Canadian Immigration Glossary

A post-secondary program that leads to an academic degree, diploma or professional credential.

A spouse, common-law partner, dependent child or eligible dependent child of a dependent child who plans to immigrate to Canada with the principal applicant and is included in the application.

The place where a person is currently living. It can include a street address, unit number, city, province or state, postal code and country.

The level of knowledge about Canada assessed for citizenship where the knowledge requirement applies, including subjects such as history, geography, government, laws, economy and national symbols.

The level of English or French ability required under the citizenship rules for applicants to whom the language requirement applies.

Whether a person is legally allowed to enter or remain in Canada under Canadian immigration law. A person who does not meet the applicable requirements may be inadmissible.

A legal process that creates a parent-child relationship. Immigration and citizenship rules may impose specific requirements on whether an adoption is recognized for a particular application.

A written statement that a person swears or affirms is true before someone legally authorized to administer an oath or affirmation.

A person’s age at the date relevant to an immigration, citizenship or statistical purpose. The applicable date can depend on the program or context.

A legal declaration that a marriage was not valid. An annulment is different from a divorce, which ends a legally valid marriage.

A person who submits an application under an immigration, citizenship or other IRCC program.

A Federal Court process through which a person may ask the Court to review an immigration or citizenship decision. Leave to proceed is generally required. If a reviewable error is found, a possible remedy is to send the matter back for a new decision rather than for the Court to decide the immigration application itself.

Another term for an application package containing the forms, instructions and supporting-document requirements for an application.

The forms, instructions, supporting-document requirements and other information needed to prepare and submit a particular application.

A location in the United States where certain applicants for Canadian temporary residence can provide biometrics. These centres do not make Canadian immigration decisions.

A stage at which IRCC has determined that an applicant meets applicable permanent residence eligibility requirements while other requirements, such as medical, security or background checks, may still remain.

Employment arranged with a Canadian employer that meets the requirements of the immigration program in which the job offer is being considered.

A process used to measure or evaluate qualifications, learning, knowledge, skills or abilities.

Guidelines or methods used to help evaluate whether a person meets a particular requirement, such as a language requirement.

Protection available to people who meet the applicable legal requirements because they face persecution or certain serious risks. Whether protection is granted depends on the applicable Canadian legal framework and the facts of the case.

A person authorized to represent or assist someone in an immigration or citizenship matter. A representative who receives compensation must meet applicable Canadian authorization and regulatory requirements.

A process used to examine information relevant to a person’s admissibility, including criminal or security-related information where applicable.

A person named to receive a benefit, such as a payment under a life insurance policy.

A letter issued when an applicant must provide biometrics. It confirms the biometric requirement and provides instructions for completing it.

A Canada Border Services Agency officer with legal authority to carry out border and immigration-enforcement functions, including examining people seeking entry to Canada.

A program that helps internationally trained workers address differences between their existing qualifications or experience and Canadian employment or professional requirements.

A historical status relevant to determining citizenship under earlier Canadian citizenship legislation, particularly for periods before modern Canadian citizenship law.

An enterprise carrying on commercial activity, generally for profit.

A historical or program-specific immigration category associated with certain investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed applicants.

Business management, ownership or investment experience considered under immigration programs that require qualifying business experience. The exact requirements depend on the applicable program.

A person who comes to Canada for qualifying international business activities without entering the Canadian labour market in the ordinary sense.

A business or organization that meets the applicable Canadian ownership, incorporation or operational requirements for the immigration context in which the term is used.

A person who has Canadian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, whether through birth, descent, a grant of citizenship or another applicable provision.

A federal economic immigration program managed through Express Entry for eligible applicants with qualifying skilled work experience in Canada.

Canada’s standard for describing, measuring and recognizing English-language ability for adult immigrants and prospective immigrants. French ability is measured using the NCLC.

An IRCC office in Canada that processes specified types of immigration or citizenship applications and is generally not open to the public.

A Quebec educational institution offering pre-university education and technical or career programs between secondary school and university or employment.

