The 100 most-searched Canadian-immigration terms — from Express Entry and CRS to GCMS and mandamus — in plain English, compiled by the Aval Visa team under Hadi Imani (RCIC #R522575). Use the search box to find any term instantly.
Express Entry (اکسپرس اینتری)
Express Entry is the Government of Canada's online system for managing permanent residence applications from skilled workers, covering three federal programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades) as well as a portion of the Provincial Nominee Programs. Candidates create a profile, are ranked by their CRS score, and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in periodic invitation rounds. Express Entry is not itself an immigration program — it is the selection and invitation mechanism.
CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) (امتیاز سیآراس)
The Comprehensive Ranking System is the point system that ranks Express Entry candidates out of a maximum of 1,200 points based on age, education, language ability, work experience, and additional factors. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation in a draw. Since 2025, points for a job offer have been removed from the system.
CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) (سیالبی)
The Canadian Language Benchmarks are Canada's standard scale for measuring English language ability across twelve levels. Scores from tests such as IELTS General Training, CELPIP, and PTE Core are converted to CLB levels, which serve as the basis for language points in the CRS and the minimum language requirements for immigration programs.
NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) (انسیالسی)
The NCLC is the French-language equivalent of the CLB, used to measure French proficiency; scores from TEF Canada and TCF Canada are converted to NCLC levels. Strong French has become a major advantage in recent years, because separate category-based draws are held specifically for French speakers.
ITA (Invitation to Apply) (دعوتنامه (آیتیای))
An ITA is the official invitation issued by IRCC after a candidate is selected in an Express Entry draw, allowing them to submit a complete application for permanent residence. From the moment you receive an ITA you have only 60 days to upload your documents, and the information in your application must match your profile exactly.
COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) (کوپیآر (تأییدیه اقامت دائم))
The COPR is the document confirming permanent residence, issued once an application receives final approval. It is used to complete the "landing" process — either at the border on arrival, or through IRCC's online portal for applicants already inside Canada. Its expiry date is usually tied to the validity of the medical exam or passport, and it must not be allowed to lapse.
PPR (Passport Request) (پیپیآر (درخواست پاسپورت))
A PPR is an email or letter from IRCC at the final stage of an application asking the applicant to submit their passport so the visa can be affixed. In practice, receiving a PPR signals that the application has been approved. Iranian applicants typically hand in their passports through VAC centres outside Iran.
PR (Permanent Residence / Permanent Resident) (پیآر (اقامت دائم))
Permanent residence is a Canadian immigration status that grants the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the country. To keep it, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days in every five-year period. PR is not the same as citizenship, but after a period of residence it is the pathway that leads to a Canadian passport.
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) (الامآیای)
An LMIA is an assessment a Canadian employer obtains from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to prove that hiring a foreign worker will not harm the domestic labour market. A positive LMIA is the basis for many employer-specific (closed) work permits. Note that since 2025 a job offer no longer earns CRS points, but an LMIA still matters for obtaining a work permit.
PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) (ورک پرمیت بعد از تحصیل (پیجیدبلیوپی))
The PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada, typically issued for up to three years depending on the length of the study program. It can only be obtained once in a lifetime. Its rules have been tightened several times in recent years — including a field-of-study requirement for certain college programs — so always check the current rules before choosing a study program.
SOWP (Spousal Open Work Permit) (اوپن ورک پرمیت همسر (اسپاوزال))
The SOWP is an open work permit for spouses of students and workers in Canada. Since 2025 eligibility has been restricted, and it is now mainly limited to spouses of graduate students and spouses of workers in eligible skilled occupations. Check the current rules before making family plans around it.
TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) (ویزای ویزیتوری (تیآروی))
A TRV is the temporary resident visa — the counterfoil placed inside your passport that allows you to travel to Canada, whether as a tourist, student, or worker. Iranian passport holders need a TRV for any type of entry to Canada. Holding a visa does not guarantee entry; the final decision rests with the border officer.
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) (ایتیای (مجوز الکترونیکی سفر))
The eTA is a cheap, fast electronic authorization for air travellers from visa-exempt countries. Iranian passport holders are not eligible for an eTA and must obtain a TRV instead; however, Iranians who hold a second passport from a visa-exempt country can travel with an eTA.
