Immigration: The process of coming to live permanently in a country that is not one's native country.

Permanent Resident: A non-citizen who has been granted permission to live in Canada indefinitely but is not yet a Canadian citizen.

Citizenship: The status of being a recognized member of a country, with rights and responsibilities.

Express Entry: A system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency under three federal economic immigration programs.

PR Card: A government-issued identification card that proves a person’s permanent resident status in Canada.

Study Permit: A document that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions in Canada.

Work Permit: A document that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific employer and under certain conditions.

Visitor Visa: A document that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for tourism, business, or family visits.

Family Sponsorship: A program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their relatives to come to Canada.

Refugee: A person who has fled their home country due to fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, or other factors, and is seeking protection in another country.

Asylum Seeker: A person who has arrived in Canada and is seeking refuge or protection but has not yet received a decision on their claim.

Temporary Resident: A foreign national allowed to stay in Canada temporarily for reasons such as work, study, or visiting.

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA): The primary legislation governing immigration and refugee matters in Canada.

Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA): The agency responsible for managing the entry of people and goods into Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): A program that allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on the province’s specific needs.

Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds: A provision in Canadian immigration law that allows individuals to apply for permanent residence due to exceptional circumstances.

Super Visa: A visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, allowing them to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time.

Settlement Services: Services provided to immigrants to help them adapt to life in Canada, including language training, employment assistance, and housing support.

Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): A points-based system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): A document that an employer may need to obtain to hire a foreign worker, showing that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the job.

Settlement Plan: A document that outlines an immigrant’s plan for establishing themselves in Canada, including employment, language skills, and housing.

Inadmissibility: The state of being legally prohibited from entering or remaining in Canada due to reasons such as criminal activity, health concerns, or security issues.

Canada Immigration Points System: A points-based system used to assess candidates applying for immigration through programs like Express Entry, based on skills, work experience, and language proficiency.

Skilled Worker: An individual who has work experience in a trade or occupation and may be eligible for immigration under Canada's economic immigration programs.

Provincial Nominee: An individual nominated by a Canadian province or territory to apply for permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program.