Definitions as per Canadian Immigration Law
As per IRCC website (see also for more details and definitions)
Arranged employment
Arranged employment is when you have a job offer from a Canadian employer in a NOC 0, A, or B job for a continuous period of one year or more. In some cases, this job offer must be approved by Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada.
See: Valid job offer
Accompanying family member/Accompanying dependant
A spouse, common-law partner, dependent child or dependent child of a dependent child (grandchild), who plans to immigrate to Canada with the principal applicant. Accompanying family members are included on the application.
Background check
A procedure to verify the medical, criminal and/or security background of visa applicants to ensure they are admissible to Canada.
See Police certificate, Medical examination.
Canadian citizen
A person described as a citizen under the Citizenship Act. This means a person who:
is Canadian by birth (either born in Canada or born outside Canada to a Canadian citizen who was themselves either born in Canada or granted citizenship) or has applied for a grant of citizenship and has received Canadian citizenship (naturalization).
Canadian Experience Class
An immigration category that allows foreign workers or recently graduated international students working in Canada to apply for permanent residence.
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
The Canadian standard used to describe, measure and recognize English language ability of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants who plan to live and work in Canada, or apply for citizenship. The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) is used to assess abilities in the French language.
Certified English or French translations
To have a copy certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print the following on the photocopy:
Certified photocopy
A photocopy of an original document. It must be readable and certified as a true copy of the original by an authorized person. The person compares the documents and marks on the photocopy:
Citizenship test
Citizenship applicants must prove their knowledge of Canada by taking a citizenship test.
Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 (on the date of application) must take the test. It is usually a written test, but is sometimes taken orally with a citizenship officer.
The test assesses an applicant’s knowledge of:
Canada, and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
Common-law partner/Common-law spouse
A person who has been living with another person in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. The term refers to opposite-sex and same-sex relationships.
Comprehensive ranking system (CRS)
A points-based system used to assess and score a candidate’s Express Entry profile to rank them against other candidates in the pool. The CRS will assess the profile information candidates submit, including skills, work experience, language ability, education and other factors.
See: Express Entry profile
Conjugal partner
A person outside Canada who has had a binding relationship with a sponsor for at least one year but could not live with their partner. The term refers to both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships.
Criminal inadmissibility
When a person is not allowed to enter or stay in Canada because they have committed or been convicted of a crime for which they have not received a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon) or been rehabilitated under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The crime could have been committed and/or the conviction rendered in or outside Canada.
Criminal rehabilitation/Overcoming criminal inadmissibility
This term refers to an application process that allows a person who has committed or been convicted of a crime outside Canada to enter or stay in Canada. “Rehabilitation”, in this context, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, means that the person is no longer considered inadmissible to Canada for a particular criminal offence.
A person can apply for rehabilitation if at least five years have passed since the act was committed and all criminal sentences have been completed. In order to be approved for rehabilitation the applicant must show that they lead a stable life and are not likely to commit more crimes.
Deemed rehabilitation
A person who has been convicted of a crime outside Canada may become admissible or be deemed rehabilitated after 5 or 10 years has passed, except in cases of serious criminality. No application is required to be considered for deemed rehabilitation. Whether someone qualifies for deemed rehabilitation depends on their individual circumstances.
Departure order
A removal order issued by either a Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) officer or the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) an independent administrative tribunal responsible for deciding immigration and refugee matters.
Departure orders are issued against people who have violated Canada’s immigration law. The person named on a departure order must leave Canada within 30 days. If they do not, the departure order becomes a deportation order.
See Removals on CBSA website.
Dependant
A spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of a permanent resident or principal applicant.
Dependent child
A child who depends on their parent for financial and other support.
To qualify as a dependant, your child must meet the age limit and requirements of the applicable definition below. To know which definition applies, pick the definition in force on the date we received your application for permanent residence.
Exception: If your child’s age was locked in on or before July 31, 2014, your child must meet the requirements that were in force at that time, regardless of when you submitted your application for permanent residence.
