Key Immigration Programs, Categories, and Pilots
- AIPP – Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (Now transitioned to AIP)
- AIP – Atlantic Immigration Program (Permanent program for immigration to Atlantic provinces)
- BCPNP – British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
- CEC – Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry stream for candidates with Canadian work experience)
- CUAET – Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (Temporary program for Ukrainians, launched in 2022)
- EE – Express Entry (Electronic selection system for skilled immigrants)
- FST – Federal Skilled Trades Program (Federal program for skilled trades)
- FSW – Federal Skilled Worker Program (Federal program for skilled professionals)
- H&C – Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds (Applications based on humanitarian and compassionate considerations)
- OINP – Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (Provincial program for Ontario)
- PNP – Provincial Nominee Program (General system of provincial nominations)
- PR – Permanent Resident (Person with Canadian permanent residence status)
- QSWP – Quebec Skilled Worker Program
- MPNP – Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
- NSNP – Nova Scotia Nominee Program
- PEI PNP – Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program
- RNIP – Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (Program for small and northern communities)
- SINP – Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
- YNP – Yukon Nominee Program
- TR to PR – Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway (Special pathway introduced in 2021)
- AFIP – Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (Immigration pathway for agricultural sector workers)
- HCPP – Home Child Care Provider Pilot (Program for nannies and child caregivers)
- HSPP – Home Support Worker Pilot (Program for caregivers for elderly or persons with health conditions)
- SEP – Self-Employed Program (Federal program for self-employed individuals)
Documents, Permits, Visas, Certificates
- ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization (Entry authorization for visa-exempt travellers)
- OWP – Open Work Permit (Work permit not tied to a specific employer)
- TRV – Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor or tourist visa)
- LMIA – Labour Market Impact Assessment (Employer authorization for hiring foreign workers)
- ITA – Invitation to Apply (Formal invitation to submit a full immigration application under Express Entry)
- POF – Proof of Funds (Financial documentation demonstrating settlement funds)
- PCC – Police Clearance Certificate (Criminal record check)
- COPR – Confirmation of Permanent Residence (Document confirming permanent resident status)
- DLI – Designated Learning Institution (Accredited post-secondary institution)
- LOA – Letter of Acceptance (Official admission letter from an educational institution)
- LOE – Letter of Explanation (Supporting explanation letter for immigration applications)
- BIL – Biometric Instruction Letter (Instructions for submitting biometrics)
- eCoPR – Electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- PGWP – Post-Graduation Work Permit (Work permit after completing eligible studies in Canada)
- STUDY PERMIT – Authorization for international students to study in Canada
- WORK PERMIT – Authorization to work in Canada (restricted or open)
Institutions, Government Bodies, Regulatory Authorities
- IRCC – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- CBSA – Canada Border Services Agency
- IRB – Immigration and Refugee Board
- IAD – Immigration Appeal Division (Part of IRB)
- RPD – Refugee Protection Division
- ESDC – Employment and Social Development Canada
- HRSDC – Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (former name of ESDC)
- CRA – Canada Revenue Agency
- EAS – Employment Assistance Services
- BCCNM – British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives
- CIC – Citizenship and Immigration Canada (former name of IRCC)
Systems, Online Platforms, Language and Qualification Tests
- GCMS – Global Case Management System (Case management system for immigration files)
- CRS – Comprehensive Ranking System (Scoring system for Express Entry)
- NOC – National Occupational Classification (Canada’s official job classification system)
- CLB – Canadian Language Benchmark (Language proficiency levels for English)
- CELPIP – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (English language test recognized by IRCC)
- IELTS – International English Language Testing System (Recognized English test)
- TEF Canada – Test d’Évaluation de Français (French language test recognized by IRCC)
- TCF Canada – Test de connaissance du français (Alternative French language test)
- WES – World Education Services (Credential assessment organization)
- FOSS – Field Operations Support System (Border and immigration information system)
- MyCIC – Online portal for submitting applications to IRCC
Special Programs, Statuses, Categories
- GTS – Global Talent Stream (Stream for attracting highly skilled professionals)
- IEC – International Experience Canada (Youth mobility program for working holidays)
- RCIC – Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
- SDS – Student Direct Stream (Faster study permit processing for select countries)
- TFW – Temporary Foreign Worker
- PGP – Parents and Grandparents Program (Family sponsorship program for parents and grandparents)
- ELT – Enhanced Language Training (Specialized language training for newcomers)
- CUAET Holder – Status holder under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel
- BRP – Bridging Open Work Permit (Temporary open work permit for PR applicants)
- HSPP – Home Support Worker Pilot (Caregiver pilot for home support)
- HCCPP – Home Child Care Provider Pilot (Pilot for nannies and childcare providers)
Note: This glossary reflects terminology current as of 2025. Applicants are strongly encouraged to regularly verify terms and abbreviations based on the latest official updates from IRCC, provincial governments, and regulatory bodies in Canada.
