Definition List

Express Entry: Canada’s immigration system for selecting skilled workers for permanent residence based on a points-based system. It includes FSWP, FSTP, and CEC programs.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): A program for skilled workers with foreign work experience. Requires at least one year of continuous, full-time skilled work experience in the last 10 years.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): A program for individuals qualified in skilled trades. Requires at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade and either a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): A program for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.

Skilled Work: Jobs in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC system. Includes managerial (TEER 0), professional (TEER 1), and technical jobs (TEER 2, 3) requiring formal education or training (e.g., engineers, accountants).

Skilled Trades: Specialized technical jobs, typically classified under TEER 2 and 3 in the NOC system, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): A program allowing provinces and territories to nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): A points-based system used to rank Express Entry candidates. Points are awarded for factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.

Certificate of Qualification: A document issued by a Canadian authority certifying that an individual is qualified to work in a specific skilled trade. Typically required for trades like electricians, plumbers, and welders.

Invitation to Apply (ITA): An official invitation issued to top-ranking Express Entry candidates, allowing them to apply for permanent residence.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): A document showing that a foreign worker is needed for a job in Canada because no Canadian worker is available.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): An evaluation of foreign education to determine its equivalency to Canadian education standards.

Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB): A standard used to assess and score English or French language proficiency.

Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER): A classification system used to categorize jobs by skill level and educational requirements. Express Entry accepts work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3.

Closed Work Permit: A permit tying the worker to a specific employer in Canada. Experience gained under this permit can count toward Express Entry if it meets skilled work requirements.

Open Work Permit: A permit allowing the holder to work for any employer in Canada. Experience gained under this permit can count toward Express Entry if eligible.

Expression of Interest (EOI): A preliminary application form expressing interest in immigrating to a specific province. Provinces use EOIs to assess candidate eligibility.

Notification of Interest (NOI): A message sent to Express Entry candidates by a province interested in nominating them for permanent residency.

Proof of Funds: Documentation showing sufficient financial resources to support oneself and family upon settling in Canada.

National Occupational Classification (NOC): The system for classifying jobs in Canada, used to determine eligibility for various immigration programs.

International Graduate Streams: PNP streams aimed at retaining international students who have graduated from Canadian institutions.

Entrepreneur and Business Streams: PNP streams targeting business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors wishing to start or buy a business in Canada.

Permanent Residence Portal: The online platform for submitting applications under non-Express Entry PNP streams to IRCC.

Nomination Certificate: A formal document issued by a province or territory confirming the nomination of a candidate for permanent residency.