Definition of a dependent child as of October 24, 2017
Children qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:
Deportation order
A removal order issued by either a CBSA officer or the IRB.
It requires the person to leave Canada due to serious offences or serious violations of Canada’s immigration law. A person deported from Canada may not return without written permission from the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
Economic Class/Economic immigrant
A category of immigrants selected for their skills and ability to contribute to Canada’s economy. Economic Class immigrants include skilled workers, provincial and territorial nominees, business immigrants, Quebec skilled workers and Canadian Experience Class members, and their spouses and dependants.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
eTA is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It will allow Canada to screen travellers before they arrive. The authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Exclusion order
A removal order issued by either a Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) officer or the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
Usually, a person removed due to an exclusion order cannot return to Canada for one year without written permission. People issued exclusion orders for misrepresentation cannot return for five years without written permission.
See Removals on CBSA website
Express Entry
An electronic system to manage applications for these immigration programs:
Family Class
An immigration category that includes any family members sponsored to come to Canada by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Family members
An applicant’s closest relatives, in the context of an application to CIC. It is defined as a spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and their dependent children.
Federal skilled worker
An immigrant selected as a permanent resident based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French, and other criteria that have been shown to help people succeed in the Canadian labour market. Spouses and children are included on the application.
Quebec selects its own skilled workers, under the Quebec skilled worker Class (QSW).
Foreign student/International student
A temporary resident who is legally authorized to study in Canada on a temporary basis. With a few exceptions, foreign students must get a study permit if they are taking a course of studies that will last for more than six months.
Immigration officer
An officer responsible for deciding who can enter and stay in Canada. They usually work at Ports of Entry (airports, land border crossings) or one of our offices in Canada. They may check documents and interview applicants to make sure applications are accurate.
Immigration status
A non-citizen’s position in a country—for example, permanent resident or visitor.
Implied status
If a visitor, student or foreign worker applies to extend their status, before that status expires, they can legally remain in Canada until a decision is made on the application. In this situation, the person has implied status.
In good standing
Refers to a representative who:
is licensed and insured,
is qualified to help you through the legal process, and
meets the standards of learning, competence and professional conduct.
Inadmissibility/Inadmissible person
When a person is not allowed to enter or stay in Canada. Reasons can include security concerns, criminal offences, human rights violations, health or financial reasons, and failure to comply with Canada’s immigration laws.
Invitation to apply
When a candidate’s profile is pulled from International Experience Canada or Express Entry pool. They then have a limited time to fill out and submit an online application.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada must usually get before hiring a foreign worker.
A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker can do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a Confirmation letter.
If you need an LMIA, your employer must send an application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Language assessment
An evaluation of a person’s reading, writing, listening and/or speaking abilities in English or French. This is done to see if you meet the language requirement for your application.
Language requirement/Adequate Language
Some types of applications require you to have a certain level of skill in either English or French. The level of language ability required is different, depending on the type of application being submitted.
Letter of introduction
A document sent from a visa office to confirm approval of:
Letter of invitation
A letter from a person in Canada on behalf of a friend or family member who wants to visit. This may be helpful if the visitor is from a country where visas are required to travel to and enter Canada.
The letter should explain how they plan to help the visitor and whether they have the financial means to support the person during a longer visit.
Low-income cut-off (LICO)/Minimum necessary income
Income levels set out by the Government of Canada where a family spends a higher percentage on necessities than other families. A family must be above the cut-off in order to
sponsor a family member to immigrate to Canada, or host parents or grandparents for an extended stay.
Married
Married means that two people have had a ceremony that legally binds them to each other. This marriage must be recognized under the laws of the country where it was performed and under Canadian law.
Medical examination/Medical exam/Immigration medical exam
A physical examination (that could also include laboratory/radiology tests depending on age) performed by a CIC appointed medical doctor that all immigrants and some visitors must go through before they are allowed into Canada. An applicant must be in good health and have no conditions or illnesses that:
Medical inadmissibility
When a person is not allowed to enter Canada for health-related reasons. For instance, the person might:
Minor child
A minor child is a child who is under the age of 18 years in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan. In all the other provinces it is the age of 19 years.
