, including some business visitors, foreign representatives, and persons under specific exemptions.
Physical presence requirement (citizenship) — To be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, a permanent resident must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the 5 years (1,825 days) before the date of application.
Police certificate (criminal record check) — Police certificates are official records of criminal history obtained from police authorities in each country where the applicant has lived for 6 months or more since the age of 18. Required for most permanent residence applications.
Port of entry — A port of entry in Canadian immigration law is a designated location (airport, land border crossing, or seaport) where travellers arriving in Canada must present themselves to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer for admissibility examination.
Port of Entry (POE) letter — A Port of Entry letter is issued by IRCC to successful Express Entry PR applicants and confirms they are eligible to land as permanent residents at a Canadian port of entry. It supplements but does not replace the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Port of entry examination — A port of entry (POE) examination is the inspection conducted by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer when a person seeks to enter Canada. The officer determines whether the person is admissible and, if so, the conditions of entry including the authorised period of stay.
Positive LMIA — A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada confirming that hiring a foreign worker for a specific position will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labour market. It is the foundation for most TFWP work permit applications.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit available to international students who have completed a program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada for a period related to the length of their study.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — The PGWP is an open work permit available to international graduates who have completed a study program of at least 8 months at an eligible DLI Level 2 institution in Canada. It is a key step toward permanent residence.
Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) — A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment is a last-resort protection review available to most foreign nationals facing removal from Canada. It assesses whether removal would expose the person to the risks in IRPA ss 96 and 97.
Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) — A PRRA is an assessment conducted by IRCC of the risks a person would face if removed from Canada. Most persons eligible for a PRRA must wait 12 months after a negative refugee determination before applying.
Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) — Private sponsorship allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and organisations to sponsor refugees for resettlement to Canada and support them financially and socially for the first year.
Procedural fairness letter (PFL) — A procedural fairness letter is issued by an IRCC officer where there are concerns about an application that may lead to a refusal, inviting the applicant to respond before a decision is made.
Protected person — A protected person is a person on whom refugee protection has been conferred in Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, including recognised Convention refugees and persons in need of protection.
Protected person status (Canada) — Protected person status is granted to inland refugee claimants whose claims are accepted by the RPD, to persons who receive a positive PRRA determination, and to persons recognised as protected persons by the Governor in Council. Protected persons may apply for permanent residence.
Provincial Nomination Certificate — A provincial nomination certificate is the document issued by a province or territory confirming that an applicant has been nominated for permanent residence. It enables the applicant to either enter the federal Express Entry pool with 600 bonus CRS points or apply directly to IRCC for PR.
Provincial Nominee Program — A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an economic immigration program operated by a Canadian province or territory under federal-provincial agreements, allowing provinces to nominate foreign nationals who meet specific regional labour market and economic needs.
Provincial PNP business streams — Most provinces and territories have business immigration streams within their PNP that offer permanent residence to entrepreneurs and investors who will establish or purchase a business in that jurisdiction.
Public policy exemption — A public policy exemption under section 25.2 of IRPA authorises the Minister of Immigration to facilitate the admission of a class of persons for reasons of public policy, on terms and conditions specified by the Minister, without requiring individual H&C applications.

Q

Quebec immigration (Accord Canada-Québec) — Quebec has a unique constitutional arrangement (the Accord Canada-Québec of 1991) giving it sole responsibility for selecting economic immigrants and responsibility for integration. Federal government retains jurisdiction over inadmissibility, security, and family class.

R

Reconsideration request (Canada) — A reconsideration request asks IRCC to review a negative decision on the basis that there was a factual error or that the officer failed to consider relevant information that was before them. Reconsideration is not a formal appeal mechanism and IRCC has discretion whether to undertake a review.
Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) — The Refugee Appeal Division is the division of the IRB that hears appeals from decisions of the Refugee Protection Division. It reviews RPD decisions for errors of law or fact and may allow or dismiss the appeal, or substitute its own decision.
Refugee claimant — A refugee claimant is a foreign national who has made a claim for refugee protection in Canada and whose claim has not yet been finally determined by the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Refugee claimant work permit — A refugee claimant who has filed an inland refugee claim may apply for a work permit after their claim has been referred to the RPD. The work permit allows them to support themselves during the determination process.
Refugee protection determination — A refugee protection determination is the process by which the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) assesses whether a claimant is a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection and is entitled to refugee protection in Canada.
Refugee Protection Division (RPD) — The Refugee Protection Division is the division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) responsible for deciding refugee claims made in Canada. It determines whether a claimant is a Convention refugee or person in need of protection under IRPA ss 96 and 97.
Refugee status determination (RSD) — overseas — RSD is the process by which the UNHCR or a national government determines whether a person qualifies as a refugee under the Refugee Convention or UNHCR criteria. RSD documents may support a Canadian visa application under the overseas refugee classes.
Removal order — A removal order is an order made under IRPA requiring a foreign national or permanent resident to leave Canada. There are three types: departure orders, exclusion orders, and deportation orders, each with different re-entry consequences.
Residency obligation (permanent residence) — Permanent residents of Canada must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) out of every 5-year period to maintain their permanent residence status. Failure to meet this obligation can result in loss of PR status.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) — The RNIP is a community-driven immigration program that allows smaller rural and northern communities to attract and retain skilled immigrants based on local economic needs.

