The little glossary of immigrations terms : A to G by Immetis

Every year, thousands of foreign nationals come to Canada to work, study, or simply live.

There are various options for immigrating to Canada, depending on your chosen province, your project, or your profile. Programs, visas, work permits, permanent residence, CSQ, IRCC… Feeling lost with all these terms?

We’ve condensed all the essential vocabulary you need to know if you’re considering the Canadian experience into this glossary.

Application package

A collection of forms and steps required for a Canadian immigration application.

Asylum

A country different from one’s own where a person seeks refuge to be protected and safe from danger in their country of origin. In Canada, it is possible to apply for asylum.

Background check

Conducted by Canadian immigration to verify a visa applicant’s criminal or unlawful history to ensure they pose no threat.

Biometrics

Identification of individuals through their physical characteristics (fingerprints, face, iris, etc.). Most immigration applicants to Canada must provide their biometric data when submitting an application.

Borders

Territorial boundaries, usually separating two states. In immigration matters, borders are the first point of entry into a country and where checks typically occur.

Canadian Experience Class

A category under the Express Entry program for skilled workers who have gained at least one year of professional experience in Canada within the last three years. Naturally, other criteria must be considered to determine a candidate’s eligibility under this category.

CAQ (Quebec Acceptance Certificate)

A document issued by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, certifying that the province has selected the candidate for temporary immigration. A CAQ may be issued, for example, for studies or work. In both cases, it does not, by itself, allow settlement in Quebec. It is a prerequisite for applying for a study or work permit (for programs that require it).

Citizenship

Official recognition of an individual’s status as a citizen of a country, granting them full rights and responsibilities associated with that status. For example, a permanent resident of Canada who becomes a citizen would then gain the right to vote.

Citizenship judge

An independent decision-maker who issues legal decisions on residency applications, presides over citizenship ceremonies, and administers the oath of citizenship.

Closed work permit

A work permit tied to a specific employer, job, and location for the duration of the permit. Changing jobs or employers usually requires a new permit (with some exceptions).

Co-op Internship

A type of temporary work permit under the IEC program, relevant for internships in Canada required to complete a diploma.

CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate)

A document issued by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, certifying that the province has selected the candidate for permanent immigration. The CSQ alone does not allow permanent settlement in Quebec. It is, among other things, a prerequisite for submitting a permanent residence application at the federal level.

Decision letter

An official document sent by IRCC in response to an application, indicating the decision made and outlining the next steps.

Deportation

A decision to remove an individual from the country they are in, due to a lack of legal status or as a result of an act leading to their expulsion.

Deportation order

A removal order requiring the individual to leave Canada within 30 days. Failure to comply may result in being barred from re-entry. This may be issued for violations of immigration law.

Economic immigration

When an individual settles temporarily or permanently in another country for economic reasons, such as employment, contributing to the local economy.

Economic migrant

A person who moves to another country to work and seek better economic prospects.

Electronic job offer

A preliminary step required for certain work permit programs, to be completed by an employer wishing to hire a foreign worker.

eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

The eTA is intended only for foreign nationals exempt from visa requirements who wish to travel to Canada by air. It is an electronic document linked to the passport, generally issued and valid for up to five years. Note that the eTA is not a status and does not guarantee entry into Canada. It can be used for short stays of less than six months, such as tourism. However, during a pandemic, it is not sufficient for entry into the country.

Exclusion order

A removal order issued for a period of one year by a border officer or the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Reasons may include health risks, financial incapacity, or legal violations. Written authorization is required to return within the one-year period.

Expatriate

An individual who holds a position abroad for a company from their country of origin.

Express Entry program

An immigration pathway to obtain permanent residence, available throughout Canada except Quebec. It includes several subcategories.

Family record book

A legal civil document that can be used to prove family relationships in an immigration application.

Family reunification

Also known as family sponsorship. Measures allowing immigrants to bring their family members to join them and obtain legal status.

Foreigner

An individual whose nationality is not that of the country where they reside (in relation to the citizens of that country).

Foreign national

An individual who is legally or administratively affiliated with a country other than the one they reside in.

Global Talent

A stream for submitting LMIA applications for highly skilled or specialized workers. Applications are typically processed within 14 business days.

Source : IRCC Glossary

This glossary is intended to provide general information on immigration, simplify terminology, and does not constitute legal advice. The list of terms is non-exhaustive and presents definitions used strictly within the context of immigration.