Misrepresentation
When a person makes false statements, submits false information, submits false or altered documents, or withholds information relevant to their application to CIC. This is a crime. Documents can include:
Misrepresentation bars a person from being granted Canadian citizenship for a period of 5 years.
If misrepresentation is found to have occurred after someone becomes a citizen, this can result in the revocation of their citizenship and this individual must wait ten years before they can be granted citizenship again.
Multiple-entry visa/Tourist visa/Visitor visa
A visa that allows someone to leave and re-enter Canada more than once during a defined period of time.
See Temporary Resident Visa.
National Occupational Classification (NOC)
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is a list of all the occupations in the Canadian labor market. It describes each job according to skill type and skill level. The NOC is used to collect and organize job statistics and to provide labour market information. It is also used as a basis for certain immigration requirements.
Non-accompanying family members/Non-accompanying dependant
Family members who are dependent on the principal applicant but who are not immigrating to Canada. They include a spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and the children of a dependent child.
These people must be listed on the principal applicant’s application for permanent residence. They should have a medical exam so they can remain eligible for sponsorship at a later date.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)/Intra-company transferee
An agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. Under it, citizens of each country can enter the other more easily for business.
Oath of citizenship
A declaration that a person will: be loyal to the Queen, obey Canada’s laws and customs, and fulfill the duties of a Canadian citizen.
In order to become citizens, people aged 14 or over must take the oath. Reciting the oath is the final requirement for Canadian citizenship.
Open work permit
A type of work permit that allows a person to work for any employer in Canada, except for an employer:
Panel physician
A medical doctor appointed by CIC to perform immigration medical examinations.
Permanent resident/Landed immigrant/PR
A person who has legally immigrated to Canada but is not yet a Canadian citizen.
Permanent resident card/PR card
A wallet-sized plastic document issued to all new permanent residents (and to existing permanent residents, when requested) to confirm their status in Canada. The card includes identifying details and the signature of the person it was issued to.
Permanent resident status
The position of a person who has legally immigrated to Canada but is not yet a Canadian citizen.
Permanent resident visa
A document issued by a CIC visa office overseas to a foreign national. It allows that person to travel to Canada to become a permanent resident.
Physical presence requirement (citizenship)
For applicants who apply on or after October 11, 2017, this is the amount of time a permanent resident must be physically present in Canada to be eligible for a grant of Canadian citizenship.
Applicants who apply under subsection 5(1) must be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years immediately before the date of application. This includes time as a:
Exceptions apply for certain Crown servants and certain family members of Crown servants.
Points
Refers to two things:
Police certificate/Police clearance certificate/Certificate of good conduct/Judicial record extract
An official copy of a person’s criminal record, or a declaration that they do not have a criminal record. Police authorities or government departments issue such certificates. Authorities use them to confirm whether visa applicants are criminally inadmissible.
See Background check, Medical examination.
Pool
People who meet certain criteria are put into one or more pools of candidates. This is a group of people that we may invite to apply for:
Port of entry
A place where a person may seek entry into Canada, such as at an airport, land or marine border crossing.
Post-graduation work permit
A document issued by CIC to eligible foreign students who have:
graduated from an approved program of study at an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada that is participating in the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
applied to CIC within 90 days of completing all degree or program requirements.
It allows the bearer to work legally in Canada after completing studies.
Principal applicant
When a family applies together, one member must be the main or “principal” applicant. For example, a mother applying for permanent residence with her three children would be the principal applicant. When parents are included in an application, dependent children cannot be principal applicants.
Provincial Nominee Program
A program that allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates for immigration to Canada.
Provincial or territorial nominee
Someone who is nominated for immigration to Canada by a provincial or territorial government that has a Provincial Nominee Program. Nominees have the skills, education and work experience needed to make an immediate economic contribution to the province or territory that nominates them.
