The little glossary of immigrations terms : P to Z by Immetis

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

This glossary includes the vocabulary you need to know if you wish to try your luck in Canada, covering terms from letters P to Z. The glossary for terms from A to G and the glossary for terms from H to O can be (re)discovered.

PEQ (Quebec Experience Program)

A Quebec-specific immigration program for certain skilled workers and graduates who speak French. It leads to a CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate), which is required to apply for permanent residence.

Permanent refugee

A person residing in a different country for a set period due to threats in their home country.

Permanent residence

Federal authorization allowing an individual to live, work, or study in Canada indefinitely (without time limits), without being a citizen. Permanent residents do not have voting rights.

Permanent immigration

When an individual settles in another country on a long-term or indefinite basis.

Proof of Citizenship

Documents proving a person’s Canadian citizenship, such as a citizenship certificate or card.

Protected person

An individual officially recognized by the country they are in as needing protection due to threats in their country of origin.

PRTD (Permanent Resident Travel Document)

Required for permanent residents returning to Canada without a valid PR card.

PVT (Programme Vacances Travail) 

Programme accessible pour certains ressortissants dont le pays a conclu un accord de mobilité avec le Canada. Le PVT est généralement destiné aux personnes de 18 à 30 ans ou 35 ans selon le pays d’origine, et qui souhaitent partir à l’étranger pour y travailler et/ou voyager pour une durée déterminée.

Quarantine

Isolation period imposed on individuals exposed to infectious diseases.

Quota

A set percentage or limit.

Refugee

A person who has fled their home country to escape threats or danger.

Refugee claimant

An individual forced to leave their country due to human rights violations, seeking protection in another country.

Repatriation

Organized return of individuals to their country of origin.

Representative

A person or institution authorized to assist someone with immigration procedures. They can guide, complete applications, and communicate with Canadian immigration on behalf of the applicant.

Residence permit

A legal document allowing an individual to live in a country for a defined period.

Resident visa

A certificate issued by a province or territory recommending an individual for permanent residence.

Restoration of status

In certain cases, if a worker or student loses or lets their status expire, they may apply to restore it under specific conditions.

Revocation of Citizenship

Citizenship may be revoked if obtained through fraud or false information.

Rounds of invitations

Invitations issued by immigration authorities to apply for a work permit under the International Experience Canada program or to apply for permanent residence under Express Entry.

Serious criminality

In the context of immigration, a ground for inadmissibility due to criminality. Applies to foreign nationals who have committed or been convicted of an offense either inside or outside the country, punishable by a prison sentence of at least 10 years in Canada.

Skilled worker

Individuals selected for permanent residence based on work experience, education, and language skills.

Sponsorship

Eligible individuals can sponsor a family member to help them immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent resident status. The sponsor commits to supporting the family member financially and in meeting their essential needs.

Study permit

A legal document granting an individual the right to study in a country, usually for a set period.

TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français)

A French language test recognized by IRCC as proof of language proficiency for certain immigration programs (notably Express Entry).

Temporary immigration

When an individual settles in another country for a defined period, often for a specific purpose such as work or study.

Temporary residence

Authorization to stay, work, or study in Canada for a limited time, granted to non-citizens.

Temporary resident permit

Legal authorization to stay in a country for a specific duration.

TFWP (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)

Enables Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the positions.

UCI (Unique Client Identifier)

An identification number that appears on all official documents received from the government during an immigration application.

Undocumented

An individual without legal permission to stay in the country they are in.

Validated job offer

Also known as a permanent job validation, this is a process that can be undertaken by an employer (in Quebec) who wishes to hire a permanent foreign worker.

Visa

A document authorizing an individual to enter a foreign country for a specific purpose and duration.

Visible minorities

As defined in the Employment Equity Act: “persons, other than Indigenous peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour.”

Visitor

A foreign national entering Canada under visitor status.

Young Professional

A category under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. It typically allows for a closed work permit of up to two years. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s profile and the job offer in Canada.

Working Holiday Program (WHP)

Available to citizens of countries with a mobility agreement with Canada. Typically for individuals aged 18 to 30 or 35 (depending on the country), allowing them to work and/or travel in Canada for a limited time.

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.