Immigration Points Glossary

A reference guide to the key terms used in the Canadian Express Entry and Australian skilled migration systems. Understanding these terms will help you navigate the points-based immigration process. Terms are listed in alphabetical order.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The Canadian Experience Class is one of three federal immigration programs managed through Express Entry. It is designed for individuals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada on a temporary work permit. Applicants must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years and meet language requirements. CEC applicants do not need to meet educational credential requirements.
CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark): The Canadian Language Benchmark is the standard used to measure language proficiency in English for Canadian immigration purposes. CLB levels range from 1 to 12, with higher levels indicating greater proficiency. For Express Entry, language test scores from IELTS or CELPIP are converted to CLB equivalents. A CLB of 7 or higher in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) is typically required for the Federal Skilled Worker program.
CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System): The Comprehensive Ranking System is the points-based scoring framework used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to rank Express Entry candidates. Scores are based on core human capital factors (age, education, language, work experience), spouse factors, skill transferability, and additional factors such as provincial nominations or Canadian education. The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points, and candidates are ranked against each other in regular draws.
EOI (Expression of Interest): An Expression of Interest is a profile submission indicating that you are interested in immigrating to a particular country. In Australia, the EOI is submitted through SkillSelect and includes your personal details, qualifications, work experience, and language scores. In Canada, a similar concept applies through the Express Entry profile. Submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation to apply but places you in a pool of candidates ranked by points.
Express Entry: Express Entry is Canada's online immigration management system for three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades. Candidates create an online profile and are scored using the CRS. The highest-ranking candidates are periodically invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws. Express Entry is designed to process most applications within six months.
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): The Federal Skilled Worker program is one of the three immigration programs managed under Canada's Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Applicants must meet minimum requirements for skilled work experience, language ability, and education. They must also score at least 67 points on the FSW selection grid before entering the Express Entry pool.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): IELTS is a globally recognized English language proficiency test used for both Canadian and Australian immigration applications. The test measures listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities on a band score from 0 to 9. For Canadian immigration, IELTS General Training scores are converted to CLB levels. For Australian immigration, higher IELTS scores translate to more points on the points test, with a score of 8 or above in each band awarding the maximum language points.
ITA (Invitation to Apply): An Invitation to Apply is issued to Express Entry candidates whose CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off in a draw. Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence with all supporting documents. In Australia, the equivalent is an Invitation to Lodge, issued through SkillSelect to candidates who meet the points threshold for their nominated visa subclass.
MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority): MARA is the body that regulates migration agents in Australia. Only MARA-registered agents are legally permitted to provide immigration assistance for a fee in connection with Australian visa applications. Using a registered agent provides consumer protection, as MARA enforces a code of conduct and handles complaints. You can verify an agent's registration status on the MARA website before engaging their services.
Points Test (Australia): The Australian points test is used to assess and rank applicants for skilled migration visas. Points are awarded for factors including age, English language ability, skilled employment experience (both in and outside Australia), educational qualifications, Australian study requirements, and other criteria such as partner skills or regional study. A minimum of 65 points is required to submit an Expression of Interest, though competitive occupations often require higher scores.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): The Provincial Nominee Program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on local labor market needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply in the next Express Entry draw. Each province has its own streams and criteria, and some operate Enhanced Nomination streams that are linked directly to Express Entry.
Skills Assessment: A skills assessment is a mandatory evaluation of your qualifications and work experience for Australian skilled migration visas. The assessment is conducted by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. It verifies that your skills meet Australian standards and that your qualifications are genuine and relevant. Without a positive skills assessment, you cannot submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): The Subclass 189 visa is Australia's points-tested skilled migration visa for workers who are not sponsored by an employer, nominated by a state, or sponsored by a family member. Applicants must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, obtain a positive skills assessment, and score at least 65 points on the points test. The 189 visa grants permanent residence and the right to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): The Subclass 190 visa is a points-tested skilled migration visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Nomination adds 5 points to your total score. In exchange for the nomination, visa holders are generally expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years. Like the 189, it leads to permanent residence and full work rights in Australia.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional skilled visa for people who want to live and work in regional Australia. It requires nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. The visa adds 15 points and is valid for five years. After living in a regional area for three years and meeting income requirements, holders can apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa.