Your complete guide to immigration terminology from A to Z
📚 38 Terms Defined • Updated for 2025
The process of applying for lawful permanent resident status (green card) while in the United States, rather than applying from abroad.
A certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in a foreign country. Required for many immigration applications.
Example:
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and educational diplomas often need apostille certification.
Physical characteristics used for identification, typically fingerprints, photograph, and signature. Most countries require biometric data collection for visa applications.
A temporary visa that allows you to stay in a country lawfully while waiting for a decision on a substantive visa application.
Canada's points-based system used to rank Express Entry candidates. Scores range from 0-1,200 based on age, education, work experience, and language skills.
Example:
A 30-year-old with a master's degree, 3 years of skilled work, and CLB 9 in English might score around 470 CRS points.
Canada's language proficiency standard. CLB levels range from 1-12, with CLB 7-9 typically required for immigration programs.
Full membership in a country, providing the right to live, work, vote, and hold a passport from that country. Usually obtained after several years of permanent residence.
A family member (spouse, common-law partner, or child) who can be included in a primary applicant's immigration application.
A school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Required for study permits in Canada.
A report verifying that foreign education credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards. Required for most Canadian immigration programs.
Example:
A bachelor's degree from India must be assessed by WES, IQAS, or another designated organization.
Canada's online system for managing applications for permanent residence under three economic immigration programs. Uses CRS scoring.
A preliminary application indicating your interest in immigrating. Used by Australia, New Zealand, and some provinces in Canada.
A Canadian immigration program for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate permanently to Canada.
US permanent resident card allowing foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States.
US temporary work visa for specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher.
Standardized English language test accepted by most immigration programs. Scores range from 0-9 for each of four skills.
An invitation issued to Express Entry candidates who meet the CRS cutoff score, allowing them to apply for permanent residence.
UK permanent residence status allowing indefinite stay without time restrictions.
Document from Employment Canada showing that hiring a foreign worker will have a positive or neutral effect on the Canadian labor market.
Initial negative decision that isn't final. Applicant has opportunity to provide additional information before final refusal.
Health assessment by an approved panel physician required for most immigration applications to ensure applicants don't pose public health risks.
The legal process of becoming a citizen of a country after meeting residency, language, and other requirements.
Canada's system for categorizing occupations. Immigration programs specify eligible NOC codes (now called TEER system as of 2022).
Immigration application submitted from outside the destination country, typically from the applicant's home country.
Immigration application submitted from within the destination country while on a temporary visa.
Immigration status allowing indefinite stay in a country with most rights of citizenship except voting and holding certain government positions.
Immigration selection system that awards points for factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability.
Canadian immigration programs allowing provinces to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on local labor needs.
Computer-based English language test accepted as alternative to IELTS by many immigration programs.
Person who has fled their home country due to persecution, war, or violence and cannot return safely.
Notice from immigration authority requesting additional documentation to support an application.
Money required to support yourself and family members after arriving in a new country. Amounts vary by country and family size.
Example:
Canada requires CAD $13,310 for a single applicant in 2025.
Australia's online system for managing skilled migration applications using points-based ranking.
Person or organization that supports an immigration application, often for work or family-based visas.
Canada's occupation classification system (replaced NOC in 2022). Categories range from TEER 0-5.
Permission to enter, stay, or work in a foreign country for a specific purpose and duration.
Nationals of certain countries who can enter without a visa, usually for short visits.
Example:
US citizens can visit Canada for up to 6 months without a visa.
Document allowing foreign national to work legally in a country for a specific employer or in a specific occupation.
Can't find what you're looking for? Our AI Immigration Advisor can explain any immigration term in plain English and provide context specific to your situation.