Glossary of Terms
Plain-English definitions of Canadian immigration terms and acronyms used on this site and in IRCC communications. Click the links to explore related draw data and tools.
Express Entry & CRS
Express Entry
A system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency under three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades.
View CEC draws →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. Your CRS score determines whether you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Calculate your CRS score →Invitation to Apply (ITA)
An official invitation from IRCC to apply for permanent residence. You receive an ITA when your CRS score meets or exceeds the cutoff in an Express Entry draw. You have 60 days to submit your complete application.
Draw
A regular event where IRCC selects candidates from the Express Entry pool and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) based on their CRS scores. Draws happen frequently throughout the year for different program categories.
Track latest draws →CRS Cutoff
The minimum CRS score required to receive an Invitation to Apply in a given Express Entry draw. The cutoff varies depending on the number of invitations issued and the scores of candidates in the pool.
See historical cutoffs →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. The CRS is the specific scoring system used within Express Entry.
Programs & Pathways
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
A program that allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on the province's specific economic needs. A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
View PNP draws →Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
One of the three main federal programs under Express Entry, designed for skilled workers who already have Canadian work experience. It requires at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years.
View CEC draws →Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
A federal immigration program for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Candidates are assessed on a points system covering language, education, experience, and other factors.
Family Sponsorship
A program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their relatives (spouse, children, parents, grandparents) to come to Canada as permanent residents.
Provincial Nominee
An individual nominated by a Canadian province or territory to apply for permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program. A nomination provides a significant CRS boost for Express Entry candidates.
View PNP draws →Documents & Permits
Permanent Resident (PR)
A non-citizen who has been granted permission to live in Canada indefinitely. Permanent residents have most of the same rights as Canadian citizens, including access to healthcare and the ability to work anywhere in Canada.
PR Card
A government-issued identification card that proves a person's permanent resident status in Canada. PR cards must be renewed every 5 years and are required for re-entering Canada when traveling abroad.
Study Permit
A document that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. A study permit may also allow you to work part-time off-campus and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Work Permit
A document that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific employer and under certain conditions. There are two main types: employer-specific work permits and open work permits.
Visitor Visa
A document that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for tourism, business, or family visits. Also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). It is not required for citizens of visa-exempt countries.
Super Visa
A special 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. It requires the applicant to have private medical insurance from a Canadian company.
Assessment & Compliance
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. A positive LMIA can earn a candidate additional CRS points.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
A process that evaluates foreign education credentials to determine their Canadian equivalency. An ECA is required for Express Entry candidates who completed their education outside Canada.
National Occupational Classification (NOC)
A classification system used to categorize occupations in Canada based on the type of work performed and the skill level required. NOC codes determine eligibility for various immigration programs.
Inadmissibility
The state of being legally prohibited from entering or remaining in Canada due to reasons such as criminal activity, health concerns, security issues, or misrepresentation. Inadmissibility can be temporary or permanent.
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
The national standard for describing, measuring, and recognizing English language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants for living and working in Canada. Used to assess language ability in Express Entry.
General Immigration
Immigration
The process of coming to live permanently in a country that is not one's native country. In Canada, immigration is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Citizenship
The status of being a recognized member of a country, with rights and responsibilities. In Canada, you can apply for citizenship after meeting residency and language requirements as a permanent resident.
Temporary Resident
A foreign national allowed to stay in Canada temporarily for reasons such as work, study, or visiting. Temporary residents must leave Canada when their status expires unless they extend it.
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. Canada has specific programs for refugee resettlement.
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. Asylum seekers may be eligible for work permits while their claim is being processed.
Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds
A provision in Canadian immigration law that allows individuals to apply for permanent residence from within Canada due to exceptional circumstances, even if they do not meet standard requirements.
Settlement Services
Services provided to immigrants to help them adapt to life in Canada, including language training, employment assistance, and housing support. These services are available free of charge to permanent residents and some other eligible groups.
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
The primary legislation governing immigration and refugee matters in Canada. It sets out the rules and procedures for entering, remaining in, and removal from Canada.
Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)
The federal agency responsible for managing the entry of people and goods into Canada, enforcing immigration laws, and facilitating legitimate trade and travel.