GCMS (Global Case Management System) (نوتهای جیسیاماس)
GCMS is IRCC's internal system where all records and officer notes about an application are stored. Through an access-to-information (ATIP) request you can obtain your "GCMS notes" and learn the real reason for a refusal or the exact status of your file. Applicants outside Canada usually submit the request through someone residing in Canada.
ADR (Additional Document Request) (ایدیآر (درخواست مدارک تکمیلی))
An ADR is a letter an officer sends while reviewing a file asking for additional documents, such as updated financial evidence or a current form. You must submit exactly the documents requested within the stated deadline; ignoring an ADR usually leads to a decision being made on an incomplete file and a refusal.
PFL (Procedural Fairness Letter) (پیافال (نامه انصاف رویهای))
A PFL is a letter sent before a final decision when an officer has serious concerns about a file — for example, doubts about the authenticity of documents or suspected withholding of information — giving the applicant a chance to respond. A weak response can lead to refusal and even a five-year ban for misrepresentation, so treat a PFL seriously and prepare the response with professional help if possible.
BIL (Biometric Instruction Letter) (نامه بیومتریک (بیآیال))
The BIL is the fingerprinting instruction letter issued after you submit an application; without it, a VAC will not collect your biometrics. You must visit an authorized centre within the deadline stated in the letter (usually 30 days) — for Iranians, that means travelling to a country that has a VAC.
VAC (Visa Application Centre) (وک / مرکز درخواست ویزا)
VACs are offices contracted by IRCC (such as VFS Global) that handle fingerprinting, passport submission, and certain administrative services. There is no VAC in Iran; Iranian applicants usually go to Istanbul, Ankara, Yerevan, Tbilisi, or Dubai.
UCI (Unique Client Identifier) (یوسیآی (شماره کلاینت))
The UCI is the unique identification number each applicant has with Canada's immigration department, created with your first application and kept the same across all subsequent files. You will see it on IRCC letters and in your online account, and you should always enter the same UCI in correspondence and forms.
NOC (National Occupational Classification) (کد شغلی ناک)
The NOC is Canada's national system for classifying occupations, assigning each job a five-digit code under the NOC 2021 version. Choosing the correct NOC code that genuinely matches your actual job duties is one of the most sensitive parts of an Express Entry or provincial nominee application, and a wrong code is a common reason for refusal.
TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) (تییر)
TEER is the tiering of occupations within the NOC system, from TEER 0 (management) to TEER 5 (no specific training required), based on the education and skills a job demands. Most skilled-worker immigration programs, including Express Entry, accept work experience in TEER categories 0 through 3.
Express Entry Profile (پروفایل اکسپرس اینتری)
The Express Entry profile is the online profile a candidate creates on the IRCC website with their age, education, language scores, and work experience, which places them in the candidate pool. A profile is valid for 12 months, and if you are not invited you can create a new one. Everything you enter must be provable with documents, because it is verified after you are invited.
Express Entry Pool (استخر اکسپرس اینتری (پول))
The pool is the collection of all candidates with active Express Entry profiles waiting for an invitation. Your rank is relative: your chance of being invited depends on the scores of everyone else in the pool, not just your own. The composition of the pool and the cut-off scores of draws change constantly.
Draw / Round of Invitations (راند دعوت (دراو))
Draws are the rounds in which IRCC invites candidates from the Express Entry pool; each round has a set number of invitations and a minimum score (cut-off). Rounds can be general, category-based, or program-specific (for example CEC-only or PNP-only), and they usually take place every few weeks.
Category-Based Selection (انتخاب دستهمحور)
Since 2023, in addition to general rounds, IRCC has held special draws for priority categories such as French-language proficiency, healthcare occupations, education, STEM, and skilled trades. The cut-off in these rounds is usually lower than in general draws, and the list of categories is reviewed each year.
PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) (برنامه استانی (پیانپی))
PNPs are the immigration programs of Canada's provinces for attracting the workers they need, each with its own criteria and streams. A provincial nomination aligned with Express Entry (an "enhanced" nomination) adds 600 points to your CRS score; there is also a direct "base" pathway outside Express Entry. Provincial quotas are set each year by the federal government.
