Canadian Immigration Glossary

Alberta's Provincial Nominee Program (formerly AINP). Operates Express Entry-aligned, Dedicated Pathways (Healthcare, Tourism, Construction, Agriculture, Tech), Rural Renewal, and Entrepreneur streams.

British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Program. Operates Skills Immigration, Tech (weekly draws), Healthcare Professional, International Graduate, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled, and Entrepreneur streams.

One of three federal Express Entry programs. CEC is for foreign nationals who have already accrued 12+ months of Canadian skilled work experience (TEER 0-3) in the last 3 years. The most-used PR pathway for PGWP holders.

One of three federal Express Entry programs, targeted to skilled-trades workers in specific TEER 2-3 NOC categories. Requires either a valid Canadian job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification in the trade.

One of three federal Express Entry programs. FSW is for foreign nationals with skilled foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently — no prior Canadian residence required. The original 'points-tested' immigration program.

Ontario's Provincial Nominee Program. Operates multiple streams including Human Capital Priorities (Express Entry-aligned), French-Speaking Skilled Worker, Employer Job Offer, Masters/PhD Graduate, and Entrepreneur.

A set of immigration programs run by individual Canadian provinces and territories (other than Quebec and Nunavut) to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residence based on local economic needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to Express Entry-aligned candidates.

Canada's federal direct-to-PR program for innovative entrepreneurs who can secure a Letter of Support from a Designated Organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator).

Alberta's base (non-Express Entry) PNP stream for foreign workers currently in Alberta with a qualifying job offer in an eligible occupation. Doesn't require federal Express Entry pool eligibility — strong path for sub-cutoff CRS candidates.

Alberta's Express Entry-aligned PNP stream for federal Express Entry candidates with target NOCs and a connection to Alberta. Nomination adds +600 CRS to the federal profile.

A federal PR pilot for foreign workers in specific agriculture and food-processing NOCs (meat processing, mushroom production, livestock, greenhouse, etc.) with qualifying Canadian work experience. Time-limited pilot — check current intake status before relying on it.

A federal-provincial immigration pathway operating in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Requires a job offer from an AIP-designated employer in an Atlantic province for TEER 0-4 occupations. Replaced the Atlantic Immigration Pilot in 2022.

British Columbia's tech-focused PNP stream for technology professionals with a job offer from a BC tech employer. Runs weekly draws with relatively low CRS / BC-PNP-score cutoffs. Express Entry-aligned (Enhanced) — nomination adds +600 CRS.

The final immigration step — Canadian citizens have the right to vote, run for office, hold a Canadian passport, and enter/exit Canada without immigration restrictions. Requires 1,095 days of physical presence within the past 5 years as a PR, plus language proof, citizenship test, and oath.

Skilled work experience accumulated in Canada under a valid work permit (or as a PR/citizen). The foundation of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry — and a major CRS-boosting factor for any Express Entry candidate.

A 2023+ Express Entry mechanism where IRCC issues invitations to candidates meeting specific occupation, language, or skill criteria — rather than the general all-program draw. Categories include STEM, healthcare, French language (CLB 7+), trades, transport, agriculture, and education. Cutoffs are typically lower than general draws.

Quebec's selection certificate — issued by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration after approval under a Quebec selection program (PEQ, QSWP, etc.). The CSQ is required before applying for federal PR if you intend to settle in Quebec.

The immigration category under IRPA s.13(1) that allows Canadian citizens and PRs to sponsor close family members for permanent residence. Includes spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and certain orphaned relatives.

Express Entry category-based draws specifically inviting candidates with CLB 7+ in French (NCLC 7+). The lowest-CRS-cutoff category in 2025-2026, with draws as low as 379. Strong path for any French-fluent applicant outside Quebec.

The current pilot programs replacing the prior Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot. Targets foreign caregivers providing childcare or support for seniors / persons with disabilities. Direct PR pathway with 6 months of qualifying Canadian work experience.

Manitoba's provincial economic immigration program. Streams include Skilled Worker Overseas, Skilled Worker in Manitoba, International Education Stream, and Business Investor.

