Reference
Immigration glossary
Short definitions for terms you will see across PRLedger, IRCC pages, and Express Entry forums. These are summaries — always confirm requirements on official program pages.
20 terms · updated with current PRLedger streams
- Express Entry
- Canada's online system for managing applications for three federal skilled immigration programs. Eligible candidates enter a pool and are ranked by CRS score.
- Official source →
- CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System)
- The points system that ranks candidates in the Express Entry pool. Draws invite the highest scores — job-offer points were removed in 2025.
- Official source →
- ITA (Invitation to Apply)
- A formal invitation from IRCC to submit a permanent residence application. After an ITA you typically have 60 days to upload a complete application.
- Official source →
- CEC (Canadian Experience Class)
- An Express Entry program for people with skilled Canadian work experience — generally 1,560 hours in TEER 0–3 roles within the last three years.
- Official source →
- FSW (Federal Skilled Worker)
- An Express Entry program for skilled workers worldwide. You must pass a separate 67-point selection grid before entering the CRS-ranked pool.
- Official source →
- PNP (Provincial Nominee Program)
- Provinces and territories nominate candidates who intend to settle in that region. A nomination usually adds 600 CRS points.
- Official source →
- OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program)
- Ontario's provincial nomination system. Streams like Workforce Priority use an Expression of Interest score and Ontario-issued Notifications of Interest.
- Official source →
- NOI (Notification of Interest)
- A message from Ontario inviting you to apply for a provincial nomination. It is not the same as a federal ITA.
- Official source →
- NOC (National Occupational Classification)
- Canada's system for describing jobs. Immigration programs reference NOC codes and TEER levels to decide if work is skilled.
- Official source →
- TEER
- Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities — the skill level attached to each NOC 2021 code. TEER 0–3 is generally considered skilled for Express Entry.
- Official source →
- CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark)
- The standard IRCC uses to compare language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF, TCF). Minimum CLB levels differ by program and occupation TEER. See resources for CLB conversion tables and booking links.
- Official source →
- IELTS General Training
- An English test accepted for Express Entry when taken as General Training (not Academic). IRCC converts band scores to CLB per ability. Details: IELTS resource page.
- Official source →
- CELPIP-General
- Canadian English test aligned to CLB levels; only the General version counts for economic immigration (not CELPIP-LS). Details: CELPIP resource page.
- Official source →
- PTE Core
- Pearson's IRCC-approved English test for economic programs (distinct from PTE Academic). Scores map to CLB. Details: PTE Core resource page.
- Official source →
- Designated ECA organization
- An organization IRCC accepts to assess foreign education (e.g. WES, IQAS, ICES). You need one ECA per credential you claim. Example: WES / ECA resource page.
- Official source →
- ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)
- A report comparing foreign education to Canadian standards. Usually required if your highest credential was earned outside Canada.
- Official source →
- Proof of funds
- Bank statements or official letters showing you meet minimum settlement funds for FSW and some provincial streams. CEC applicants working in Canada are often exempt.
- Official source →
- Job seeker validation code
- A code generated when you submit an Express Entry profile. Provincial programs like OINP use it to link your federal profile to a nomination application.
- Official source →
- Draw (Express Entry round)
- When IRCC invites a set number of top-ranked candidates from the pool to apply. Cut-off CRS scores change draw to draw.
- Official source →
- AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt)
- Confirmation that IRCC received your complete permanent residence application after an ITA. Processing times are measured from this point.
- Official source →
Official sources
Figures and rules in this guide are checked against IRCC program pages. If anything conflicts, trust the government page.
Canadian PRLedger is a free tracking and calculator tool — not a law firm, not an RCIC practice, and not affiliated with IRCC. These guides summarize public program rules for planning purposes only. For case-specific advice, speak with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.