Glossary of Legal Terms

Benefits that may help pay for care, recovery, wage loss, and other supports after a motor vehicle crash, depending on the applicable insurance system and eligibility rules.

The process of applying for lawful permanent resident status from inside the United States without leaving for immigrant visa processing abroad.

A person’s legal eligibility to enter or remain in Canada. Admissibility may be affected by criminal history, medical concerns, misrepresentation, security issues, or other factors.

A travel document that may allow certain applicants to re-enter the United States after temporary travel abroad while an application is pending.

A financial sponsorship form used in many family-based and some employment-based immigration cases to show that the applicant has adequate financial support.

A unique identifying number assigned by U.S. immigration authorities to many noncitizens in immigration records.

A disability test that considers whether a person is unable to perform any suitable occupation based on their education, training, experience, and medical limitations. This test often applies after a specified period under the policy.

The forms, documents, evidence, fees, and supporting information submitted to immigration authorities for a Canadian immigration, refugee, citizenship, or temporary residence application.

Protection that may be available to a person in the United States who fears persecution in their home country based on a protected ground.

Permission that may be required for a person who previously received certain removal orders and wants to return to Canada.

A temporary visitor category for certain business activities in the United States, such as meetings or conferences, but not generally for employment in the U.S. labour market.

A temporary visitor category for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or similar non-business purposes in the United States.

The person for whom an immigration petition is filed, such as a family member, employee, or investor seeking an immigration benefit.

Fingerprints and a photo collected by the Government of Canada to confirm identity during many immigration, refugee, visitor, study, and work permit applications.

Physical injury to a person’s body caused by an accident or incident, including injuries that may require medical treatment, rehabilitation, or time away from work.

A border seizure occurs when U.S. Customs and Border Protection takes possession of goods, currency, vehicles, or other property at or near the border due to a suspected customs, immigration, or import violation.

An open work permit that may allow eligible permanent residence applicants in Canada to keep working while they wait for a decision on their permanent residence application.

Legal membership in Canada, usually obtained by birth, descent, or grant after meeting eligibility requirements such as permanent residence, physical presence, language, and knowledge requirements.

An Express Entry program for skilled workers who have qualifying Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.

Benefits under ICBC’s Enhanced Care model that may support medical treatment, rehabilitation, personal care, and recovery after a crash.

A severe injury that causes life-changing impairment and may require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, assistance, or income support.

A request made from inside the United States to move from one nonimmigrant classification to another without leaving the country.

A legal claim brought in court by one party against another, often seeking compensation or another remedy for harm caused by wrongful conduct.

The points-based system used in Express Entry to rank candidates based on factors such as age, education, language ability, work experience, and arranged employment.

A document issued to approved permanent residence applicants that confirms they have been approved to become permanent residents, subject to final landing or confirmation steps.

The process of applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States after a petition is approved.

A legal concept that may reduce compensation when an injured person is found partly responsible for causing or contributing to their own injuries.

A ground of inadmissibility that may prevent a person from entering or remaining in Canada because of a criminal conviction or certain criminal conduct in Canada or another country.

Money awarded or agreed to compensate a person for losses caused by an injury, such as income loss, care costs, or pain and suffering where available.

A dog that has shown aggressive behaviour, attacked a person or animal, or been classified under local animal control rules as dangerous or potentially dangerous.

A discretionary decision by immigration authorities to defer removal action for a period of time. It does not provide lawful permanent resident status.

A decision by an insurer refusing to pay long-term disability benefits. Denials may be based on medical evidence, policy wording, surveillance, missed deadlines, or the insurer’s view of the claimant’s ability to work.

A type of Canadian removal order that requires a person to leave Canada and may prevent them from returning unless they receive written authorization to return to Canada.

A Canadian school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Most study permit applicants need acceptance from a designated learning institution.

The contract that sets out the rules for disability coverage, including eligibility, benefit amounts, waiting periods, exclusions, medical evidence requirements, and appeal rights.

An incident where a dog bites, lunges, knocks down, chases, or otherwise injures a person, even if the injury is not caused by a bite.

A personal injury claim involving injuries caused by a dog bite or dog attack. These claims may involve puncture wounds, scarring, infection, psychological trauma, or other injuries.

A person who had control of the dog at the time of the incident, even if they were not the dog’s legal owner. A handler may be relevant when assessing responsibility for a dog attack.

The potential legal responsibility of a dog owner or handler for injuries caused by their dog. Liability may depend on what the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s behaviour and whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent harm.

A legal obligation to take reasonable care to avoid causing foreseeable harm to another person.

The obligation of an insurance company to handle claims fairly, honestly, and in a timely manner based on the policy and the evidence.