Rehabilitation
A process by which a person can overcome criminal inadmissibility.
See Deemed rehabilitation, Criminal rehabilitation.
Relative
A person who is related to another person by blood or adoption.
Removal order
When an immigration official orders a person to leave Canada. There are three types of removal orders (departure, exclusion and deportation) and each one has different consequences.
Restoration of status (as a visitor, student or worker)
A visitor, worker or student who loses status can apply to restore it within 90 days. To be eligible, you must:
Settlement funds
This term can refer to one of two things.
Sufficient and available funds that economic immigrants must prove they have to settle in Canada.
The funds must be:
Funds allocated by the Government of Canada to pay for measures to develop welcoming and inclusive communities, or to help newcomers settle into their new communities.
Sibling (brother or sister)
For Express Entry, a sibling means your brother or sister related to you by:
A visa that allows someone to enter Canada only once.
See Temporary resident visa.
Skill level
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Class and Canadian Experience Class, foreign workers must have work experience at specified skill levels. Skill levels for occupations come from the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. They are classified by type of work and training required to be proficient.
Skilled worker
See Federal skilled worker.
Sponsor
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is 18 years of age or older, and who legally supports a member of the Family Class to become a permanent resident of Canada.
Sponsored person
A foreign national who has applied for permanent residence under the Family Class, has an approved Canadian sponsor and meets the requirements of the Family Class.
Sponsorship agreement
A signed contract between a sponsored immigrant and his or her sponsor, outlining the obligations and commitments of both parties. The agreement is required before the sponsored person can immigrate to Canada.
Sponsorship agreement-holder (SAH)
An incorporated organization that signs an agreement with CIC to sponsor refugees abroad.
A SAH can authorize other groups in the community to sponsor refugees under its agreement. These groups are known as “constituent groups.”
Sponsorship requirements
Requirements a person must meet to sponsor a family member to come to Canada as a permanent resident.
Spouse
A legal marriage partner. This term includes both opposite- and same-sex relationships but does not include common-law partnerships.
Study permit
A document issued by CIC that authorizes a foreign national to study at an educational institution in Canada for the duration of the program of study. It sets out conditions for the student such as:
whether their travel within Canada is restricted and when they have to leave.
Valid job offer
A job offer, in writing, for Express Entry candidates. The offer must be
for continuous, paid, full-time work (at least 30 hours a week)
for work that is not seasonal and for at least one year
skill type 0, or skill levels A or B of the 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC).
supported by an LMIA (unless exempt).
Visa
An official counterfoil document issued by a visa office abroad that is placed in a person’s passport to show that he or she has met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (a visitor, student or worker). A counterfoil is a specially designed sticker on which missions abroad print visa information.
Canadian visas include:
Arranged employment
Arranged employment is when you have a job offer from a Canadian employer in a NOC 0, A, or B job for a continuous period of one year or more. In some cases, this job offer must be approved by Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada.
See: Valid job offer
Accompanying family member/Accompanying dependant
A spouse, common-law partner, dependent child or dependent child of a dependent child (grandchild), who plans to immigrate to Canada with the principal applicant. Accompanying family members are included on the application.
Background check
A procedure to verify the medical, criminal and/or security background of visa applicants to ensure they are admissible to Canada.
See Police certificate, Medical examination.
Canadian citizen
A person described as a citizen under the Citizenship Act. This means a person who:
is Canadian by birth (either born in Canada or born outside Canada to a Canadian citizen who was themselves either born in Canada or granted citizenship) or has applied for a grant of citizenship and has received Canadian citizenship (naturalization).
Canadian Experience Class
An immigration category that allows foreign workers or recently graduated international students working in Canada to apply for permanent residence.
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
The Canadian standard used to describe, measure and recognize English language ability of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants who plan to live and work in Canada, or apply for citizenship. The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) is used to assess abilities in the French language.