Newfoundland & Labrador's provincial nominee program. Streams include Express Entry Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker, International Graduate, International Graduate Entrepreneur, and Priority Skills NL (PhDs, post-doctoral researchers, master's grads in specific fields).

An invitation from a provincial nominee program (most notably OINP Human Capital Priorities) to an Express Entry candidate to apply for provincial nomination. NOI recipients have a strict deadline (typically 45 days for OINP) to submit a complete provincial application.

Nova Scotia's provincial nomination route to Canadian PR. Streams include Labour Market Priorities, Skilled Worker, Physician, International Graduate, and Entrepreneur.

Ontario's primary Express Entry-aligned PNP stream. OINP notifies Express Entry candidates with target NOCs, language scores, and other criteria. Recipients have 45 days to submit a complete nomination application. Nomination adds +600 CRS to the federal profile.

Prince Edward Island's provincial nominee program. Streams include Express Entry, Critical Worker, International Graduate, Skilled Worker, Work Permit Stream, and Business Impact (Work Permit and Direct Investment).

Quebec's PR pathway for graduates of Quebec post-secondary institutions and foreign workers with Quebec work experience. Operates independently of federal Express Entry. Strong French-language proficiency is required.

Quebec's investor immigration program — historically allowed high-net-worth investors to obtain PR by making a passive investment with the Quebec government. Currently suspended; status periodically reviewed.

Quebec's primary skilled-worker selection program for foreign nationals seeking to settle in Quebec. Runs independent of federal Express Entry. Uses Quebec's own selection grid and strongly favours French-language proficiency.

A federal-community immigration pathway operating in select rural communities across Canada. Successor program to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). Requires a community recommendation + qualifying job offer from a community-designated employer.

A federal PR pathway for self-employed individuals in cultural activities or athletics with experience capable of making a significant contribution to Canada's cultural / athletic life. Narrowly applied — historically used by artists, athletes, coaches.

Saskatchewan's provincial nominee program. Streams include International Skilled Worker (with Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories), Saskatchewan Experience, and Entrepreneur & Farm.

A spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child who is included on the principal applicant's immigration application and intends to come to Canada with them. Treated as part of the same application — admissibility, biometrics, and medical exams apply to all accompanying dependants.

Two people in a conjugal relationship who have cohabited continuously for at least 12 months. Treated equivalently to spouses for most immigration purposes — eligible for spousal sponsorship, accompanying-dependant status, and CRS spousal-factor points.

A person in a 1+ year conjugal relationship with a Canadian citizen or PR where cohabitation has been impossible due to legal, immigration, or persecutory barriers. The narrowest sponsorship category — used when neither marriage nor common-law cohabitation is feasible.

A child who can be sponsored alongside a parent on PR or sponsorship applications. Defined by age (under 22) and marital status (single), with an exception for children unable to be financially independent due to a physical or mental condition.

The central legal test for spousal sponsorship. IRPR s.4(1) deems a relationship not bona fide if it was entered into primarily for immigration purposes or is not genuine. Failing the genuineness test results in sponsorship refusal — often with a 5-year misrepresentation bar.

Spousal or common-law sponsorship where the sponsored spouse is already in Canada with valid status. Includes an Open Work Permit (OWP) during processing. The sponsored spouse must remain in Canada throughout — leaving and re-entering on visitor status creates risk.

Spousal or common-law sponsorship where the sponsored spouse is processed at a visa office outside Canada (typically the visa office serving their country of nationality). Preserves the right to appeal to the IAD if refused. The default outside-Canada sponsorship pathway.

A finding by IRCC that a sponsorship relationship was entered into primarily for immigration purposes — not genuinely. Results in sponsorship refusal under IRPR s.4 + typically a 5-year misrepresentation bar under IRPA s.40.

IRCC's confirmation that your application has been received and met basic completeness requirements. The AOR date is when the formal processing clock starts.

The federal information-access regime under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. ATIP requests are the standard way for immigration applicants and their representatives to obtain GCMS notes, internal procedural manuals, and operational records from IRCC and CBSA.