Provincial Nomination (نامزدی استانی (نامینیشن))
A provincial nomination is the certificate a province gives a candidate confirming it has put them forward for permanent residence. In the Express Entry-aligned pathway, a nomination brings 600 CRS points and effectively guarantees an invitation. A nomination usually comes with a commitment to live and work in that province.
FSW (Federal Skilled Worker) (نیروی متخصص فدرال (افاسدبلیو))
FSW is the federal program for skilled professionals whose work experience is outside Canada, and it is the most common Express Entry route for Iranians. To qualify you must score at least 67 out of 100 on the eligibility grid (age, education, language, experience); final selection is based on your CRS score in the draws, and proof of funds is also required.
CEC (Canadian Experience Class) (تجربه کانادایی (سیایسی))
CEC is the Express Entry program for people with at least one year of skilled work experience (TEER 0-3) inside Canada — the usual route for international students after their PGWP. Its advantages are the exemption from proof of funds and the dedicated draws held for this group.
FST (Federal Skilled Trades) (مشاغل فنی فدرال (افاستی))
FST is the Express Entry program for people skilled in trades such as welding, electrical work, plumbing, and cooking. Applicants need at least two years of experience in the trade plus either a valid Canadian job offer or a certificate of qualification from a province. Its minimum language requirement is lower than FSW's.
Proof of Funds (تمکن مالی)
Proof of funds is documentation showing you have enough accessible money for initial settlement costs, scaled to your family size. It is mandatory for the FSW and FST programs, but CEC applicants and those with a valid work permit and job offer are exempt. IRCC updates the minimum amounts every year, so always check the current figures on the official website.
Biometrics (بیومتریک (انگشتنگاری))
Biometrics means the collection of fingerprints and a facial photo, done at VAC centres. For temporary residence applications, biometrics remain valid for 10 years and do not need to be repeated; for permanent residence they usually must be given again. Since there is no VAC in Iran, this step requires travel to a third country.
Immigration Medical Exam (IME) (معاینه پزشکی مهاجرتی)
The IME is a medical exam that can only be performed by IRCC-approved doctors (panel physicians), whose results go directly to the immigration department. It is mandatory for permanent residence and required for some temporary applications as well. The results are usually valid for 12 months, so the timing must be coordinated with the rest of your file.
Police Certificate / Police Clearance (گواهی عدم سوءپیشینه)
A police certificate is required from every country where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18, and it is mandatory for a permanent residence application. The Iranian certificate can be obtained through the police's online services portal, submitted in English or as a certified translation. The issue dates and validity of the certificates must line up with the requirements of your file.
Family Sponsorship (اسپانسرشیپ خانوادگی)
Family sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor family members — a spouse, dependent children, parents, and grandparents — for permanent residence. Spousal sponsorship is the most common type and can be done through either the inland or outland route. The parents and grandparents program has limited capacity with lottery-based selection, and the Super Visa is the common alternative.
Super Visa (سوپر ویزا)
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing long stays of up to five years per entry. Its main requirements are valid medical insurance and proof that the child in Canada meets a minimum income threshold. For families not selected in the parents' sponsorship lottery, it is the main alternative pathway.
Study Permit (اجازه تحصیل (استادی پرمیت))
A study permit authorizes study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, and a TRV is usually issued alongside it. To obtain one you need a letter of acceptance, proof of funds, and — for most applicants — a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Since 2024, Canada has imposed an annual cap on international student admissions and conditions have become stricter.
Work Permit (اجازه کار (ورک پرمیت))
A work permit is the legal authorization to work in Canada and comes in two main types: closed (tied to a specific employer, usually based on an LMIA) and open (work for any employer, such as the PGWP and spousal open work permits). The type of permit determines where and for whom you can work and what points it can build toward permanent residence.
Co-op Work Permit (مجوز کار کوآپ)
A co-op work permit is a separate work permit for students whose program includes a mandatory internship or co-op component. It is issued alongside the study permit and is valid only for that study-related work placement, not for regular jobs outside the program.