An IRCC intake office historically or currently responsible for receiving and performing initial processing functions for certain immigration applications.

An official document issued by the Government of Canada as proof that a person is a Canadian citizen.

A travel document that may be issued to certain non-citizens who cannot obtain a passport from their country of nationality.

A certificate issued by a province or territory confirming that a person has been nominated under a Provincial Nominee Program.

A Government of Canada document confirming that a person has formally given up Canadian citizenship.

Formal recognition that a person meets specified standards of skills, knowledge or ability.

Translations into English or French that meet IRCC’s applicable requirements for who may translate the document and what supporting certification or affidavit may be required.

A readable copy of an original document that an authorized person has compared with the original and certified as a true copy.

A translator whose professional certification meets the requirements applicable to the document and immigration process involved.

A person legally recognized as a citizen of a country.

Legal membership in a country, together with the rights, responsibilities and status that come with it.

A historical glossary term referring to a person who provides immigration or citizenship advice or representation. Paid representatives must meet current Canadian authorization requirements.

The formal ceremony at which eligible citizenship candidates take the oath of citizenship and complete the final step in becoming Canadian citizens.

The body associated with citizenship judges and their functions within Canada’s citizenship system.

A proceeding used in certain citizenship cases to determine whether an applicant meets applicable citizenship requirements.

An independent decision-maker who performs functions assigned under Canadian citizenship law, including certain decision-making and ceremonial duties.

An official authorized to perform specified duties under Canadian citizenship legislation, including reviewing applications and making decisions within their authority.

A test used to assess knowledge of Canada and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship for applicants to whom the test requirement applies.

A number used by IRCC to identify a client. It is also commonly called a Unique Client Identifier or UCI.

A work permit for eligible international students whose required work placement is an essential part of their Canadian program of study.

A person or organization that works with a private refugee sponsor to share settlement and support responsibilities.

A post-secondary educational institution offering academic, technical, vocational or professional programs, often leading to diplomas or certificates.

A person authorized under applicable provincial or territorial law to administer oaths or affirmations for specified documents.

A document used in the Start-Up Visa process through which a designated organization provides IRCC with information about its commitment to an entrepreneurial team or business.

Generally, a person who has lived with another person in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months. Specific legal rules determine whether a relationship qualifies for a particular immigration purpose.

An eligible organization that privately sponsors refugees without being a Sponsorship Agreement Holder.

A measurable combination of knowledge, skills and behaviours acquired through learning or experience.

A points-based system used to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool using information in their profiles, including factors such as skills, work experience, language ability and education.

The identifying number shown on a Confirmation of Permanent Residence document.

A partner outside Canada who meets the specific requirements of the conjugal-partner immigration category, including the applicable relationship and circumstances requirements.

A group authorized by a Sponsorship Agreement Holder to sponsor refugees under the holder’s sponsorship agreement.

A Government of Canada office abroad that provides specified consular and, at some locations, immigration-related services.

Information used to identify and communicate with a person, such as a mailing address, telephone number or email address.

A person who meets the applicable legal definition of a Convention refugee, including a well-founded fear of persecution for a protected Convention reason and the other requirements of refugee law.

A finding by a court or other competent tribunal that a person is guilty of an offence.

A country of which a person is legally a citizen. A person may have citizenship in more than one country.

In the IRCC glossary context, the country of nationality generally refers to a person’s country of citizenship.

The country where a person is currently living. It may be different from their country of citizenship.

Federally funded French-language training for eligible adult newcomers to Canada.

An organization authorized or recognized to assess educational or professional credentials for a specified purpose.

A form of inadmissibility that can arise from criminal conduct or convictions. Whether a person is inadmissible depends on the offence, its Canadian equivalent, the sentence, timing and other applicable legal rules.

An application process through which an eligible person may overcome criminal inadmissibility arising from certain offences committed outside Canada. Eligibility and approval depend on the applicable legal requirements and individual circumstances.