The official IRCC document confirming that an applicant has been approved for Canadian permanent residence. Issued at the end of the PR application process — you 'land' as a PR when you present it at a port of entry (or, for eCoPR, via the IRCC portal).

The complete permanent residence application submitted electronically to IRCC after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Express Entry pool. The applicant has 60 days to submit a complete eAPR after the ITA.

IRCC's internal case management system. Every immigration application creates a GCMS file. Applicants and their authorized representatives can request a copy of their GCMS notes through an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request — often the fastest way to understand why a file is delayed or refused.

The legal status of a foreign national who has applied to extend their current status (work permit, study permit, or visitor status) before expiry and is awaiting a decision. Allows continued legal stay in Canada under the same conditions as the previous permit.

A letter from IRCC giving the applicant an opportunity to respond to a specific concern before a final decision is made. Common concerns: misrepresentation, inadmissibility, eligibility doubts, document gaps. The response window is typically short (7-30 days).

An IRCC mechanism allowing a foreign national who lost temporary status (overstayed, expired permit without timely extension) to apply to restore that status within 90 days. After 90 days, the foreign national must leave Canada.

Required permission for a foreign national who has previously been removed from Canada (under a deportation order, or in some cases exclusion order) to return. Discretionary, fact-specific, and requires demonstrating rehabilitation, compelling reasons, and that re-entry is in Canada's interest.

Categories of travellers who can enter Canada by air without requiring an eTA. Includes Canadian citizens, dual nationals using a Canadian passport, PRs holding a valid PR card, US citizens, and travellers on diplomatic visas.

The mandatory interaction every traveller has with a CBSA officer at a Canadian port of entry. Two stages: primary inspection (quick admissibility screening) and, if referred, secondary inspection (more detailed interview). The final decision-point for entry.

A country whose passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada — regardless of purpose (tourism, business, study, work, transit). The default status for most non-Western countries. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, China, Iran, Egypt, Nigeria, and most African / Middle Eastern / Asian countries are visa-required.

Required collection of fingerprints and a digital photograph for most IRCC applications. Collected at a Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC), an Application Support Centre (US), or designated biometrics-collection partners. Fee: CAD 85 per individual / CAD 170 per family of 2+ / CAD 255 per group performing-arts entertainers.

A Canadian post-secondary institution that has been approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. A DLI Letter of Acceptance is required for a Canadian study permit.

An assessment from a designated organization that verifies a foreign educational credential is equivalent to a Canadian credential. Required for most Express Entry applications and many PNP streams.

An initial profile submission to a Canadian PNP or business-immigration stream, indicating interest in being invited to apply. EOIs are scored or otherwise ranked, and selected candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

An electronic entry authorization required for citizens of visa-exempt countries flying to Canada. Issued online for CAD $7, valid 5 years or until passport expires. Different from a TRV (required for visa-required nationals).

A Canadian banking product where an international student deposits a fixed amount (typically CAD $15,000-22,000) with a participating Canadian bank as proof of cost-of-living funds for the study permit application. Released to the student in installments after arrival in Canada.

Required health examination by an IRCC-approved Panel Physician for most temporary residents staying over 6 months and all permanent residence applicants. Tests for tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV (PR only), and general fitness. Cost: paid directly to Panel Physician, varies by country.

Statistics Canada's annual measure of low income. Used by IRCC as the financial-eligibility threshold for Super Visa sponsorship and certain other immigration applications.

The annual income threshold a Canadian sponsor must meet to be eligible to sponsor parents and grandparents under PGP. Calculated based on family size, must be met for the 3 prior tax years.

The annual statement issued by CRA confirming the result of your tax-return assessment. Used by IRCC to verify income for PGP MNI, Super Visa LICO, and citizenship tax-filing requirements.

Canada's standardized system for classifying every occupation by a 5-digit code and a TEER category. Most economic-class immigration applications require you to identify the NOC code that matches your work experience.

The formal notification IRCC sends when a decision is made on an application — approval, refusal, or referral. Includes the legal basis (relevant IRPA sections) and triggers any applicable response or appeal deadlines.

