GLOSSARY
Immigration terms explained
Plain-language definitions of the terms you will meet on visa and residence pages. Rules differ by country, so check the official source for your case.
- Administrative review
- A check by the immigration authority (or a higher official) that a decision was made without error. It usually cannot consider new evidence. Available only for some visa types and countries.
- Apostille
- A certificate that confirms a public document's signature, seal or stamp so it is accepted in other countries that joined the Hague Apostille Convention, with no further embassy legalisation.
- Attestation
- A chain of official certifications of a document, often ending with the destination country's embassy. Typically used for countries outside the Hague Apostille system.
- Biometrics
- Fingerprints and a photo taken at a visa application centre or border, used to confirm identity and check security databases.
- Blue Card (EU)
- A residence permit for highly qualified non-EU workers in most EU countries, with a salary threshold set by each country.
- Business visitor
- A short-stay status for meetings, conferences or negotiations. It does not normally allow paid work for a local employer.
- Cascade (Schengen)
- An EU rule that lets consulates issue longer multiple-entry Schengen visas (1, 3, then 5 years) to travellers who have used earlier visas lawfully.
- Certificate of sponsorship
- A UK document issued by a licensed employer that a worker needs to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
- Citizenship by descent
- Citizenship acquired because a parent or grandparent was a citizen, subject to each country's rules.
- Citizenship by investment (CBI)
- A programme that grants citizenship in exchange for a qualifying contribution or investment. Programmes are often repriced, restricted or suspended.
- CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System)
- The points score used in Canada's Express Entry to rank candidates for invitations to apply for permanent residence.
- Dependant
- A family member (usually a spouse or partner and children) who applies with, or joins, the main applicant.
- Digital nomad visa
- A residence permit that lets a remote worker for a foreign employer or clients live in a country, usually with an income threshold.
- e-visa
- A visa applied for and issued online and linked to your passport, with no stamp or sticker in some cases.
- ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)
- An assessment that compares a foreign degree with the destination's education system, required for some skilled-migration routes such as Canada's.
- A lighter online authorisation for short visits. It is not a full visa and rules differ by country.
- Express Entry
- Canada's online system that manages applications for several skilled permanent-residence programmes.
- Golden visa
- A residence permit granted in return for an investment such as property, funds or a business. Thresholds and rules vary and change often.
- Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
- Permanent settlement status in the UK, usually after a qualifying period of residence.
- Investor visa
- A residence route for people who invest a set amount in a business, fund or property.
- Labour market test
- A requirement that an employer show no suitable local worker is available before hiring a foreigner.
- Legalisation
- The final step of authenticating a foreign document, normally by the destination country's embassy or consulate.
- Naturalisation
- The process by which a long-term resident becomes a citizen, usually after meeting residence, language and character rules.
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India)
- A lifelong status for people of Indian origin who hold a foreign passport. It is not citizenship.
- Permanent residence (PR)
- A status that lets you live and usually work in a country indefinitely, without being a citizen. It can often be lost if you leave for long periods.
- Points-based system
- A way of scoring applicants on factors such as age, education, language and work experience to decide who is eligible or invited.
- Police clearance certificate
- A document from the police or another authority confirming whether you have a criminal record. Often must be recent and legalised.
- Processing time
- How long the authority says a decision takes. Real waits can be longer, and the clock often starts only after biometrics or complete documents.
- Proof of funds
- Evidence, usually bank statements, that you can pay for your stay or settlement without public support.
- Provincial nomination
- A Canadian province's invitation for a candidate to apply for permanent residence, which adds points in Express Entry.
- Refusal
- A decision not to grant a visa or permit. It normally lists reasons and any right of appeal or review, with a deadline.
- Schengen Area
- A group of 29 European countries with no internal border checks that share one short-stay visa, up to 90 days in any 180.
- Skilled worker visa
- A work visa for jobs that meet skill and salary requirements, usually requiring a job offer from a licensed employer.
- Sponsor
- An employer, family member or institution that supports a person's visa application and takes on certain responsibilities.
- Student visa
- A permit to study at an approved institution, often with limits on working hours and conditions on attendance.
- Transit visa
- A permit to pass through a country on the way elsewhere. Some countries require one even for airside connections.
- Visa on arrival
- A visa issued at the border for a fee, sometimes with pre-registration. It is different from visa-free entry.
- Visa-free
- Entry without a visa for a limited stay and purpose. Conditions such as a return ticket or proof of funds may still apply.
- Work permit
- Authorisation to work in a country. Some are tied to one employer; others let you change jobs.
- Working holiday visa
- A temporary visa for young adults from partner countries to travel and work for a limited period.
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