Terms and definitions related to permanent residence

IRCC’s permanent-residence guidance defines key terms used in processing, including Express Entry, residency obligations and application receipts.

Guidance covers selected permanent-residence terms

The page contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff and is posted for stakeholders. It currently covers only some economic and non-economic classes, as well as permanent resident cards and status.

IRCC says users should also consult relevant Program Delivery Instructions and operational manuals for information on permanent residence programs.

Express Entry and application receipt definitions

Express Entry is the system used to manage applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class and part of the Provincial Nominee Program. The Comprehensive Ranking System ranks candidates in the pool based on factors including skills, work experience, language ability and education.

An electronic receipt of a permanent residence application is automatically issued after an electronic application is received. It should not be confused with an acknowledgement of receipt issued after an application passes the R10 completeness check.

• The acknowledgement of receipt may support a bridging open work permit if all other requirements are met.
• The electronic receipt cannot support a bridging open work permit, except in the Start-Up Visa Program.

Residency obligation and Canadian business terms

For residency-obligation calculations, any part of a day spent in Canada, or otherwise in compliance with the applicable rule, counts as a full day toward the 730 days in a five-year period.

The guidance also sets out circumstances in which time outside Canada may count, including certain situations involving a permanent resident working abroad for a Canadian business or the public service.

• A Canadian business can include federally or provincially incorporated businesses with an ongoing operation in Canada, enterprises created under Canadian or provincial laws, and certain Canadian-controlled enterprises.
• A business created primarily to allow a permanent resident to meet the residency obligation while living outside Canada does not meet the definition of a Canadian business.

Source: Official IRCC announcement