A nonimmigrant visa category for nationals of treaty countries who carry on substantial trade, principally between the United States and the treaty country.

A nonimmigrant visa category for nationals of treaty countries who invest a substantial amount of capital in a real and operating U.S. business.

The EB-1 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category for certain priority workers, including people with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and some multinational executives or managers.

The EB-2 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category for professionals with advanced degrees or people with exceptional ability. Some applicants may qualify for a National Interest Waiver if their work benefits the United States.

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category for skilled workers, professionals, and certain other workers. It generally requires a qualifying job offer and labour certification unless an exception applies.

An entry requirement for many visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. It is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport.

The waiting period between the start of a disability and the date long-term disability benefits may become payable.

A document issued by USCIS that authorizes a person to work in the United States for a specific period.

ICBC’s no-fault auto insurance model in British Columbia, which focuses on access to care, recovery, and income replacement benefits for people injured in crashes.

A discretionary immigration benefit that may forgive or overcome certain grounds of inadmissibility if legal requirements are met.

Canada’s online system for managing applications for certain economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.

A nonimmigrant visa category for academic students attending approved educational institutions in the United States.

A pathway that allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.

Family sponsorship visas allow certain U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for eligible family members to immigrate to the United States. These cases may involve immediate relative categories or family preference categories, depending on the relationship.

Responsibility for causing an accident or injury. Fault may affect insurance decisions, liability, and certain legal claims.

An Express Entry program for qualified tradespeople who meet requirements related to skilled trade experience, language ability, and a job offer or certificate of qualification.

An Express Entry program for skilled workers with foreign work experience who meet minimum requirements for work experience, language ability, education, and other selection factors.

A ground of inadmissibility that may apply when a foreign national is unable or unwilling to financially support themself and any dependants, and has not made adequate arrangements for care and support in Canada.

A person who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Foreign nationals may need authorization to enter, work, study, or remain in Canada.

The Petition for Alien Relative used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to start many family-based immigration cases.

The Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers used in many employment-based permanent residence cases.

The Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status used by eligible applicants applying for a green card from inside the United States.

A work permit category based on Canada’s international trade agreements that may allow certain professionals, intra-company transferees, traders, or investors to work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

The physical, cognitive, or psychological restrictions that affect a person’s ability to work or complete daily activities.

Estimated expenses for treatment, rehabilitation, equipment, home support, or other care that an injured person may need in the future.

Compensation for non-financial losses such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life, where such damages are legally available.

The common name for a Permanent Resident Card, which proves lawful permanent resident status and authorization to live and work permanently in the United States.

A nonimmigrant work visa for certain specialty occupation workers who meet position, employer, and qualification requirements.

A dangerous condition on a property that may cause someone to fall, such as spilled liquid, ice, snow, poor lighting, loose mats, broken stairs, uneven pavement, or missing handrails.

A professional who assesses or treats injuries, such as a doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, psychologist, or occupational therapist.

An accident where a driver leaves the scene without providing required information or assistance. Special reporting and insurance rules may apply.

A visa issued to a person who intends to live permanently in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

Legal proceedings involving immigration decisions or enforcement matters, such as judicial review, stays of removal, admissibility findings, mandamus applications, or other court and tribunal processes.

The federal department, commonly called IRCC, that manages many Canadian immigration, refugee, citizenship, passport, and settlement programs and processes applications for visas, permits, permanent residence, and citizenship.

A legal finding or issue that may prevent a person from entering or remaining in Canada. Common grounds include criminality, medical reasons, misrepresentation, and security concerns.

A legal reason that may prevent a person from receiving a visa, entering the United States, or obtaining a green card.

A written report prepared after an accident occurs on a property. It may include the date, location, description of the hazard, witness names, and details about the injured person.

A benefit that may replace a portion of income when injuries from a crash prevent a person from working, subject to eligibility and limits.

An assessment by a medical professional who is not the injured person’s regular treatment provider, often used to evaluate injuries, recovery, or disability.

A representative who investigates claims, communicates with claimants, reviews evidence, and makes decisions or recommendations for an insurer.

A program that allows eligible young people from partner countries to work and travel in Canada under categories such as working holiday, young professionals, and international co-op.

An invitation issued through Express Entry or some provincial nominee systems that allows a candidate to submit a full application for permanent residence or nomination.

A court process where the Federal Court of Canada reviews whether an immigration or refugee decision was made lawfully, fairly, and reasonably. It is not a new application or a full rehearing.

A K-1 visa that allows the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States for marriage within the required timeframe.

A nonimmigrant visa category for certain executives, managers, or specialized knowledge employees transferring from a related foreign company to a U.S. entity.