Visitor Record (ویزیتور رکورد)
A visitor record is a document issued from inside Canada to extend or regularize visitor status, setting a new date until which your stay is legal. It is not a visa: if you leave Canada, you need a separate valid visa to return. The extension request must be submitted before your current status expires.
Restoration of Status (اعاده وضعیت)
If your temporary status in Canada (student, worker, or visitor) expires, you have up to 90 days to apply from inside Canada to restore it. During that period you may not work or study until the new status is approved. After 90 days the option disappears and you generally have to leave Canada.
Dual Intent (قصد دوگانه (دوئال اینتنت))
Dual intent is a recognized principle in Canadian immigration law: a person can apply for temporary status (to study, work, or visit) while also intending to become a permanent resident. Having a permanent residence application in progress is not by itself grounds for refusing a temporary visa — provided the officer is satisfied you would leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay if required.
Misrepresentation (کتمان حقایق (میسریپرزنتیشن))
Misrepresentation means providing false information or withholding material information in any part of an immigration application; even an innocent mistake or a consultant's error can fall under it. The consequences are severe: a five-year ban from entering Canada and from applying. Failing to declare previous refusals (from any country) is one of the most common examples in Iranian applicants' files.
Refusal (ریجکتی (ریفیوزال))
A refusal is the rejection of an application by an officer; the refusal letter states only general reasons, so applicants usually obtain GCMS notes to learn the real cause. A refusal is not the end of the road: depending on the case, you can fix the deficiencies and reapply, or challenge the decision in Federal Court through judicial review. Past refusals must always be declared in future applications.
Judicial Review (بازبینی قضایی (جودیشال ریویو))
Judicial review is a challenge to an immigration decision in the Federal Court of Canada, which begins with the court granting leave. The court does not redecide the case; it examines whether the officer's decision was reasonable and fair, and if you win, the file goes back to a different officer for redetermination. The deadlines are short, and this is work for a Canadian lawyer, not an immigration consultant.
Mandamus (Writ of Mandamus) (ماندیمس)
Mandamus is a Federal Court action to compel IRCC to make a decision on files that have been left in limbo for an unreasonably long time; it is a common tool for cases stuck in lengthy security screening, including many Iranian files. The outcome of mandamus is a decision — not necessarily an approval. Follow-ups and a formal demand letter are usually made before filing the action.
RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) (مشاور رسمی مهاجرت (آرسیآیسی))
An RCIC is an immigration consultant licensed by the regulatory body CICC who can legally provide immigration advice for a fee and act as your official representative before IRCC. Every RCIC has a licence number that can be verified on the CICC website; working with unlicensed individuals poses a serious risk to your case.
CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) (سیآیسیسی (کالج مشاوران مهاجرت))
The CICC is the official regulatory body for Canadian immigration and citizenship consultants: it licenses RCICs, oversees their work, and handles complaints. Before paying any consultant, check their name and licence number in the public register on the CICC website.
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) (اداره مهاجرت کانادا (آیآرسیسی))
IRCC is the federal department responsible for temporary visas, permanent residence, refugee protection, and Canadian citizenship — the body formerly known as CIC. Nearly all immigration applications are submitted to IRCC, and its website is the official source for rules, forms, and processing times.
CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) (مرزبانی کانادا (سیبیاسای))
The CBSA is Canada's border services agency, whose officers at airports and land borders make the final decision on whether each traveller may enter. The CBSA is separate from IRCC; it handles border inspections, enforces removal orders, and conducts parts of case investigations. Holding a visa is no guarantee of entry — the CBSA officer has the final word.
POE (Port of Entry) (مرز ورودی (پورت آو انتری))
A port of entry is the first point where you enter Canadian territory — an airport or a land border crossing — where a CBSA officer examines your documents and decides whether to admit you. Many important steps happen right there, including landing as a permanent resident with your COPR and the physical issuance of work or study permits. Your answers to the officer at the POE become part of your official record.
Start-up Visa (SUV) (استارتاپ ویزا)
A federal permanent residence program for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea who have obtained a Letter of Support from a designated organization — a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Applicants need at least CLB 5 in language ability and settlement funds, and they can apply for a work permit while waiting for permanent residence. The program's intake caps and processing times have changed considerably in recent years, so always check the current rules before applying.