Certified English or French translations
To have a copy certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print the following on the photocopy:
- "I certify that this is a true copy of the original document"
- the name of the original document
- the date of the certification
- his or her name
- his or her official position or title and
- his or her signature
Certified photocopy
A photocopy of an original document. It must be readable and certified as a true copy of the original by an authorized person. The person compares the documents and marks on the photocopy:
- their name and signature
- their position or title
- the name of the original document
- the date they certified the document
- the phrase “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document.”
Citizenship test
Citizenship applicants must prove their knowledge of Canada by taking a citizenship test.
Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 (on the date of application) must take the test. It is usually a written test, but is sometimes taken orally with a citizenship officer.
The test assesses an applicant’s knowledge of:
Canada, and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
Common-law partner/Common-law spouse
A person who has been living with another person in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. The term refers to opposite-sex and same-sex relationships.
Comprehensive ranking system (CRS)
A points-based system used to assess and score a candidate’s Express Entry profile to rank them against other candidates in the pool. The CRS will assess the profile information candidates submit, including skills, work experience, language ability, education and other factors.
See: Express Entry profile
Conjugal partner
A person outside Canada who has had a binding relationship with a sponsor for at least one year but could not live with their partner. The term refers to both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships.
Criminal inadmissibility
When a person is not allowed to enter or stay in Canada because they have committed or been convicted of a crime for which they have not received a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon) or been rehabilitated under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The crime could have been committed and/or the conviction rendered in or outside Canada.
Criminal rehabilitation/Overcoming criminal inadmissibility
This term refers to an application process that allows a person who has committed or been convicted of a crime outside Canada to enter or stay in Canada. “Rehabilitation”, in this context, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, means that the person is no longer considered inadmissible to Canada for a particular criminal offence.
A person can apply for rehabilitation if at least five years have passed since the act was committed and all criminal sentences have been completed. In order to be approved for rehabilitation the applicant must show that they lead a stable life and are not likely to commit more crimes.
Deemed rehabilitation
A person who has been convicted of a crime outside Canada may become admissible or be deemed rehabilitated after 5 or 10 years has passed, except in cases of serious criminality. No application is required to be considered for deemed rehabilitation. Whether someone qualifies for deemed rehabilitation depends on their individual circumstances.
Departure order
A removal order issued by either a Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) officer or the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) an independent administrative tribunal responsible for deciding immigration and refugee matters.
Departure orders are issued against people who have violated Canada’s immigration law. The person named on a departure order must leave Canada within 30 days. If they do not, the departure order becomes a deportation order.
See Removals on CBSA website.
Dependant
A spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of a permanent resident or principal applicant.
Dependent child
A child who depends on their parent for financial and other support.
To qualify as a dependant, your child must meet the age limit and requirements of the applicable definition below. To know which definition applies, pick the definition in force on the date we received your application for permanent residence.
Exception: If your child’s age was locked in on or before July 31, 2014, your child must meet the requirements that were in force at that time, regardless of when you submitted your application for permanent residence.
Definition of a dependent child as of October 24, 2017
Children qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:
- they’re under 22 years old, and they don’t have a spouse or common-law partner.
- Children 22 years old or older (also known as an overage dependent children) qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:
- they have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22, and
- they are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition.
Deportation order
A removal order issued by either a CBSA officer or the IRB.
It requires the person to leave Canada due to serious offences or serious violations of Canada’s immigration law. A person deported from Canada may not return without written permission from the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
Economic Class/Economic immigrant
A category of immigrants selected for their skills and ability to contribute to Canada’s economy. Economic Class immigrants include skilled workers, provincial and territorial nominees, business immigrants, Quebec skilled workers and Canadian Experience Class members, and their spouses and dependants.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
eTA is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It will allow Canada to screen travellers before they arrive. The authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Exclusion order
A removal order issued by either a Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) officer or the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
Usually, a person removed due to an exclusion order cannot return to Canada for one year without written permission. People issued exclusion orders for misrepresentation cannot return for five years without written permission.
