There are different ways that people can “get status” or stay in Canada. These are some of the immigration categories:
#1 Refugee Claim
This is an application for Canada to protect you because you are afraid to return to your home country. Someone who has made this application is called a Refugee Claimant.
If you are accepted, you will have the status of Protected Person.
#2 Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations
This is an application to become a Permanent Resident in Canada. This is an application that you can make on your own or together with your family members who are in Canada.
You can apply for Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations for two or three of the following reasons:
If your application is accepted, you will have the status of Permanent Resident.
#3 Temporary Residence Statuses
There are some visas and permits that let you stay in Canada for a certain period of time. They include the four visas/permits listed below, but there are also other kinds of temporary status.
Visitor
You were approved to visit Canada as a tourist
Temporary Work Permit
You were given a document that lets you work in Canada for a certain amount of time
Temporary Residence Permit
You were given a special permit to stay in Canada for a certain period of time, sometimes for a special reason
International Student Visa + Study Permit
You were given permission to travel to Canada as an international student and to study at a Canadian school (high school, college or international school)
If you are in Canada on one of these visas/permits, you will have the status of Temporary Resident.