S

Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) — The Safe Third Country Agreement is a treaty between Canada and the United States that generally requires asylum seekers who cross the Canada-US land border at a designated port of entry to seek protection in the country where they first arrived.
Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) — The STCA is a bilateral agreement between Canada and the United States that requires asylum seekers to make their refugee claim in the first safe country they arrive in, unless an exception applies.
Section 36 — Serious criminality — Section 36 of IRPA renders foreign nationals and permanent residents inadmissible for serious criminality, defined as conviction for an offence punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years, or a sentence of more than 6 months actually imposed.
Section 37 — Organized criminality — Section 37 of IRPA renders persons inadmissible on grounds of organised criminality for being a member of an organisation that is believed on reasonable grounds to be or to have been engaged in a pattern of criminal activity, or for engaging in transnational crime such as people smuggling.
Security inadmissibility (IRPA s 34) — A foreign national or permanent resident is inadmissible for security reasons under IRPA s 34 if they are found to have engaged in espionage, terrorism, subversion, or membership in an organisation that engages in such activities.
Self-Employed Persons Class — The Self-Employed Persons Class provides a permanent residence pathway for persons with relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management who intend to be self-employed in Canada and can contribute at the highest level.
Self-employed persons program — The Self-employed persons program provides permanent residence to persons who intend and have the ability to create their own employment in Canada and have relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management.
Settlement services — Settlement services are government-funded programs that help newcomers to Canada integrate into Canadian society. They include language classes (LINC), employment assistance, community connections, and orientation programs.
Sponsorship — Sponsorship is the process by which a Canadian citizen or permanent resident undertakes financial and other obligations to support a foreign national's application for permanent residence as a member of the family class.
Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) — A SAH is an organisation that has signed an agreement with the Minister of Immigration to sponsor Convention refugees for resettlement to Canada. SAHs can also authorise constituent groups (churches, community organisations) to co-sponsor under their agreement.
Sponsorship bar — A sponsorship bar prevents a person from sponsoring a family class member under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for a specified period. Bars arise from receiving social assistance (other than for disability), previous sponsorship undertaking default, or having been sponsored as a spouse within the preceding 5 years.
Sponsorship undertaking — A sponsorship undertaking is a legally binding agreement between a sponsor and the Government of Canada (and the applicable province) in which the sponsor commits to financially support the sponsored person and their accompanying family members for a specified period.
Spousal open work permit — A spousal open work permit allows the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled temporary worker or international student to work for any employer in Canada. Eligibility depends on the principal applicant's permit type and NOC level.
Start-up Visa Program — The Start-up Visa Program provides permanent residence to immigrant entrepreneurs who have the support of a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator for an innovative business idea.
Start-up Visa Program — The Start-up Visa Program provides a permanent residence pathway for entrepreneurs who can get support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator for a qualifying business.
Status restoration (restoration of temporary resident status) — A foreign national whose temporary resident status has expired may apply to restore their status within 90 days of expiry if they meet the criteria for restoration.
Stay of removal — A stay of removal is a court order or administrative decision that prevents CBSA from executing a removal order while proceedings are pending. Stays are available from the Federal Court on an urgent basis in judicial review proceedings.
Student Direct Stream (SDS) — DISCONTINUED 8 November 2024. The Student Direct Stream was an accelerated study permit application pathway for students from designated countries; IRCC closed it and all study permit applications are now assessed under the standard stream.
Study permit — A study permit is a document issued under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations that authorises a foreign national to pursue academic, professional, or vocational training at a designated learning institution in Canada.
Super Visa — The Super Visa is a 10-year multiple-entry visitor visa available to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows extended stays of up to 5 years per entry without renewal.

T

TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) — TEER is the skill categorisation system within the National Occupational Classification (NOC) used since November 2022 for Canadian immigration programs. It replaced the former NOC skill levels A, B, C, D and skill types 0–9.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) — The TFWP is the federal program that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers temporarily when no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position. Most TFWP positions require an LMIA.
Temporary resident — A temporary resident is a foreign national who is authorised to enter and remain in Canada for a limited period under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, including visitors, workers, and students.
Temporary resident permit — A temporary resident permit (TRP) is a document that allows an inadmissible foreign national, or one who does not otherwise meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, to enter or remain in Canada where an officer is satisfied it is justified in the circumstances.
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) — A TRP is a discretionary permit that allows an inadmissible person or a person who does not qualify for any other visa or permit to enter or remain in Canada for a temporary period where justified by compelling reasons.
Temporary resident visa (TRV) — A temporary resident visa (TRV) is a document issued to nationals of visa-required countries that authorises travel to a Canadian port of entry for the purpose of seeking admission as a temporary resident. It is also referred to as a visitor visa.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) / Visitor visa — A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly called a visitor visa, is the authorisation required for citizens of non-visa-exempt countries to enter Canada as visitors. It is distinct from an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which applies to visa-exempt nationals.

U

Use of representative declaration (IMM 5476) — Form IMM 5476 (Use of a Representative) is submitted by an applicant to authorise a specific person (RCIC, lawyer, or other authorised representative) to act on their behalf in immigration matters with IRCC.

V

Visa-exempt — A visa-exempt foreign national is a person who is not required to obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) before travelling to Canada, by virtue of their citizenship or travel document, but who may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board a flight to Canada.
Visitor record — A visitor record is a document issued by CBSA to a visitor who has been allowed entry for a period longer than the standard 6 months, or who has had their authorised period extended by IRCC.

W

Work permit — A work permit is a document issued under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations that authorises a foreign national to work in Canada for a specified employer, occupation, and period, or on an open basis.
Work permit conditions — Conditions on a Canadian work permit specify the employer, location, and occupation for which a foreign national is authorised to work. A closed work permit restricts the holder to a single employer, while an open work permit authorises work for any employer subject to specified exceptions.
Working Holiday visa (IEC) — Canada — The International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday category is an open work permit available to young citizens of IEC partner countries, allowing them to work and travel in Canada for 1–2 years.
Working in Canada without authorisation — Working in Canada without a valid work permit or authorisation is a violation of the IRPA. Unauthorised workers are inadmissible and may be removed, and employers who hire them face penalties.