A document that an employer may need before hiring a foreign worker, showing whether hiring that worker is expected to have a positive, neutral, or negative effect on Canada’s labour market.

A noncitizen who has been granted authorization to live and work permanently in the United States, commonly known as a green card holder.

A local bylaw or rule requiring dogs to be leashed or controlled in certain public places. Breach of a leash rule may be relevant in a dog bite or dog attack claim.

Legal responsibility for an accident or injury. Liability may depend on facts, evidence, statutory rules, and the conduct of the parties involved.

The legal deadline for starting a claim or legal proceeding. Missing a limitation period can seriously affect a person’s ability to pursue compensation.

Monthly disability payments that may be available through a group benefits plan or private insurance policy when a claimant meets the policy’s definition of disability.

A claim for income replacement benefits under a disability insurance policy when a person is unable to work for an extended period because of illness, injury, or disability.

A claim for reduced ability to earn income in the future because of injury-related limitations, even if the person can still work in some capacity.

A request for the insurance company to reconsider a denial or termination of long-term disability benefits. Appeals often involve updated medical evidence, specialist reports, and written submissions.

An M-1 student visa is a U.S. nonimmigrant visa for people attending approved vocational or non-academic programs in the United States. It is different from the F-1 student visa, which is generally used for academic studies.

A temporary status that may allow a person who applied to extend their stay before expiry to remain in Canada under conditions while a decision is pending.

Documents showing when a property was inspected, cleaned, repaired, salted, sanded, or otherwise maintained. These records may become important evidence in a slip and fall claim.

Benefits that may help cover treatment and rehabilitation services needed after an injury, such as physiotherapy, counselling, medication, or occupational therapy.

A form of inadmissibility that may arise if a person’s health condition could pose a danger to public health or safety, or create excessive demand on health or social services.

A term used in some insurance and legal contexts to describe less severe injuries, though the meaning depends on the applicable law and facts.

Providing false information, withholding important facts, or submitting inaccurate documents in an immigration matter. Misrepresentation can lead to refusal and a period of inadmissibility.

The process by which an eligible lawful permanent resident applies to become a U.S. citizen.

Failing to take reasonable care in circumstances where harm to another person is foreseeable. Negligence is a key basis for many personal injury claims.

A NEXUS pass is a trusted traveller program card for pre-approved, low-risk travellers entering Canada or the United States. It can help eligible travellers use expedited processing at certain land, air, and marine border crossings.

Insurance benefits that may be available regardless of who caused the accident, depending on the law and insurance scheme.

Compensation for pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-financial harms, where available under the applicable legal framework.

A visa for a temporary stay in the United States, such as for tourism, study, business, or temporary work.

A nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in fields such as sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or entertainment.

A rehabilitation professional who may assess functional needs and help an injured person adapt daily activities, home tasks, work duties, or mobility needs.

A person or organization that has possession, responsibility, or control over a property. An occupier may include a homeowner, landlord, tenant, business owner, property manager, municipality, or contractor.

The area of law that deals with the responsibility of property owners, tenants, businesses, and others who control premises to take reasonable care to keep visitors reasonably safe.

A term sometimes used to describe whether a dog owner knew or should have known that a dog had a tendency to be aggressive or dangerous. The exact legal analysis depends on the facts and applicable law.

A work permit that allows a person to work for most employers in Canada, rather than being tied to one specific employer, subject to any stated restrictions.

A disability test that considers whether a person is unable to perform the essential duties of their own job. Many policies use this test during the first stage of a long-term disability claim.

A common phrase for non-financial harm from an injury, including physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced enjoyment of life, where compensation is available.

A term often used for accident benefits under earlier ICBC insurance rules, including certain medical, rehabilitation, and wage loss benefits.

An accident involving a person walking or otherwise outside a vehicle who is struck or injured, often raising issues of fault, insurance coverage, and injury benefits.

A lasting loss or limitation of body function caused by injury. Permanent impairment may affect care needs, work capacity, and benefit eligibility.

A person who has been granted the right to live in Canada permanently but is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents must meet residency obligations to keep their status.

An official status document used by permanent residents to prove their status and return to Canada on commercial transportation.

Support with daily activities after an injury, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, mobility, or household tasks, where eligible.

A lawyer who helps injured people understand their rights, deadlines, insurance benefits, and possible claims after an accident or injury.

The person, employer, or organization that files an immigration petition for a beneficiary.

The amount of time a person must be physically present in Canada to qualify for certain applications, such as Canadian citizenship.

A place where a person seeks entry to Canada, such as an airport, land border crossing, or marine port, where border officers may examine travellers.

An open work permit that may be available to eligible graduates of certain Canadian programs at designated learning institutions.

