EE — Express Entry
An online platform for submitting and selecting candidates for permanent residence (PR) under three federal programs and a portion of provincial nominations (EE-PNP). Used for:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW);
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST);
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC);
- Provincial EE-PNP nominations.
Candidate ranking is determined by the CRS system.
PNP — Provincial Nominee Program
Immigration programs of Canadian provinces and territories. Provide nominations to apply for PR. Include:
- Streams through Express Entry (EE-PNP);
- Streams outside the EE system (Non-EE PNP);
- Specialized regional programs (RNIP, AIP).
PR — Permanent Resident
Status of a permanent resident of Canada. Provides the right to:
- live and work in Canada;
- access social services;
- apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
PR is not citizenship. Status can be lost due to legal violations or prolonged absence from Canada.
SUV — Start-Up Visa
A federal program for innovative entrepreneurs. Provides:
- support from a designated organization;
- creation of a business with an innovative component;
- ability to apply for PR together with family members.
NOC — National Occupational Classification
The classification of occupations by NOC codes and TEER groups:
- TEER 0 — management positions;
- TEER 1 — professionals with higher education;
- TEER 2-3 — technical and skilled trades;
- TEER 4-5 — low-skilled occupations.
The NOC determines eligibility for immigration programs.
CRS — Comprehensive Ranking System
A points-based ranking system for Express Entry. Factors considered:
- education;
- work experience;
- language proficiency (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF);
- provincial nominations;
- job offers;
- additional factors (family in Canada, Canadian education, etc.).
GCKey
A secure access system to IRCC online services. Includes:
- user account;
- security questions;
- history of applications, messages, and documents.
Biometric — Biometric Data
A mandatory procedure for most applications:
- fingerprints;
- digital photograph;
- valid for 10 years for temporary permits.
SIN — Social Insurance Number
Social Insurance Number required for:
- legal employment;
- tax filing;
- access to public services.
TRV — Temporary Resident Visa
Temporary resident visa:
- placed in the passport;
- required for nationals of countries without visa-free entry;
- allows short-term stay in Canada.
FSW — Federal Skilled Worker Program
Program for skilled foreign workers:
- at least 1 year of work experience;
- English or French at CLB 7 level;
- education credential assessment (ECA) required.
CEC — Canadian Experience Class
Program for candidates with Canadian work experience:
- minimum of 1 year work in Canada;
- required language proficiency (CLB 5–7);
- designed for temporary workers and graduates.
FST — Federal Skilled Trades Program
Program for skilled trades:
- occupation must be on the approved list;
- work experience or Canadian qualification required;
- application through Express Entry possible.
PAL — Provincial Attestation Letter
Provincial confirmation letter:
- mandatory for most students as of 2024;
- confirms that the study program is approved by the province.
PGWP — Post-Graduation Work Permit
Work permit for graduates:
- valid for up to 3 years;
- open work permit not tied to a specific employer;
- can be used to gain eligibility for CEC.
Restrictions apply from 2025 based on programs and language requirements.
LMIA — Labour Market Impact Assessment
Labour market assessment:
- required for most job offers;
- confirms absence of available Canadian workers;
- may award CRS points under specific conditions.
IMP — International Mobility Program
Work permit program without LMIA:
- available for privileged categories (IEC, youth programs, spousal permits);
- restricted for certain categories from 2024–2025.
ITA — Invitation to Apply
Official invitation to submit a PR application:
- issued through Express Entry;
- granted only to candidates with high enough CRS.
AIP — Atlantic Immigration Program
Regional program for immigration to Atlantic provinces:
- New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island;
- for skilled workers and international graduates.
RNIP — Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
Program for small towns and northern regions:
- aims to attract workers to remote communities;
- requires a job offer from a designated employer.
OWP — Open Work Permit
Open work permit:
- not tied to a specific employer;
- granted to spouses of students, PR applicants, refugees, etc.
SOWP — Spousal Open Work Permit
Open work permit for spouses:
- accompanies students or temporary foreign workers;
- allows employment in any field;
- from 2025, restrictions apply based on program duration and employment sectors.
COPR — Confirmation of Permanent Residence
Official confirmation of PR status:
- issued by IRCC;
- required to obtain a PR card;
- may be issued electronically (eCOPR).
eTA — Electronic Travel Authorization
Electronic travel authorization:
- required for citizens of visa-exempt countries;
- valid for air travel to Canada;
- enhanced controls apply from 2024.
ECA — Educational Credential Assessment
Assessment of foreign education:
- confirms equivalency to Canadian standards;
- required for FSW, FST, certain PNP programs;
- conducted by authorized organizations (WES, ICAS, IQAS, etc.).
WES — World Education Services
Popular organization for ECA:
- assesses diplomas, certificates, academic degrees;
- WES report is the standard for most immigration applications.
IRCC — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Federal department responsible for:
- processing PR, citizenship, and permit applications;
- implementing immigration policies and visa procedures.
CBSA — Canada Border Services Agency
Border services agency:
- controls border security;
- enforces deportations;
- conducts in-depth background checks on applicants.