A letter issued by a Canadian province confirming that an international student applicant counts under the province's federal study-permit cap. Required since 2024 for most undergraduate and college applicants; exempt for master's, doctoral, and certain professional programs.

Required document showing the applicant has no criminal record in countries lived in for 6+ months since age 18. Must be obtained from each relevant country and provided in original + certified English/French translation. Validity is country-specific (typically 6 months to 1 year).

The lead person on an immigration application. The principal applicant's qualifications (work, education, language, age) determine the application's eligibility. Spouse / common-law partner and dependent children are typically included as accompanying dependants.

Documentation showing you have enough liquid funds to support yourself and family upon arrival in Canada. Required for Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applicants — but exempted for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants with valid arranged employment.

The Notice of Decision when an application is refused. Cites the relevant IRPA / IRPR section as the legal basis. Typically uses boilerplate language — the actual reasoning is revealed in GCMS notes obtained via ATIP.

A fast-track study permit processing program that operated from 2018 to November 2024 for nationals of 14 designated countries. SDS closed on November 8, 2024 — all study permit applications now process under the regular stream.

The minimum amount of liquid funds an Express Entry FSW or FST applicant must show they have available to settle their family in Canada. Set per family size, indexed annually by IRCC. CEC applicants are exempt.

The six-level categorization (TEER 0 through 5) used in Canada's NOC 2021 system to classify occupations by the typical training, education, experience, and responsibility they require.

All documents submitted to IRCC must be in English or French. Documents in other languages require certified translation by an accredited translator + the original / notarized copy of the source document.

A document issued to a foreign national who is inadmissible to Canada but has been granted exceptional entry or stay on compelling grounds. Different from a TRV — a TRP overrides an inadmissibility finding.

A counterfoil placed in a passport that allows a foreign national to enter Canada as a temporary resident (visitor, student, or worker). Required for citizens of visa-required countries — visa-exempt nationals use an eTA instead.

Outsourced biometrics and document collection facilities operated by VFS Global on behalf of IRCC in 150+ countries. Applicants attend a VAC for biometrics, document submission, passport delivery, and (in some countries) interview. Not the same as the IRCC visa office that actually decides the application.

An online inquiry form for asking IRCC questions or status updates about your application. Useful for clarifying status or flagging concerns — though rarely accelerates processing. Submit via the IRCC Client Support Centre form on canada.ca.

The form refugee claimants in Canada submit to the IRB Refugee Protection Division (RPD) detailing their personal narrative of persecution or risk. The single most-important document in the refugee claim — the claimant's own story in their own words.

The country whose conditions are assessed when evaluating a refugee claim under IRPA s.96 or s.97. Typically the country of nationality, but can include former habitual residence for stateless persons or refugees with conflicting nationalities.

A foreign national designated by the Minister of Public Safety as having arrived in Canada as part of an 'irregular arrival' (typically a group of 2+ asylum-seekers arriving in coordinated fashion). DFNs face restrictive procedures — detention review on shorter cycles, delayed PR pathways, mandatory reporting.

Defines a Convention refugee for Canadian refugee protection purposes — a person who has a well-founded fear of persecution on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The foundational refugee definition.

Defines a person in need of protection — someone whose removal would subject them to risk of torture, cruel/unusual treatment, or risk to life. Broader than the Convention refugee definition; not tied to the 5 Convention grounds.

The bilateral agreement between Canada and the United States requiring refugee claimants to claim protection in the first country they arrive in. Originally applied only at land ports of entry; expanded in 2023 to cover the entire land border, including unofficial crossings.

An open work permit issued to PR applicants whose current work permit is expiring before their PR application is decided. Allows continuous legal work authorization while the PR application is being processed by IRCC.

An LMIA-exempt work permit code for entrepreneurs who own/operate a Canadian business and create significant economic benefit. Commonly used as a stepping-stone to PR through PNP business streams.

An LMIA-exempt work permit code for managerial, executive, and specialized-knowledge employees being transferred from a multinational's foreign branch to its Canadian branch. One of the most-used LMIA-exemption categories for Indian, Pakistani, and Gulf-based IT and corporate professionals.