See Removals on CBSA website
Express Entry
An electronic system to manage applications for these immigration programs:
- the Federal Skilled Worker Program
- the Federal Skilled Trades Program
- the Canadian Experience Class or
- a portion of the provincial nominee program.
Family Class
An immigration category that includes any family members sponsored to come to Canada by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Family members
An applicant’s closest relatives, in the context of an application to CIC. It is defined as a spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and their dependent children.
Federal skilled worker
An immigrant selected as a permanent resident based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French, and other criteria that have been shown to help people succeed in the Canadian labour market. Spouses and children are included on the application.
Quebec selects its own skilled workers, under the Quebec skilled worker Class (QSW).
Foreign student/International student
A temporary resident who is legally authorized to study in Canada on a temporary basis. With a few exceptions, foreign students must get a study permit if they are taking a course of studies that will last for more than six months.
Immigration officer
An officer responsible for deciding who can enter and stay in Canada. They usually work at Ports of Entry (airports, land border crossings) or one of our offices in Canada. They may check documents and interview applicants to make sure applications are accurate.
Immigration status
A non-citizen’s position in a country—for example, permanent resident or visitor.
Implied status
If a visitor, student or foreign worker applies to extend their status, before that status expires, they can legally remain in Canada until a decision is made on the application. In this situation, the person has implied status.
In good standing
Refers to a representative who:
is licensed and insured,
is qualified to help you through the legal process, and
meets the standards of learning, competence and professional conduct.
Inadmissibility/Inadmissible person
When a person is not allowed to enter or stay in Canada. Reasons can include security concerns, criminal offences, human rights violations, health or financial reasons, and failure to comply with Canada’s immigration laws.
Invitation to apply
When a candidate’s profile is pulled from International Experience Canada or Express Entry pool. They then have a limited time to fill out and submit an online application.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada must usually get before hiring a foreign worker.
A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker can do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a Confirmation letter.
If you need an LMIA, your employer must send an application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Language assessment
An evaluation of a person’s reading, writing, listening and/or speaking abilities in English or French. This is done to see if you meet the language requirement for your application.
Language requirement/Adequate Language
Some types of applications require you to have a certain level of skill in either English or French. The level of language ability required is different, depending on the type of application being submitted.
Letter of introduction
A document sent from a visa office to confirm approval of:
- a study permit, or
- a work permit, or
- extended stay for a parent or grandparent from a country that does not require visas (the Super Visa program).
Letter of invitation
A letter from a person in Canada on behalf of a friend or family member who wants to visit. This may be helpful if the visitor is from a country where visas are required to travel to and enter Canada.
The letter should explain how they plan to help the visitor and whether they have the financial means to support the person during a longer visit.
Low-income cut-off (LICO)/Minimum necessary income
Income levels set out by the Government of Canada where a family spends a higher percentage on necessities than other families. A family must be above the cut-off in order to
sponsor a family member to immigrate to Canada, or host parents or grandparents for an extended stay.
Married
Married means that two people have had a ceremony that legally binds them to each other. This marriage must be recognized under the laws of the country where it was performed and under Canadian law.
Medical examination/Medical exam/Immigration medical exam
A physical examination (that could also include laboratory/radiology tests depending on age) performed by a CIC appointed medical doctor that all immigrants and some visitors must go through before they are allowed into Canada. An applicant must be in good health and have no conditions or illnesses that:
- would pose a danger to Canadians
- or be very expensive to treat in Canada.
Medical inadmissibility
When a person is not allowed to enter Canada for health-related reasons. For instance, the person might:
- pose a danger to public health,
- pose a danger to public safety or
- place excessive demand on health or social services.
Minor child
A minor child is a child who is under the age of 18 years in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan. In all the other provinces it is the age of 19 years.