A person employed in specified Canadian public-service or Canadian Armed Forces positions for purposes where citizenship or immigration rules use that term.

An official letter communicating a decision on an immigration or citizenship matter and, where applicable, explaining next steps.

A legal concept under which a person may, in certain circumstances, no longer be considered criminally inadmissible after the required period has passed. Whether it applies depends on the offence and individual circumstances.

A type of removal order requiring a person to leave Canada within the prescribed period and comply with the applicable departure requirements. Failure to comply can result in more serious consequences.

A spouse, common-law partner or dependent child who meets the applicable immigration definition.

A classification used on certain immigration forms to identify which historical or current definition of dependent child applies.

For most current immigration applications, a dependent child is generally under 22 and does not have a spouse or common-law partner. A child aged 22 or older may qualify in limited circumstances involving continuing financial dependency and a physical or mental condition. Historical rules may apply to older applications.

A type of removal order requiring a person to leave Canada. A person who has been deported generally requires authorization to return before coming back to Canada.

An angel investor group designated to participate in Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program.

A business incubator designated to participate in Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program.

A school recognized for study-permit purposes under Canada’s international student rules. Post-secondary applicants generally need acceptance from an eligible DLI, subject to applicable rules.

A language test from an organization approved by IRCC for an immigration or citizenship purpose.

A venture capital fund designated to participate in Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program.

A citizenship process that may allow an eligible child adopted abroad by Canadian parents to obtain citizenship without first becoming a permanent resident.

The Government of Canada’s official study guide for the Canadian citizenship knowledge test.

A marital status indicating that a legally valid marriage has been ended by divorce.

The status of being legally recognized as a citizen of two or more countries at the same time.

Immigration programs that select applicants primarily for their ability to establish economically in Canada, including various federal and provincial economic programs.

A degree, diploma, certificate, trade credential or other recognized qualification awarded after completing education or training.

An organization that provides academic, technical, vocational or other recognized education or training.

An electronic travel authorization required for many visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through Canada by air. It is electronically linked to the passport used for the application.

A school providing the early years of formal education before secondary education.

Meeting the requirements to participate in, apply for or be considered under a particular program or process.

A Government of Canada diplomatic mission in the capital of a non-Commonwealth country. Some Canadian embassies also provide immigration-related services.

An electronic system used by authorized medical professionals to record and transmit immigration medical examination information.

Immediate public services for urgent situations, such as police, fire or ambulance services.

A work permit that restricts the holder to the employer and other conditions stated on the permit, which may include the work location and period of authorization.

English-language instruction designed for people whose first language is not English.

Advanced language training for newcomers that may combine occupation-specific language instruction with employment-related supports.

A person who establishes, owns or operates a business. Some historical immigration programs used a specific legal or program definition of entrepreneur.

A concept used in medical admissibility where a health condition is assessed under the applicable legal rules concerning demand on publicly funded health or social services. Exceptions and specific legal thresholds may apply.

A type of removal order that requires a person to leave Canada and can restrict their ability to return for a specified period unless the required authorization is obtained.

Canada’s electronic system for managing applications under specified federal economic immigration programs and part of the Provincial Nominee Program.

In certain historical immigration investment programs, an approved financial institution involved in processing or managing qualifying investments.

Another term associated with misrepresentation, where false, misleading or incomplete material information is provided in an immigration or citizenship matter.

An official civil-status document used in some countries to record information about members of a family and family relationships.

An immigration category through which eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents may sponsor qualifying family members for permanent residence.

For many IRCC applications, this generally refers to a spouse or common-law partner, dependent children and dependent children of those children, subject to the applicable definition.

An applicant or immigrant under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, which assesses eligible skilled workers against federal economic immigration requirements.

Money or other financial assistance provided to help meet a person’s living or settlement expenses.

The process of assessing education, training or professional experience obtained outside Canada against Canadian standards.

A person who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, subject to the legal definition under Canadian immigration law.