Discretionary LMIA-exemption code under IRPR s.205(a) when the foreign worker's work creates significant social, cultural, or economic benefit to Canada. Used for high-profile professionals, researchers, executives, and others where standard categories don't fit but the benefit case is clear.

LMIA-exemption code for the Bridging Open Work Permit — keeps PR applicants working legally while their PR application is in process. Available for in-Canada Express Entry, PNP, CEC, Quebec Skilled Worker, AIP, and Rural Community Immigration Pilot applicants.

LMIA-exemption code for the Spousal Open Work Permit. Allows the spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian work-permit holder (in eligible TEER 0/1/2/3 occupations) or eligible study-permit holder to work for any Canadian employer.

The North American trade agreement (formerly NAFTA) that includes immigration provisions allowing US and Mexican citizens privileged access to LMIA-exempt Canadian work permits under specific professional, intracompany transfer, and trader/investor categories.

An LMIA-exempt work permit available to American and Mexican professionals in approximately 60 specified professions under CUSMA (formerly NAFTA). Allows fast-track entry to Canada with simplified documentation. Limited to US and Mexican citizens only.

An accelerated LMIA stream operated by ESDC and IRCC for highly skilled tech and STEM workers at recognized Canadian tech employers. Targets 2-week processing for both LMIA and work permit components. The fastest path for foreign tech professionals to start working in Canada.

Canada's youth-mobility work-permit program for citizens of treaty countries. Three streams: Working Holiday (open permit), Young Professionals (employer-specific), and International Co-op Internship. Age caps typically 18-30 or 18-35.

A document issued by Service Canada / ESDC confirming that a Canadian employer's hiring of a foreign worker will have a positive or neutral effect on the Canadian labour market. Required for most TFWP work permits and adds 50 CRS points for Express Entry.

An LMIA-exemption category (IMP code C16-related) allowing employers in provinces outside Quebec to hire French-speaking foreign workers in TEER 0/1/2/3 occupations without obtaining an LMIA. Promotes francophone immigration to French-minority communities.

A work permit that's not tied to a specific Canadian employer — allows you to work for any Canadian employer in any occupation (with limited exceptions). Includes PGWP, SOWP (spousal), BOWP (bridging), and IEC permits. The most flexible work permit category.

A work permit that allows the holder to work for any Canadian employer in any role, without an LMIA. Includes PGWP, SOWP, BOWP, IEC Working Holiday, and certain humanitarian/public-policy work permits.

An open work permit issued to graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary programs, allowing them to work for any Canadian employer for up to 3 years after graduation. The primary bridge from international student to permanent residence.

An open work permit issued to the spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian work-permit or study-permit holder, allowing the spouse to work for any Canadian employer. Eligibility has been progressively restricted since January 2025.

Canadian citizenship inherited from a Canadian parent. Available to first-generation children born abroad to a Canadian-citizen parent. The first-generation limit (no further passing) was struck down by the Ontario courts in 2023; status of replacement legislation has been in flux.

30-question multiple-choice test covering Canadian history, geography, government, rights, and responsibilities. Required for citizenship applicants aged 18-54. Based on the Discover Canada study guide. Passing mark: 15/30 (50%).

Canada allows dual (and multi) citizenship — a Canadian can simultaneously be a citizen of another country. However, your other country may NOT allow it — and may require renunciation of one nationality when you naturalize as a Canadian.

People who lost or never received Canadian citizenship under former citizenship rules. Successive amendments to the Citizenship Act have restored citizenship to many — most recently the 2009 and 2015 amendments. Specific eligibility depends on birth date and parentage.

The final step in becoming a Canadian citizen — a public ceremony where applicants take the oath (or affirmation) of citizenship, declaring loyalty to the Crown and Canada. After taking the oath, citizenship is officially granted and a certificate is issued.

The total days an applicant has been physically in Canada — used to determine citizenship eligibility. Adult applicants must have 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence within the 5 years preceding the application date.

The formal process by which a Canadian citizen voluntarily gives up Canadian citizenship. Distinct from automatic loss. Typically pursued for legal reasons in another country (taxation, citizenship-restricted nations, or military service obligations).