C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit (اجازه کار کارآفرینی C11)
An LMIA-exempt work permit category under the International Mobility Program (IMP) for entrepreneurs and self-employed people whose business will create a "significant benefit" — economic, social, or cultural — for Canada. Applicants generally must show majority ownership of the business, a realistic business plan, and the financial capacity to carry it out. A C11 permit does not grant permanent residence by itself, but it can serve as a bridge to provincial or federal immigration programs.
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) (انتقال درونشرکتی)
An LMIA-exempt pathway for transferring executives, senior managers, or specialized-knowledge employees from a foreign company to its Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. The company must have a genuine corporate relationship and active business operations in both countries, and the applicant typically needs at least one year of full-time work at the sending company. Since 2024 the rules have been interpreted more strictly, and the company must be a genuine multinational enterprise.
Owner-Operator (مالک-مدیر)
A term for someone who owns a business in Canada and runs it themselves. The special "Owner-Operator LMIA" stream, which let these individuals get a work permit without advertising the job, was eliminated in April 2021. Today owner-operators usually apply through the LMIA-exempt C11 route or through a regular LMIA while meeting all of its requirements.
LMIA-Exempt (معافیت از LMIA)
Refers to work permits that do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and are issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP). Examples include intra-company transfers (ICT), C11 entrepreneur permits, permits under trade agreements such as CUSMA, and spousal work permits. In these cases, instead of getting an LMIA, the employer submits the job offer through the Employer Portal and pays a compliance fee.
International Mobility Program (IMP) (برنامه تحرک بینالمللی)
An umbrella for LMIA-exempt work permits whose purpose is Canada's broader economic and cultural interests rather than simply filling labour shortages. ICT, C11, International Experience Canada (IEC), the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and spousal work permits are all issued under this program. The IMP stands in contrast to the TFWP, which always requires an LMIA.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) (برنامه کارگران خارجی موقت)
A program that lets Canadian employers hire foreign workers when no domestic workers are available, and it always requires a positive LMIA. It has separate streams for high-wage and low-wage positions and is overseen by ESDC. In recent years, quotas and conditions for the low-wage stream have been tightened significantly.
Open Work Permit (اجازه کار آزاد)
A work permit that is not tied to a specific employer, allowing the holder to work for almost any employer in Canada. Common examples include the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), and spousal work permits. Note that since 2025, eligibility for open work permits for the spouses of students and workers has been significantly restricted.
Closed (Employer-Specific) Work Permit (اجازه کار بسته)
A work permit that is valid only for the specific employer, job, and usually work location printed on it. Changing employers requires a new work permit, although workers facing employer abuse can apply for a special open work permit for vulnerable workers. Most LMIA-based work permits are of this type.
Maintained Status (وضعیت حفظشده)
If you apply to extend your temporary status (study, work, or visitor) before it expires, you can keep studying or working under the same conditions until a decision is made. This status is only valid while you remain inside Canada — it is lost if you leave. It was formerly known as "implied status."
Implied Status (وضعیت ضمنی)
The old name for what the immigration department now calls "maintained status." It means that someone who applied for an extension before their documents expired implicitly keeps legal status until a decision is issued. IRCC no longer uses this term in current texts and forms, but it still appears frequently in older articles.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) (اجازه کار پل ارتباطی)
An open work permit for permanent residence applicants (for example, through Express Entry or provincial programs) whose application has passed the completeness check and whose current work permit is close to expiring. The BOWP lets the person keep working without interruption until their permanent residence application is finalized. It can only be applied for from inside Canada.
Inland Spousal Sponsorship (اسپانسرشیپ همسر از داخل کانادا)
The sponsorship route for couples who both live inside Canada; the sponsored spouse can usually apply for an open work permit at the same time. Long absences from Canada during processing are risky, because this route is based on presence in Canada. If refused, there is no right of appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) — the only recourse is judicial review at the Federal Court.
Outland Spousal Sponsorship (اسپانسرشیپ همسر از خارج کانادا)
The family class sponsorship route where the application is processed through the visa office responsible for the applicant's country of residence — for Iranians, usually the Ankara office or other regional offices. The applicant can travel freely during processing, and if refused there is a right of appeal to the IAD. Choosing the outland route is allowed even if the spouse is already inside Canada.