A foreign national authorized to study in Canada on a temporary basis, subject to the applicable study-permit rules and exemptions.

A foreign national legally authorized to work in Canada on a temporary basis.

A French-speaking person. The precise definition can vary depending on the immigration program or statistical context.

French-language instruction for people whose first language is not French.

A student’s status as full-time according to the educational institution and applicable immigration rules.

Part-time, accelerated or other studies calculated as equivalent to a specified period of full-time study.

A measure that converts qualifying paid work hours into the equivalent of full-time employment for a particular immigration requirement.

Study that meets the educational institution’s or immigration program’s applicable definition of full-time enrolment.

Employment meeting the number of paid hours required to be considered full-time for the immigration program involved.

An international trade agreement that includes provisions affecting temporary entry for certain categories of business persons.

A person’s first and middle names, as distinguished from their family name or surname.

A resettled refugee who receives settlement and financial support from the Government of Canada or, where applicable, Quebec for a defined period.

The legal process through which an eligible person who is not already a Canadian citizen is granted Canadian citizenship.

A group of at least five eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents who agree to jointly sponsor a refugee under the applicable private-sponsorship rules.

A person who confirms another person’s identity or specified application information when a particular application requires a guarantor.

A provincial or territorial document used to access insured health-care services under the applicable public health insurance plan.

Coverage for health-care costs. In Canada, provincial and territorial public health insurance plans determine eligibility and covered services.

A Canadian diplomatic mission in the capital of a Commonwealth country, broadly equivalent to an embassy.

A request for permanent residence or an exemption from certain requirements based on humanitarian and compassionate considerations. Decision-makers consider the applicable statutory factors and circumstances of the case; H&C is not a substitute for a refugee protection assessment.

A document or card issued by a government or recognized organization to help establish a person’s identity.

An official document issued in connection with a person’s Canadian immigration status or authorization, such as a permit, visitor record, permanent residence document or other status document.

An officer authorized to perform immigration functions such as examining applications, documents or persons and making decisions within the officer’s legal authority.

A non-citizen’s legal position in a country, such as permanent resident, worker, student or visitor.

The former term commonly used for what IRCC now calls maintained status.

A professional status indicating that a regulated representative meets applicable licensing, conduct and other regulatory requirements.

A status indicating that an application has entered processing. It does not by itself indicate that the application will be approved.

A legal determination that a person is not permitted to enter or remain in Canada. Grounds can include security, criminality, human or international rights violations, health, financial reasons, misrepresentation, non-compliance and other grounds set out in law.

A job offer without a predetermined end date, commonly described as permanent employment.

A category of criminal offence under Canadian law generally treated more seriously than a summary conviction offence. Immigration consequences depend on the applicable legal provisions.

Another term used for an application for criminal rehabilitation.

Official instructions explaining how to complete and submit a particular application and what supporting information may be required.

An adoption involving a child residing in another country that must comply with applicable adoption and immigration or citizenship requirements.

A program that allows eligible young people from partner countries or territories to obtain temporary authorization to travel and work in Canada under available IEC categories.

A medical graduate whose medical education was completed outside the Canadian accreditation framework relevant to the term.

Canada’s framework for issuing employer-specific or open work permits in situations where a Labour Market Impact Assessment is not required.

A foreign national studying in Canada under the applicable temporary-residence and study-permit rules.

Supervised practical work or training connected to education, professional development or work experience. It may be paid or unpaid.

An eligible employee temporarily transferred to a Canadian entity related to their foreign employer under an applicable work-permit provision.

A person investing capital in a business or investment. Some historical Canadian immigration programs used specific investor definitions and financial thresholds.

A round in which candidates in an eligible pool are selected and invited to apply under a program such as Express Entry or International Experience Canada.

An invitation issued to a candidate in a system such as Express Entry or IEC allowing the candidate to submit the applicable application within the prescribed period.

An Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada office that supports immigration, citizenship or settlement functions.

An assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada that an employer may need before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA generally confirms that the applicable labour-market requirements have been met.