The federal agency responsible for border services, customs enforcement, immigration enforcement (admissibility at port of entry, detention, removal), and overseas migration integrity. Distinct from IRCC, which processes applications.

The international 6-level scale (A1-C2) for measuring language proficiency, used widely in Europe and globally. Canadian immigration uses CLB / NCLC for English / French — but TEF and TCF (Canadian French tests) map between CEFR and NCLC.

The IRCC-accepted English test designed in Canada, using exclusively Canadian English accents. Fully computer-based including speaking (no human examiner). Distinct from CELPIP-General LS, which is for citizenship applications only.

The 1-12 scale Canada uses to measure English-language proficiency across four abilities: listening, speaking, reading, writing. NCLC is the French equivalent. CLB levels are derived from approved language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF) for immigration purposes.

The process of having foreign education credentials assessed against Canadian standards. Required for most immigration applications through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Some regulated professions (medicine, engineering, nursing, law, teaching) also require separate provincial professional certification.

The general-purpose version of the IELTS English-language test, accepted by IRCC for all immigration applications (Express Entry, PNP, citizenship-related applications, etc.). NOT IELTS Academic — which is for university admissions but not accepted by IRCC.

The federal regulatory body that licenses and oversees all Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act.

The Canadian federal department responsible for citizenship, immigration, refugee protection, passport issuance, and multiculturalism. IRCC processes all visa, permit, and PR applications and operates visa offices worldwide.

A licensed immigration professional authorized to represent clients before IRCC and (with RCIC-IRB designation) the Immigration and Refugee Board. RCICs are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

Under IRPA s. 96, a person who has a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, and is outside their country of nationality and unwilling/unable to seek state protection.

The Canadian federal trial court with jurisdiction over judicial review of IRCC, IRB, and other federal-immigration decisions. Lawyer representation required (RCICs cannot appear directly). Strict 15/30-day deadlines from notification.

A discretionary application to IRCC requesting permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, despite not meeting standard eligibility for any other PR program. Authorized under IRPA section 25.

One of four divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). Hears appeals from sponsorship refusals, residence-obligation breach findings against PRs, removal orders against PRs and protected persons. Has broad equitable jurisdiction including H&C consideration.

One of four divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). Decides inadmissibility hearings, detention reviews, and certain removal-order proceedings. Quasi-criminal in nature.

A legal finding that a foreign national is not allowed to enter or remain in Canada under specific grounds in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Grounds include criminality, security, organized criminality, human-rights violations, health, financial reasons, and misrepresentation.

The independent administrative tribunal that decides immigration and refugee matters in Canada. Operates four divisions: Refugee Protection Division (RPD), Refugee Appeal Division (RAD), Immigration Division (ID), and Immigration Appeal Division (IAD).

A risk assessment conducted by IRCC for individuals facing removal from Canada to determine whether they would face risk of persecution, torture, or cruel treatment in their country of return. Available to most foreign nationals before removal.

The appellate division of the Immigration and Refugee Board that hears appeals from negative Refugee Protection Division (RPD) decisions. Appeals must be filed within 15 days of receiving RPD reasons.

The first-instance division of the Immigration and Refugee Board that decides refugee-protection claims by individuals already in Canada under sections 96 and 97 of IRPA.

The points-based system IRCC uses to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Your CRS score (out of 1,200) determines whether you receive an Invitation to Apply in a given draw.

The official invitation from IRCC inviting a candidate in the Express Entry pool to submit a complete permanent residence application. The applicant has 60 days to submit the eAPR after receiving the ITA.

The intermediate-level federal appellate court that hears appeals from the Federal Court (and from certain federal tribunals). In immigration matters, the FCA hears appeals from Federal Court judicial-review decisions when the Federal Court certifies a question of general importance.

The federal statute that governs Canadian immigration and refugee law. Enacted in 2001, replacing the prior Immigration Act. Establishes objectives, eligibility, inadmissibility, refugee protection, and removal procedures.