Dependent Child (فرزند وابسته)
A child under 22 who has no spouse or common-law partner can be included as an accompanying dependant on a parent's permanent residence application. Children 22 or older count as dependants only if they have depended on their parents' financial support since before turning 22 because of a physical or mental condition. Being a student alone does not make a child over 22 a dependant.
Lock-in Age (سن قفلشده)
A dependent child's age is "locked in" on the date the complete application is received by IRCC. This means that if the child is under 22 when the application is submitted, turning 22 during processing does not remove them from the file. That is why the timing of submission is critical for families with a child approaching their 22nd birthday.
Designated Learning Institution (DLI) (مؤسسه آموزشی تعیینشده)
A university or college approved by its province to host international students, identified by a DLI number starting with the letter O. A study permit is only issued with a letter of acceptance from a DLI. Note that studying at a DLI does not automatically lead to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — check the eligibility of the institution and the program separately.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (تأییدیه استانی)
A letter from a province or territory confirming that the applicant has a place within its international student intake quota; this requirement was introduced in 2024 along with the cap on study permits. Since 2025 most master's and doctoral students are also covered, though groups such as primary and secondary school pupils and students extending at the same institution are exempt. In Quebec the equivalent is issued as a PAL/TAL and is linked to the CAQ.
Student Direct Stream (SDS) (استریم مستقیم دانشجویی)
A fast-track study permit processing stream for applicants from a set list of countries, which was fully closed in November 2024; Iran was never among the eligible countries. All applicants, including citizens of those countries, must now apply through the regular study permit process. Having a GIC and paying the first year's tuition is still recommended as strong financial evidence.
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) (گواهی سپرده تضمینی)
A deposit with a Canadian bank that a student opens before arriving to prove they can cover their living costs; the money is released in monthly instalments after arrival. The minimum amount required as proof of student living funds is updated by IRCC from time to time, so always check the current figure on the official website. For Iranians, transferring the funds usually goes through authorized currency exchanges because of sanctions.
Custodianship (سرپرستی (کاستودین))
When a minor student comes to Canada without their parents, an adult resident of Canada must be appointed as their custodian. This is done with the Custodianship Declaration form (IMM 5646), copies of which must be notarized and signed both by the parents in the home country and by the custodian in Canada. The custodian is responsible for the child's care and emergency decisions while in Canada.
Minor Study (تحصیل افراد زیر سن قانونی)
Refers to schooling for children and teenagers under the province's age of majority (18 or 19 depending on the province). A child applying from outside Canada needs a study permit and, if unaccompanied by a parent, a custodian; however, children who already have legal status in Canada themselves, or whose parents do, usually do not need a separate study permit for primary and secondary school. The details vary depending on the parents' status.
Express Entry Tie-Break Rule (قانون شکست تساوی اکسپرس انتری)
When several candidates have exactly the round's minimum (cut-off) score, IRCC decides based on the date and time each Express Entry profile was submitted — the earlier profile gets invited. This means an older profile is a real advantage in a tie. Each round's tie-break date and time is published in that round's official results.
CRS Cut-off (حداقل امتیاز دعوت)
The lowest CRS score that received an invitation to apply (ITA) in a given Express Entry draw. This number differs from round to round and depends on the type of draw; category-based rounds (for example French language or healthcare occupations) usually have lower cut-offs than general rounds. When making decisions, follow the trend over the past several months rather than a single round.
French-Language Proficiency Category (دسته زبان فرانسه)
One of the category-based selection categories in Express Entry, in place since 2023, targeting candidates proficient in French — usually NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills. These rounds usually have the lowest cut-offs of any draw type, which is why learning French has become a serious strategy for many Iranians. The accepted language tests are TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
Healthcare and Social Services Category (دسته مشاغل درمانی و خدمات اجتماعی)
A category-based Express Entry draw category targeting candidates with work experience in healthcare occupations such as nursing, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and caregiving. To qualify, you usually need at least six months of continuous work experience in one of the listed NOC codes within the past three years. IRCC publishes the exact list of eligible occupations for each period.