Misrepresentation
When a person makes false statements, submits false information, submits false or altered documents, or withholds information relevant to their application to CIC. This is a crime. Documents can include:
- Passports and travel documents;
- Visas;
- Diplomas, degrees, and apprenticeship or trade papers;
- Birth, marriage, final divorce, annulment, separation or death certificates;
- Police certificates.
Misrepresentation bars a person from being granted Canadian citizenship for a period of 5 years.
If misrepresentation is found to have occurred after someone becomes a citizen, this can result in the revocation of their citizenship and this individual must wait ten years before they can be granted citizenship again.
Multiple-entry visa/Tourist visa/Visitor visa
A visa that allows someone to leave and re-enter Canada more than once during a defined period of time.
See Temporary Resident Visa.
National Occupational Classification (NOC)
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is a list of all the occupations in the Canadian labor market. It describes each job according to skill type and skill level. The NOC is used to collect and organize job statistics and to provide labour market information. It is also used as a basis for certain immigration requirements.
Non-accompanying family members/Non-accompanying dependant
Family members who are dependent on the principal applicant but who are not immigrating to Canada. They include a spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and the children of a dependent child.
These people must be listed on the principal applicant’s application for permanent residence. They should have a medical exam so they can remain eligible for sponsorship at a later date.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)/Intra-company transferee
An agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. Under it, citizens of each country can enter the other more easily for business.
- NAFTA applies to four types of business people:
- business visitors,
- professionals,
- people transferred within a company to work in Canada, and
- traders and investors.
Oath of citizenship
A declaration that a person will: be loyal to the Queen, obey Canada’s laws and customs, and fulfill the duties of a Canadian citizen.
In order to become citizens, people aged 14 or over must take the oath. Reciting the oath is the final requirement for Canadian citizenship.
Open work permit
A type of work permit that allows a person to work for any employer in Canada, except for an employer:
- who is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with conditions, or
- who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages.
Panel physician
A medical doctor appointed by CIC to perform immigration medical examinations.
Permanent resident/Landed immigrant/PR
A person who has legally immigrated to Canada but is not yet a Canadian citizen.
Permanent resident card/PR card
A wallet-sized plastic document issued to all new permanent residents (and to existing permanent residents, when requested) to confirm their status in Canada. The card includes identifying details and the signature of the person it was issued to.
Permanent resident status
The position of a person who has legally immigrated to Canada but is not yet a Canadian citizen.
Permanent resident visa
A document issued by a CIC visa office overseas to a foreign national. It allows that person to travel to Canada to become a permanent resident.
Physical presence requirement (citizenship)
For applicants who apply on or after October 11, 2017, this is the amount of time a permanent resident must be physically present in Canada to be eligible for a grant of Canadian citizenship.
Applicants who apply under subsection 5(1) must be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years immediately before the date of application. This includes time as a:
- permanent resident (PR)
- temporary resident (lawfully authorized to remain in Canada)
- protected person
Exceptions apply for certain Crown servants and certain family members of Crown servants.
Points
Refers to two things:
- the scoring system used to assess eligibility for federal skilled workers and self-employed immigrants. Points are earned for six factors: education, English and/or French skills, work experience, age, arranged employment in Canada, and adaptability. A person must have a minimum number of points to qualify in each category.
- the unit of measurement used in the Comprehensive Ranking System to score Express Entry candidates.
Police certificate/Police clearance certificate/Certificate of good conduct/Judicial record extract
An official copy of a person’s criminal record, or a declaration that they do not have a criminal record. Police authorities or government departments issue such certificates. Authorities use them to confirm whether visa applicants are criminally inadmissible.
See Background check, Medical examination.
Pool
People who meet certain criteria are put into one or more pools of candidates. This is a group of people that we may invite to apply for:
- a work permit for International Experience Canada or
- permanent residence through Express Entry.
Port of entry
A place where a person may seek entry into Canada, such as at an airport, land or marine border crossing.
Post-graduation work permit
A document issued by CIC to eligible foreign students who have:
graduated from an approved program of study at an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada that is participating in the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
applied to CIC within 90 days of completing all degree or program requirements.
