Immigration Glossary

A permanent residence pathway for skilled workers and international graduates who want to settle in Atlantic Canada.

Fingerprints and a photograph collected for identity verification as part of Canadian immigration applications.

The federal agency responsible for border security, immigration enforcement, and customs at Canadian ports of entry.

A tax-free monthly payment to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18.

Canada's national housing agency that provides mortgage insurance, research, and housing policy support.

The federal agency responsible for administering tax laws, collecting taxes, and delivering benefit programs in Canada.

A Canadian English language test accepted for immigration and citizenship applications.

An Express Entry program for workers who have gained skilled work experience in Canada.

The Canadian standard for measuring English language proficiency for immigration and settlement purposes.

The points-based system used to rank Express Entry candidates for Canadian immigration.

The official document issued by IRCC confirming that you have been approved for permanent residence in Canada.

A school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students in Canada.

An evaluation of your foreign education credentials to determine their Canadian equivalency for immigration purposes.

An entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air.

The federal department responsible for employment programs, labour standards, and social development in Canada.

Canada's flagship online immigration system for managing applications for permanent residence under three federal economic programs.

Provincial Nominee Program streams that are linked to the Express Entry system for faster processing.

An Express Entry program for qualified tradespeople who want to become permanent residents of Canada.

An Express Entry program for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada.

A registered account that combines tax-deductible contributions with tax-free withdrawals for purchasing a first home in Canada.

A tax-free quarterly payment to help low-to-modest income individuals and families offset the GST/HST they pay.

A low-risk Canadian investment product that guarantees your principal and pays a fixed interest rate.

A mandatory health examination conducted by an IRCC-designated panel physician as part of the immigration process.

The federal government department responsible for immigration, refugee protection, and citizenship matters in Canada.

A widely accepted English language proficiency test used for Canadian immigration applications.

A program allowing young people from partner countries to work and travel in Canada on a temporary basis.

An official invitation from IRCC to submit a permanent residence application through Express Entry.

A document an employer may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker, proving no Canadian worker is available for the job.

Ontario's tribunal that resolves disputes between residential landlords and tenants.

A free English language training program funded by the federal government for eligible newcomers to Canada.

British Columbia's provincial health insurance program providing coverage for medically required services.

Canada's standardized system for classifying and describing occupations in the labour market.

Ontario's government-funded health insurance program that covers medically necessary hospital and doctor services.

A computer-based English language test accepted by IRCC for Canadian immigration applications.

The immigration status that allows a foreign national to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely.

The official photo ID card that proves your permanent resident status in Canada and allows re-entry after international travel.

A work permit allowing international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada after completing their studies.

Immigration programs run by Canadian provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet local labour market needs.

A certificate required by international students before they can study in the province of Quebec.

A certificate issued by Quebec confirming that a candidate has been selected for immigration to the province.

A national standard of excellence for skilled tradespeople in Canada, recognized across all provinces and territories.

A tax-sheltered savings plan to help families save for a child's post-secondary education in Canada.

A tax-deferred savings account designed to help Canadians save for retirement.

The federal government agency that delivers a range of programs and services to Canadians, including SIN issuance and employment insurance.

A unique nine-digit number required to work in Canada, access government programs, and file taxes.

The process by which a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsors a family member for immigration to Canada.

A document that authorizes a foreign national to study at a designated learning institution in Canada.

A multi-entry visa allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit for up to five years at a time.

A registered account where investment income and withdrawals are completely tax-free for Canadian residents.

A document placed in your passport that allows you to travel to and enter Canada as a temporary visitor.

A French language proficiency test accepted by IRCC for immigration applications.

A French language test accepted by IRCC as proof of French proficiency for immigration applications.

The NOC classification system that categorizes occupations by the level of training, education, experience, and responsibilities required.

A document that authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada for a specific employer or any employer.

The most widely used credential evaluation organization for Canadian immigration and education purposes.