Canada Study Permit and Admission Glossary

How to use this glossary

Canadian study and immigration documents use a lot of acronyms, and the same letters can feel confusing the first time you meet them. This glossary gives a short, neutral definition of each common term so you can read official pages with confidence.

These are general explanations to help you understand the vocabulary — they are not immigration or legal advice. Definitions and rules can change, so always confirm the current meaning and requirements on the official Government of Canada source or the body that issues the document.

Admission and credential terms

These terms come up while you are applying to study, before any immigration paperwork.

• DLI — Designated Learning Institution: a school approved by a province or territory to enrol international students
• OUAC — Ontario Universities' Application Centre: the centralised portal many applicants use to apply to Ontario universities
• WES — World Education Services: one organisation that evaluates foreign credentials; institutions specify which evaluators they accept
• ECA — Educational Credential Assessment: an assessment that verifies a foreign degree is equal to a Canadian one, used for some immigration programs
• Letter of Acceptance — the official admission letter from a DLI, usually required for a study permit

Study-permit and funding terms

These appear when you apply to IRCC for permission to study and prove you can support yourself.

• Study permit — the document most international students need to study in Canada, issued by IRCC
• PAL — Provincial Attestation Letter: a letter from a province or territory that may be required to support a study-permit application
• GIC — Guaranteed Investment Certificate: a way some applicants show proof of funds for living costs; whether it applies depends on the current rules
• CAQ — Certificat d'acceptation du Québec: Quebec's own acceptance certificate, required in addition to a federal study permit for study in Quebec
• Proof of funds — evidence you can pay tuition and living costs; the accepted forms and amounts are set by IRCC and change

Work and immigration terms

These relate to working during or after study and to permanent-residence pathways. Eligibility is set by IRCC and the provinces, and it changes.

• PGWP — Post-Graduation Work Permit: a work permit some eligible graduates of eligible programs can apply for after finishing studies
• Express Entry — an online system IRCC uses to manage applications for several economic immigration programs
• CEC — Canadian Experience Class: one Express Entry program for people with qualifying Canadian work experience
• PNP — Provincial Nominee Program: programs through which a province or territory can nominate candidates for permanent residence
• CRS — Comprehensive Ranking System: the points system used to rank Express Entry candidates

A note on accuracy

Acronyms are easy to misuse, and the rules behind them are updated regularly. Use this list to understand what you are reading, then confirm the specifics — who needs what, how much, and by when — on the official source.

This is general information, not immigration advice. For any study-permit, PAL, GIC, PGWP, Express Entry, PNP, or CEC question, verify the current rules on the official Government of Canada source before you rely on them.