It allows the bearer to work legally in Canada after completing studies.
Principal applicant
When a family applies together, one member must be the main or “principal” applicant. For example, a mother applying for permanent residence with her three children would be the principal applicant. When parents are included in an application, dependent children cannot be principal applicants.
Provincial Nominee Program
A program that allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates for immigration to Canada.
Provincial or territorial nominee
Someone who is nominated for immigration to Canada by a provincial or territorial government that has a Provincial Nominee Program. Nominees have the skills, education and work experience needed to make an immediate economic contribution to the province or territory that nominates them.
Rehabilitation
A process by which a person can overcome criminal inadmissibility.
See Deemed rehabilitation, Criminal rehabilitation.
Relative
A person who is related to another person by blood or adoption.
Removal order
When an immigration official orders a person to leave Canada. There are three types of removal orders (departure, exclusion and deportation) and each one has different consequences.
Restoration of status (as a visitor, student or worker)
A visitor, worker or student who loses status can apply to restore it within 90 days. To be eligible, you must:
- submit the application within 90 days of losing status
- explain the facts and circumstances that prevented you from complying with the conditions of the permit, and
- meet all the remaining conditions on the permit.
Settlement funds
This term can refer to one of two things.
Sufficient and available funds that economic immigrants must prove they have to settle in Canada.
The funds must be:
- available,
- transferable and
- not committed to debts or other obligations.
Funds allocated by the Government of Canada to pay for measures to develop welcoming and inclusive communities, or to help newcomers settle into their new communities.
Sibling (brother or sister)
For Express Entry, a sibling means your brother or sister related to you by:
- blood (biological):
- brother or sister
- half-brother or sister
- adoption:
- adopted brother or sister
- marriage:
- includes a step-brother or step-sister who is not related to you by blood or adoption and your parents are married or in a common law relationship
- this is true on both the date you submit your profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence
- must be 18 years old
- must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- can be the brother or sister of your spouse or common-law partner who will come with you to Canada.
A visa that allows someone to enter Canada only once.
See Temporary resident visa.
Skill level
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Class and Canadian Experience Class, foreign workers must have work experience at specified skill levels. Skill levels for occupations come from the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. They are classified by type of work and training required to be proficient.
Skilled worker
See Federal skilled worker.
Sponsor
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is 18 years of age or older, and who legally supports a member of the Family Class to become a permanent resident of Canada.
Sponsored person
A foreign national who has applied for permanent residence under the Family Class, has an approved Canadian sponsor and meets the requirements of the Family Class.
Sponsorship agreement
A signed contract between a sponsored immigrant and his or her sponsor, outlining the obligations and commitments of both parties. The agreement is required before the sponsored person can immigrate to Canada.
Sponsorship agreement-holder (SAH)
An incorporated organization that signs an agreement with CIC to sponsor refugees abroad.
A SAH can authorize other groups in the community to sponsor refugees under its agreement. These groups are known as “constituent groups.”
Sponsorship requirements
Requirements a person must meet to sponsor a family member to come to Canada as a permanent resident.
Spouse
A legal marriage partner. This term includes both opposite- and same-sex relationships but does not include common-law partnerships.
Study permit
A document issued by CIC that authorizes a foreign national to study at an educational institution in Canada for the duration of the program of study. It sets out conditions for the student such as:
whether their travel within Canada is restricted and when they have to leave.
Valid job offer
A job offer, in writing, for Express Entry candidates. The offer must be
for continuous, paid, full-time work (at least 30 hours a week)
for work that is not seasonal and for at least one year
skill type 0, or skill levels A or B of the 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC).
supported by an LMIA (unless exempt).
Visa
An official counterfoil document issued by a visa office abroad that is placed in a person’s passport to show that he or she has met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (a visitor, student or worker). A counterfoil is a specially designed sticker on which missions abroad print visa information.
Canadian visas include:
- temporary resident visas (sometimes called visitor visas) and
- permanent resident visas.
