The little glossary of immigrations terms : H to O by Immetis

Every year, thousands of foreign nationals come to Canada for various reasons and projects.

There are different options for immigrating to Canada. These depend on your chosen province, your plans, or your personal profile. Programs, UCI, invitation letter, naturalization, IRCC… It can be hard to make sense of all these terms.

This glossary contains all the essential vocabulary you need to know if you’re considering the Canadian experience, covering terms from H to O. The glossary for terms from A to G can be (re)discovered.

High Commission

A Canadian government office equivalent to an embassy, located only in Commonwealth countries.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

A test used to assess the English language proficiency of immigration candidates. It may be required to support applications under certain immigration programs (notably in the Express Entry system).

Immigration

The act of settling in a country other than one’s own. Motivations can include job opportunities or the pursuit of better living conditions.

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)

The law governing immigration to Canada.

Immigration status

Defines whether an individual is a temporary resident, permanent resident, or holds another immigration status.

IMP (International Mobility Program)

Allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), for eligible candidates.

Instruction guide

Documents providing the necessary information and assistance to submit certain immigration applications to the appropriate authorities.

Investor immigrant

An individual who immigrates to another country to invest or start a business.

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)

The Canadian government department responsible for handling immigration applications.

LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

A process that a Canadian employer may need to undertake in certain situations to hire a foreign worker and for the worker to obtain a work permit. A positive LMIA indicates that the employer was unable to fill the position with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and must therefore hire a foreign worker. When the candidate’s profile and the job require an LMIA, it is essentially a prerequisite for a work permit application.

Letter of introduction or approval

A document confirming the approval of an application, such as for a work or study permit.

Letter of invitation (for immigration purposes)

A letter written by someone in Canada confirming that a relative or friend is visiting. It must demonstrate that the host will provide support, including financial assistance, to the visitor.

Migrant

A term with various interpretations. According to the United Nations, a migrant is someone residing in a foreign country for over a year, regardless of the reason. In other contexts, it may refer to someone currently in the process of immigrating.

Migration

The voluntary movement of individuals to a country other than their country of origin.

Mother tongue

The language taught and spoken at home during childhood.

Nationality

The legal bond between an individual and a state.

Naturalization

The process of acquiring the nationality of a country other than one’s country of origin.

NOC (National Occupation Classification)

A federal system for classifying occupations, with codes assigned based on the type of job and associated tasks. NOCs are used when applying for a closed work permit or under the Express Entry program.

Oath of Citizenship

A solemn declaration made by an individual to become a Canadian citizen, in front of a delegated official or citizenship judge.

Open work permit

A work permit not tied to a specific job, allowing the holder to work for any employer in any position (subject to standard restrictions) during its validity.

Source : IRCC Glossary

This glossary is intended to provide general information on immigration and to simplify terminology. It does not constitute legal advice. The list of terms is non-exhaustive and definitions are specific to the context of immigration.