STEM Occupations Category (دسته مشاغل STEM)
A category-based Express Entry selection category for workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, such as software developers, data scientists, and engineers. This category has been on IRCC's active list in some years and dropped in others, so check whether it is active in IRCC's annual category announcement. Relevant work experience in the specified NOC codes is the main requirement.
Trade Occupations Category (دسته مشاغل فنی و حرفهای)
A category of Express Entry draws for skilled trades such as electrical work, carpentry, welding, plumbing, and repair technicians, where Canada faces serious labour shortages. Minimum work experience in the announced occupation codes is the entry requirement, and these rounds usually have lower cut-offs than general draws. Formal trade credentials, and in some provinces a certificate of qualification, carry significant weight.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Category (دسته کشاورزی و صنایع غذایی)
A category-based Express Entry selection category for occupations such as butchers, farm workers, and agricultural production supervisors. It was active in the early years of category-based selection but has not appeared on the list every year, so check its current status in IRCC's annual category announcement. The number of invitations in this category has usually been smaller than in the others.
Education Occupations Category (دسته مشاغل آموزشی)
The newest category-based Express Entry selection category, added in 2025, targeting teachers, early childhood educators, and teaching assistants. Like the other categories, work experience in the announced NOC codes is the main requirement. Its addition shows that the category list is revised each year based on the needs of Canada's labour market.
Skill Transferability Points (امتیازهای قابلیت انتقال مهارت)
A section of the CRS score (up to 100 points) earned from combinations of factors: education paired with strong language or Canadian work experience, and foreign work experience paired with strong language or Canadian work experience. Reaching CLB 9 in all four language skills is the golden threshold, because it unlocks a large share of these points. That is why half a band on IELTS can sometimes shift your CRS score by dozens of points.
FSW Selection Grid (67 Points) vs CRS (جدول گزینش 67 امتیازی FSW)
The Federal Skilled Worker program has its own separate 100-point grid, on which you must score at least 67 points just to be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool; its criteria are age, education, language, work experience, arranged employment, and adaptability. This grid is different from the CRS: the 67-point grid only determines eligibility, while the CRS determines your rank in the pool for receiving an invitation. Many people confuse the two.
Settlement Funds (Proof of Funds) (تمکن مالی اسکان)
The amount that Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applicants must show to prove they can cover their family's initial living costs in Canada. The amount is set by family size and updated every year by IRCC, so always check the latest table. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants and those with a valid job offer and work permit are exempt from this requirement.
PR Card Renewal (تمدید کارت اقامت دائم)
A PR card is usually valid for five years, and you must apply for renewal from inside Canada; at renewal, compliance with the residency obligation (730 days in five years) is checked. An expired card does not mean you have lost permanent residence, but without a valid card you cannot return to Canada by plane or other commercial carrier. A permanent resident outside Canada without a valid card must obtain a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).
Residency Obligation (تعهد اقامت)
Every Canadian permanent resident must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (two years) in each five-year period. Some days outside Canada also count, such as accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or parent, or working full-time abroad for a Canadian company. Failing this obligation can lead to loss of permanent residence, although there is a right of appeal on humanitarian grounds.
Citizenship Test (آزمون شهروندی)
A 20-question test about Canada's history, values, institutions, and symbols that citizenship applicants aged 18 to 54 must pass with at least 15 correct answers. The official study source is the "Discover Canada" guide, and the test is usually taken online. The same age group must also prove English or French ability at CLB level 4.
Physical Presence (حضور فیزیکی)
The core requirement for Canadian citizenship: at least 1,095 days (three years) of physical presence in Canada during the five years before the application date. Days spent in Canada with valid temporary status before becoming a permanent resident (as a student, worker, or protected person) count as half-days, up to a maximum of 365 days. Do the exact calculation with IRCC's official physical presence calculator.
Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Application (درخواست بشردوستانه)
An application for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds for people who do not qualify under regular immigration programs, such as those without legal status in Canada. The officer weighs factors like the person's establishment in Canada, the best interests of any children involved, and the hardship of returning to their home country. This route is entirely discretionary, has a limited success rate, and must be presented with very strong documentation.
Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) (ارزیابی خطر پیش از اخراج)
An opportunity for people facing removal from Canada to show that returning to their country would expose them to persecution, torture, or a risk to their life. If the PRRA is accepted, the person usually receives protected person status and can apply for permanent residence. Refused refugee claimants are generally barred from applying for a PRRA for twelve months after their negative decision.
Inadmissibility (Medical / Criminal / Security) (ممنوعالورودی)
A status that bars a person from getting a Canadian visa or residence, with three main types: medical (a condition dangerous to public health, or expected to place excessive demand on the health system), criminal (a record of convictions, even offences like impaired driving), and security (links to espionage, subversion, or certain organizations). Depending on the type, remedies exist such as a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), criminal rehabilitation, or a documented legal response. If you receive a letter about inadmissibility, get professional advice before responding.
Security Screening (بررسی امنیتی)
Background checks on applicants conducted by agencies such as CSIS and CBSA — a normal part of visa and residence processing, but with no fixed timeline and no way to track it directly. For many Iranian applicants, especially those with sensitive academic or work backgrounds such as certain engineering fields or service in government bodies, this stage is the main reason files take so long. In cases of very long delays, tools such as a mandamus application in Federal Court come into play.
Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) (نامه انصاف رویهای)
A letter an officer sends before making a serious negative decision — such as a misrepresentation allegation or an inadmissibility finding — to give you a chance to respond. The response deadline is short, and the quality of your response can make the difference between a simple refusal and a five-year ban. Take a PFL seriously and prepare the response with the help of an authorized representative and documented evidence.
Reconsideration Request (درخواست بازبینی)
An informal request to the same office that made a negative decision, asking it to review that decision — usually citing an officer's error or evidence in the file that was overlooked. Granting it is entirely discretionary, and there is no official form or deadline, so it is not a reliable substitute for judicial review at the Federal Court. If the judicial review deadline is running out, do not let it pass while hoping for reconsideration.
GCMS Notes (formerly CAIPS) (نوتهای GCMS)
GCMS is IRCC's integrated case management system, which replaced the older CAIPS system years ago; the "notes" are the officer's internal notes about your file. These notes can be obtained through an access to information (ATIP) request and are the most accurate source for understanding the real reason for a refusal or the current state of your file. The request must be filed by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or through a representative in Canada.
Authorized Representative (نماینده مجاز)
Only three groups may represent clients in Canadian immigration matters for a fee: regulated immigration consultants (RCICs) who are members of the CICC, lawyers who belong to a provincial law society, and Quebec notaries. Every representative — even an unpaid one — must be declared to IRCC using form IMM 5476. Before signing a contract, verify the consultant's membership number on the official CICC website.
IMM 5476 (Use of a Representative) (فرم IMM 5476)
IRCC's official form for appointing or cancelling a representative on an immigration file; by signing it, you authorize the representative to correspond with the immigration department on your behalf and receive information about your file. If someone is taking money for your case but refuses to sign this form, that is a serious red flag and a sign of a "ghost consultant." Cancelling a representative is done with the same form.
Ghost Consultant (مشاور سایه)
An unlicensed person who prepares immigration files for money but does not disclose their identity on the forms, making it look as though the applicant applied on their own. Working with a ghost consultant is illegal, and if there is an error or a lie in the file, the consequences — including a misrepresentation finding and a five-year ban — fall directly on the applicant. Always verify a consultant's membership number on the CICC website and their official declaration via form IMM 5476.
Retainer Agreement (قرارداد خدمات (ریتینر))
A written contract between you and an immigration consultant or lawyer that spells out the exact scope of services, fees, payment terms, and refund policy. The CICC's code of professional conduct requires regulated consultants to have this agreement, and its absence is a sign of unprofessionalism. Before signing, read every clause carefully — especially the termination and refund terms — and keep the signed copy.
Escrow / Trust Account (حساب امانی)
An account held by a neutral third party where money is kept until agreed conditions are met and only then released; it is used in investment and Start-up Visa cases to protect the applicant's capital. Regulated immigration consultants are likewise required to keep funds received for work not yet performed in a separate trust account, not their personal account. Paying large sums directly into someone's personal account carries high risk.
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