The former name for the assessment now called a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

A historical term for the process by which an approved applicant formally became a Canadian permanent resident.

An evaluation of a person’s English or French reading, writing, listening or speaking ability.

Federally funded English-language training for eligible adult newcomers to Canada.

A minimum level of English or French ability required for a particular immigration or citizenship program.

A biological or non-biological parent recorded as a parent on the child’s original birth certificate or birth record, subject to the applicable citizenship rules.

A document from an educational institution confirming that a student has been accepted into a program of study.

A letter of acceptance that depends on the student first satisfying one or more specified conditions, such as completing a prerequisite program.

A document from an educational institution confirming that a student is currently enrolled.

A letter issued after approval of certain applications, such as a study or work permit application made from outside Canada, that the applicant may need to present when seeking entry to Canada.

A letter from a person or organization in Canada inviting a foreign national to visit and providing relevant information about the planned visit.

A letter from an event organizer providing information to support a delegate’s temporary-residence application for travel to an event in Canada.

In the Start-Up Visa context, a document from a designated organization confirming its support for an eligible entrepreneurial applicant or team.

The level of formal education completed, such as secondary school, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral education, as assessed for the applicable immigration purpose.

The educational level of a program, such as secondary, college, university, trade or another post-secondary level.

A caregiver who provides qualifying care in a private household and, under historical program rules, lived in the employer’s home.

An IRCC service location in Canada performing specified immigration or citizenship functions.

An open work permit that allows work for eligible employers but restricts the geographic location where the holder may work.

A rule that fixes specified information, such as a dependent child’s age, at a particular date so later processing time does not change that information for the applicable assessment.

An income measure used for specified immigration purposes. Whether LICO applies and the required amount depend on the program and family size.

A legal continuation of temporary resident status that can apply when an eligible person submits a qualifying extension application before their current authorized period expires. What the person may do while waiting depends on the type of application and applicable rules.

A marital status where two people are legally married and the marriage is recognized under the laws applicable to the immigration or citizenship matter.

An immigration medical examination performed by an authorized panel physician to assess health-related admissibility requirements where an examination is required.

Inadmissibility based on health grounds set out in Canadian immigration law, which can include danger to public health, danger to public safety or excessive demand where that ground applies.

A person outside Canada who has been determined to meet the applicable requirements of the Convention Refugees Abroad Class.

A person outside their home country who meets the applicable resettlement requirements associated with serious effects of conflict or widespread human rights violations.

A school level between elementary and secondary school in jurisdictions that use a middle-school structure.

The minimum income that must be demonstrated for specified immigration sponsorship or temporary-residence purposes where an income requirement applies.

A child who has not reached the age of majority under the law applicable in the relevant province or territory.

Directly or indirectly providing false or misleading material information, or withholding material facts, in circumstances covered by Canadian immigration or citizenship law. A finding of misrepresentation can have serious legal consequences.

A temporary resident visa that may be used for more than one entry to Canada while it remains valid, subject to examination at each entry.

Canada’s official system for classifying and describing occupations, including their duties and the training, education, experience and responsibilities associated with them.

A person’s first language or one of the languages learned and used from early childhood.

The formal process through which an eligible non-citizen obtains Canadian citizenship by grant.

Family members of a principal applicant who are not immigrating to Canada with the principal applicant. They may still need to be declared and may be subject to examination requirements.

An occupation that does not require a mandatory licence, certification or registration with a professional regulatory body in the jurisdiction where the work is performed.

Regular employment available throughout the year rather than work that exists only during particular seasons.

The former Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement. Its relevant temporary-entry provisions were succeeded by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.

A notation used in some immigration records or permits when a location or category is not stated more specifically.

A person authorized under applicable provincial, territorial or foreign law to perform specified legal functions such as witnessing signatures or certifying documents.

The formal oath or affirmation required from citizenship candidates to whom the oath requirement applies before they become Canadian citizens.