The detailed regulations made under IRPA that implement the statutory framework — covering program eligibility, settlement-funds thresholds, document requirements, biometrics, sponsorship undertakings, and procedural rules.

The foundational provision requiring foreign nationals to obtain a visa or other authorization before entering Canada. Most refusals of overseas applications cite s.11(1) as the legal basis.

Imposes a positive obligation on applicants to answer truthfully and produce all relevant documents during any IRCC examination. The legal foundation for misrepresentation findings under s.40 — and the basis for officers' authority to require evidence.

The procedural mechanism by which an immigration officer (CBSA or IRCC) reports a foreign national or permanent resident as inadmissible to Canada. A Section 44 report triggers the admissibility hearing process at the Immigration Division.

The provision authorizing the Immigration Division (ID) of the IRB to conduct admissibility hearings — where the Minister alleges a foreign national or PR is inadmissible to Canada. The ID is a formal tribunal; the proceeding is adversarial.

The decision-making authority granted to IRCC officers, visa officers, port-of-entry CBSA officers, and Minister's Delegates by IRPA and IRPR. Most refusals are framed as 'I am not satisfied that…' decisions exercising statutory discretion. Reviewable in Federal Court only on legal error or unreasonableness grounds.

An order requiring a foreign national or PR to leave Canada. Three types — departure (no return bar), exclusion (1-year bar; 5 years for misrepresentation), deportation (lifetime bar, ARC required to return). Issued by IRCC, CBSA, or the IRB.

The IRPA section that bars from Canada anyone involved in espionage, subversion, terrorism, violence against governments, or membership in an organization engaging in such activities. One of the most-litigated inadmissibility grounds.

Bars from Canada anyone who committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, was a senior official of a designated regime, or aided/abetted such acts. Triggers under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act.

Bars from Canada anyone with a foreign or Canadian criminal record that would constitute an indictable offence in Canada. Covers serious criminality (s.36(1)) and criminality (s.36(2)) with different rehabilitation rules.

Bars from Canada anyone who is or was a member of an organization believed to engage in criminal activity, or engaged in transnational crime (money laundering, smuggling, trafficking). Includes broad membership-based liability.

Bars from Canada anyone whose health condition (a) endangers public health/safety, or (b) would cause excessive demand on health/social services. The excessive-demand threshold has been raised twice — currently CAD 27,162/year (2024 figure).

Bars from Canada anyone who directly or indirectly misrepresents or withholds material facts on an immigration application. Carries a 5-year inadmissibility ban (extended from 2 years in 2014). Among the most serious findings in Canadian immigration law.

Bars from Canada anyone who fails to comply with any provision of IRPA. A catch-all section — most commonly applied for overstaying status, working/studying without authorization, or failing to meet PR residence obligation.

Provides that an applicant's family member's inadmissibility can render the principal applicant inadmissible. The 'one inadmissible family member = whole family inadmissible' rule that can derail otherwise-strong PR applications when an accompanying family member has a criminal record, medical condition, or other inadmissibility ground.

The Canadian process for sealing a Canadian criminal record after a defined waiting period without further offences. Granted by the Parole Board of Canada. Resolves Canadian-record-based inadmissibility for many immigration applications — though not all serious offences are eligible.

Enumerates the ways a permanent resident can lose PR status: becoming a Canadian citizen, formally renouncing PR, having a removal order made enforceable, or having PR revoked for misrepresentation.

An application to the Federal Court of Canada asking it to review the legality of an IRCC or IRB decision. Not a re-decision on the merits — the Court asks whether the decision was reasonable and procedurally fair.

An application to the Federal Court asking the Court to order IRCC to make a decision on an application that has been unreasonably delayed. Used when an application has been stuck in processing for far longer than IRCC's published service standards.

A court or tribunal order that suspends the enforcement of a removal order. Can be granted by the Federal Court (in judicial review proceedings) or by the IAD (during appeals). Critical to obtain when removal is imminent and pending legal proceedings would be rendered moot.

The formal acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) confirming admission to a study program. Required for every Canadian study permit application — and one of the most-scrutinized documents at IRCC New Delhi, Islamabad, and Manila.