Glossary

The acronyms you'll meet along the way, in plain words.

Biometrics
Fingerprints and a photo taken at a visa application centre (VFS in Kathmandu) as part of your application. Read guide โ†’
Bond๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
A rental security deposit, which should be lodged with the state's bond authority. Read guide โ†’
CoEConfirmation of Enrolment๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
Issued by your Australian provider after you accept an offer and pay the deposit. You need it to apply for the visa. Read guide โ†’
CRICOSCommonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
The official register of courses international students can take on a student visa. Read guide โ†’
DLIDesignated Learning Institution๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
A school approved by a provincial government to host international students. Your LOA must come from a DLI. Read guide โ†’
ELICOSEnglish Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
English courses you can take before your main program, often packaged with it.
Express Entry๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
Canada's main online system for skilled permanent residence applications. Read guide โ†’
GCMS notes๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
The officer's notes on your IRCC file. Useful for understanding a refusal. Read guide โ†’
GICGuaranteed Investment Certificate๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
A deposit with a participating Canadian bank that shows living funds and pays them out to you in instalments. Read guide โ†’
GSGenuine Student requirement๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
Questions in the visa form assessing whether you genuinely intend to study. Replaced GTE in 2024. Read guide โ†’
ImmiAccount๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
The Department of Home Affairs online portal where you lodge and track visa applications. Read guide โ†’
IRCCImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
The Canadian government department that decides study permit applications.
LOALetter of Acceptance๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
Your official offer from a Canadian DLI. Read guide โ†’
NOCNo Objection Certificate๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ต Nepal
Issued by Nepal's Ministry of Education. Banks require it before sending study money abroad. Read guide โ†’
OSHCOverseas Student Health Cover๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
Compulsory health insurance for student visa holders, for the entire stay. Read guide โ†’
PAL / TALProvincial / Territorial Attestation Letter๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
A letter confirming you fit within a province's study permit allocation. Needed by most students; master's and PhD students at public DLIs are exempt from 2026. Read guide โ†’
Panel physician
A doctor approved by the immigration department to do your immigration medical exam.
PGWPPost-Graduation Work Permit๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
An open work permit for eligible graduates of eligible Canadian programs. Read guide โ†’
PNPProvincial Nominee Program๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
Province-run pathways to permanent residence. Read guide โ†’
POE letterPort of Entry letter of introduction๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
Your approval letter. Show it at the Canadian airport to be issued your study permit. Read guide โ†’
RCICRegulated Canadian Immigration Consultant๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
A licensed immigration consultant. Only licensed professionals may charge for Canadian immigration advice. Read guide โ†’
Registered migration agent๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
A person registered to give Australian immigration assistance for a fee. Read guide โ†’
SDSStudent Direct Stream๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
A fast-track study permit stream for certain countries that ended in November 2024. Nepal was never eligible.
SINSocial Insurance Number๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
Required before you can work in Canada. Read guide โ†’
Subclass 485Temporary Graduate visa๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
Australia's post-study work visa. Read guide โ†’
Subclass 500Student visa๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
Australia's student visa. Read guide โ†’
TFNTax File Number๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
Your Australian tax number. Get one before you start working. Read guide โ†’