Conduct that violates criminal or other applicable law. The immigration consequences of an offence depend on the nature of the conduct, the law involved and the applicable immigration provisions.

A refugee-family reunification provision that may allow qualifying immediate family members identified in the original case to be processed within the applicable one-year period.

A work permit that is not tied to one specific employer, although restrictions and conditions can still apply.

The original version of a document rather than a photocopy or other reproduction.

A physician authorized by IRCC to perform Canadian immigration medical examinations.

The minimum score required to meet a points-based selection threshold under a program that uses a pass mark.

An official travel and identity document issued by a country to its citizens or nationals under its laws.

A person who has acquired Canadian permanent resident status and has not lost that status or become a Canadian citizen.

An official card used as evidence of Canadian permanent resident status and generally required by permanent residents for commercial travel back to Canada unless an exception applies.

The legal status of a person who has become a Canadian permanent resident and has not lost that status.

A visa issued to an approved foreign national who requires it to travel to Canada for the purpose of becoming a permanent resident.

The value of a person’s applicable assets minus applicable liabilities, calculated according to the requirements of the program involved.

The minimum amount of qualifying physical presence in Canada required for a citizenship grant. The current calculation depends on the applicable Citizenship Act rules and the applicant’s circumstances.

Units used in immigration scoring systems. Different programs use different point systems, such as the Federal Skilled Worker selection grid and the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System.

An official document from a police or government authority showing a person’s criminal record or indicating that no record was found, as required for the applicable immigration process.

A group of eligible candidates in a selection system, such as Express Entry or International Experience Canada, from which candidates may be invited to apply.

An authorized location where a person seeks entry to Canada, such as an airport, land border crossing or marine port.

An open work permit that may be available to eligible graduates of qualifying Canadian programs and institutions under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

An educational institution providing education after secondary school, such as a university, college or technical institution.

A process that assesses specified risks a person may face if removed from Canada, including risks covered by the applicable refugee-protection provisions.

For Express Entry, the occupation an applicant identifies as the occupation on which the immigration application is based. Program-specific work-experience requirements must still be met.

The main applicant in an immigration application involving more than one family member.

A process used to assess and formally recognize knowledge or skills acquired outside traditional formal education.

A resettled refugee who receives financial and settlement support from an eligible private sponsor under Canada’s private refugee sponsorship system.

A criminal sentence or court-supervised period during which a person remains in the community subject to specified conditions.

Training intended to develop or update specialized skills required in a profession or occupation.

An electronic record submitted to a system such as Express Entry or IEC to determine eligibility for entry into a candidate pool.

A circumstance specified in citizenship law that can temporarily prevent a person from being granted Canadian citizenship, including certain criminal or enforcement situations.

Official evidence issued or recognized by the Government of Canada confirming that a person is a Canadian citizen.

A person who has been determined under Canadian law to be a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection, or who otherwise falls within an applicable protected-person provision.

An official document confirming that a person has protected-person status in Canada.

A person admitted temporarily to Canada under a protection-related temporary resident permit provision applicable to certain people facing serious threats.

An immigration framework allowing participating provinces and territories to nominate eligible foreign nationals for permanent residence based on their immigration priorities.

A person nominated for permanent residence by a participating Canadian province or territory under an applicable nomination stream.

The assessment and recognition of education, credentials, skills and work experience for employment, education or professional purposes.

A person’s combination of credentials, education, knowledge, skills and work experience.

A historical business-immigration term for a business meeting specified ownership and financial thresholds under the applicable program.

A historical immigration-program term for a Canadian business meeting specified ownership and business-performance requirements.

A Quebec immigration document required in specified temporary study or work situations before the related federal immigration process can be completed.

A voluntary ceremony at which Canadian citizens repeat the oath of citizenship as an expression of commitment to Canada.

A process through which a citizenship certificate may be required to be surrendered where legal grounds exist to question entitlement to it.

A historical permanent residence document formerly issued when a person became a Canadian permanent resident. Canada no longer issues new IMM 1000 records.

