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 Application
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 make a Humanitarian and Compassionate application like this 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.