Treatment that may be available without prior approval for a set period after a crash under ICBC’s Enhanced Care model, subject to program rules.

A policy clause that may limit or exclude coverage for medical conditions that existed before insurance coverage began.

The date that establishes a person’s place in line for an immigrant visa when annual numerical limits apply.

An immigration pathway that allows provinces and territories to nominate people for permanent residence based on local labour market and economic needs.

A process used by a property owner or business to regularly check for hazards, such as wet floors, ice, snow, spills, uneven surfaces, or debris.

A process through the Parole Board of Canada that keeps a person’s eligible criminal record separate from active criminal records. In Canadian immigration, a record suspension may be relevant when assessing criminal inadmissibility based on a Canadian conviction.

A request for protection made by a person who fears persecution, torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment if returned to their country of origin.

Treatment, therapy, and support intended to help an injured person recover function, manage symptoms, and return to daily life or work.

A formal order requiring a person to leave Canada. Different types of removal orders may have different consequences for returning to Canada.

Immigration court proceedings to decide whether a noncitizen may be removed from the United States or may qualify for relief.

A notice from USCIS asking for additional documents or information before a decision is made on an application or petition.

The requirement that permanent residents generally spend enough time in Canada, or meet certain exceptions, to maintain permanent resident status.

A process that may allow certain temporary residents to restore lost status in Canada after failing to comply with conditions, if they apply within the permitted timeframe.

A legal concept that may apply when a dog owner knew, or should have known, that their dog had a dangerous tendency or history of aggression.

A ground of inadmissibility involving national security concerns, such as espionage, subversion, terrorism, acts of violence, or membership in certain organizations connected to those concerns.

An agreement that resolves a claim without a trial, often involving payment, benefit arrangements, or other terms.

A personal injury claim involving injuries caused by slipping, tripping, or falling on another person’s property, such as a store, sidewalk, parking lot, rental building, or private residence.

An injury to muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other soft tissues, often associated with sprains, strains, and whiplash-type symptoms.

An open work permit that may allow an eligible spouse or common-law partner to work in Canada while a qualifying sponsorship, study, work, or permanent residence process is underway.

A family sponsorship pathway that allows eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence.

A legal concept where a person may be responsible for harm regardless of intent or carelessness. In dog bite cases, the availability and scope of strict liability depends on the law and facts involved.

A document that allows a foreign national to study at a designated learning institution in Canada, subject to conditions and expiry dates.

A long-term temporary resident visa that allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods, subject to program requirements.

Video evidence from security cameras, dash cameras, doorbell cameras, or nearby businesses that may show the fall, the hazard, or the condition of the area before and after the accident.

A foreign national authorized to be in Canada for a limited time as a visitor, student, or worker.

A discretionary document that may allow an otherwise inadmissible person to enter or remain in Canada for a limited period when justified by the circumstances.

A decision by an insurer to stop paying long-term disability benefits after they have already been approved.

A work authorization category under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement for eligible Canadian and Mexican professionals in listed occupations.

A civil claim based on wrongful conduct that caused harm, such as negligence. In B.C. auto injury matters, the availability of tort claims depends on the date and type of claim.

A disability that meets the policy definition for being unable to work. The meaning of total disability depends on the wording of the insurance policy.

A brain injury caused by external force, such as a crash, fall, or blow to the head. Symptoms can affect thinking, mood, balance, sleep, and daily function.

Legal membership in the United States, obtained by birth, derivation, acquisition, or naturalization.

U.S. renunciation is the formal legal process of giving up U.S. citizenship. It is typically completed before a U.S. consular officer and may have significant immigration, tax, and legal consequences.

USCBP stands for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is the U.S. federal agency responsible for inspecting travellers and goods at ports of entry, enforcing customs and immigration laws at the border, and determining whether a person may be admitted to the United States.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that administers many immigration and naturalization benefits in the United States.

A monthly U.S. Department of State publication that shows immigrant visa availability for family-sponsored and employment-based categories.

A program that allows eligible citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for short visits without a visitor visa, subject to ESTA and other requirements.

A document issued to extend or restrict a visitor’s stay in Canada. It is not a travel document and does not guarantee re-entry.

A counterfoil placed in a passport that allows certain foreign nationals to travel to Canada and seek admission as temporary residents.

Income lost because an injury prevents a person from working or reduces their ability to work. Wage loss may be addressed through benefits or damages depending on the claim.

A neck injury often caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, commonly associated with rear-end motor vehicle collisions.

A document that authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada, either for a specific employer or as an open work permit holder.

An application to continue working in Canada after a current work permit is set to expire, subject to eligibility and timing requirements.

A temporary visa or status category that allows a person to work in the United States for an authorized employer or activity.