A Canadian process that can keep an eligible person’s criminal record separate from other criminal records after applicable requirements are met. Its immigration effect depends on the circumstances.

Canada’s framework for selecting and resettling eligible refugees and other qualifying persons from outside Canada.

A person who has made a claim for refugee protection in Canada and whose claim is being determined under the applicable refugee-protection process.

A qualifying family member of a refugee whose permanent residence processing is connected to the principal applicant’s refugee-related application.

A historical term for a person who became a permanent resident in Canada after receiving refugee protection.

Legal protection recognized under Canadian refugee law after a person is determined to meet the applicable protection requirements.

A Canadian travel document that may be issued to eligible protected persons for international travel, subject to its conditions and restrictions.

An occupation for which a licence, certification or registration with a regulatory authority is legally required to practise or use a protected professional title in a jurisdiction.

An organization authorized to regulate a profession or occupation, including setting entry, licensing and professional-practice standards.

In the criminal inadmissibility context, a legal mechanism through which certain people may overcome criminal inadmissibility.

A marriage, common-law relationship, conjugal partnership or other family relationship that is not genuine or was entered into primarily to obtain an immigration status or privilege. The applicable legal test depends on the immigration provision involved.

A person related to another person by a family relationship recognized for the applicable immigration purpose.

Work or activity experience that meets the specific requirements of an immigration program in which relevant experience is a selection criterion.

A legal order requiring a person to leave Canada. The three principal types are departure orders, exclusion orders and deportation orders, each with different consequences.

The formal process through which an eligible Canadian citizen voluntarily gives up Canadian citizenship.

A person authorized by an applicant to communicate or act with IRCC on the applicant’s behalf. Rules differ for paid and unpaid representatives.

A historical citizenship term referring to the residence requirement that applied under earlier versions of Canadian citizenship law. Current citizenship applications generally use the physical-presence requirement.

The permanent resident residency obligation. In general, a permanent resident must accumulate at least 730 qualifying days within each applicable five-year period, subject to rules that can allow certain time outside Canada to count.

A process that may allow an eligible temporary resident who lost status to apply within the applicable restoration period to regain temporary resident status. Restoration does not automatically authorize work or study while the application is pending.

A process through which an eligible former Canadian citizen may apply to become a citizen again after meeting the applicable requirements.

A status generally indicating that a person has stopped regular employment or professional work.

A legal process through which Canadian citizenship may be taken away where the statutory grounds for revocation are established.

A federal immigration fee payable by specified permanent residence applicants before permanent resident status is granted, subject to applicable exemptions.

A country designated under the applicable Canadian refugee-protection framework for purposes of rules governing where certain refugee claims may be made.

Meeting the academic performance or program-progress standards established by an educational institution or program.

A school providing education after elementary education and before post-secondary education.

An organization bringing together stakeholders from an industry or profession to address workforce, skills or sector-related issues.

A person who works for themselves rather than as an employee. Some immigration programs use a more specific program definition.

A resettlement applicant who meets the applicable refugee requirements and has sufficient financial resources to support themselves after arrival.

A marital status in which spouses are no longer living together as a couple, although the marriage has not necessarily been legally ended by divorce.

A category of criminal inadmissibility defined by Canadian immigration law. Whether serious criminality applies depends on factors including the offence, its Canadian equivalent, maximum punishment and, in some cases, the sentence imposed.

An organization that provides settlement or other newcomer services, often through government-funded programs.

Money an applicant may need to demonstrate is available for settlement in Canada under specified economic immigration programs. The term can also refer more broadly to government funding for settlement services.

A brother or sister. For programs such as Express Entry, specific rules determine which biological, adoptive, half or step-siblings qualify for a particular purpose.

A visa generally permitting one entry to Canada, subject to the terms of the visa and applicable immigration rules.

A worker whose occupation or experience meets the skill-related requirements of the immigration program in which the term is being used.

A person or organization that assumes specified legal or financial responsibilities for another person under an immigration sponsorship program.

A foreign national whose immigration application is supported by an eligible sponsor under an applicable sponsorship program.

An agreement setting out the obligations and commitments associated with an immigration or refugee sponsorship.

An incorporated organization that has an agreement with the Government of Canada allowing it to sponsor refugees and, where permitted, authorize constituent groups to sponsor under its agreement.

The eligibility, financial, legal and other requirements that must be met under a particular immigration sponsorship program.

A person who is legally married to another person and whose marriage is recognized for the applicable Canadian immigration purpose.

A federal business immigration program for eligible entrepreneurs who obtain qualifying support from a designated organization and meet the other program requirements.

A document issued by IRCC authorizing a foreign national to study in Canada under specified conditions. A study permit is not itself a travel document.

Services that help eligible newcomers participate in settlement programming, such as transportation, interpretation, disability supports or child-care assistance.

A person’s family name or last name, generally entered on immigration forms as it appears on the relevant identity or travel document.

A calendar tax year used when assessing tax-filing obligations relevant to certain citizenship requirements.

The Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities category assigned to an occupation under NOC 2021.

A federal program that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers in situations requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

A foreign national legally authorized to remain in Canada temporarily, such as a visitor, student or worker.

Documents connected with temporary immigration status or authorization, such as work permits, study permits and visitor records.

A discretionary permit that may allow an otherwise inadmissible or non-compliant person to enter or remain in Canada temporarily when the statutory requirements are met.

A visa placed in a passport or travel document showing that a person met the requirements for issuance as a temporary resident at the time of assessment. Final admission is determined when the person seeks entry to Canada.

A temporary resident visa for certain visa-required travellers transiting through Canada on their way to another country.

An official identity document issued by a government or qualifying international authority that may be used for international travel.

The amount charged by an educational institution for instruction in a program or course.

A limited-use travel document issued to U.S. citizens that can be used for specified land and sea travel but not for all international travel purposes.

A person who charges or receives compensation for immigration or citizenship representation without holding the authorization required by Canadian law.

A status generally indicating that a person currently has no job and is available for or seeking employment.

A post-secondary educational institution that generally grants academic degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

A refugee resettlement mechanism used to respond to urgent protection cases involving immediate threats to a person’s life, liberty or physical safety.

For a document, generally means legally effective, not expired where an expiry applies, and acceptable for the purpose for which it is being used.

A job offer that meets the specific requirements of the immigration program in which it is being considered. Requirements vary and can include occupation, hours, duration, employer and LMIA-related conditions.

An IRCC document containing historical immigration information that can be used as evidence of a person’s immigration history or status. It is not a travel document.

An official document or counterfoil showing that a person met the requirements for issuance of a Canadian visa. A visa does not guarantee admission to Canada.

A third-party service location that provides specified administrative services such as biometric collection and document transmission. A VAC does not make Canadian immigration decisions or provide immigration advice.

A Canadian immigration office abroad that performs specified visa and immigration-processing functions.

An officer authorized to assess and decide specified temporary or permanent residence applications.

Students temporarily attending a Canadian institution while remaining connected to a home institution, including students participating under formal exchange arrangements.

The common informal name for a Canadian temporary resident visa used by visa-required visitors.

Education or practical training designed to prepare a person for a specific trade, occupation or technical field.

A person who contributes time or services without ordinary wages. Whether an activity is considered work for immigration purposes can require a separate legal analysis.

Serious conduct prohibited by international humanitarian or criminal law during armed conflict. War crimes and crimes against humanity can have major immigration and inadmissibility consequences.

A marital status indicating that a person’s spouse has died and the person has not subsequently remarried or entered another relationship affecting the applicable status declaration.

A document issued by IRCC authorizing a foreign national to work in Canada under specified conditions. A work permit is not itself a travel document.

An International Experience Canada category that can allow eligible participants to obtain an open work permit for temporary work and travel in Canada.

The number of years a person has spent in formal education, used in certain statistical or historical immigration assessment contexts.