landed immigrant
Low/RegionalOfficial/Administrative
Definition
Meaning
A person who has been granted the right to live permanently in a country but has not yet become a citizen.
A legal status denoting permanent residency, often with most of the rights and obligations of citizenship, excluding the right to vote or hold certain public offices. The term is specific to certain Commonwealth countries, notably Canada, where it was an official legal category until replaced by 'permanent resident'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While synonymous with 'permanent resident' in meaning, 'landed immigrant' is a dated, official term. Its use implies a formal, legal process of admission and 'landing'. It is not typically used for refugees or asylum seekers unless they have attained permanent status.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is not used in American English; the equivalent is 'lawful permanent resident' (LPR) or 'green card holder'. It was primarily used in Commonwealth countries like Canada and, historically, Australia.
Connotations
In Canada, it connotes a specific historical immigration policy. In modern contexts, using 'landed immigrant' instead of 'permanent resident' can sound outdated or overly bureaucratic.
Frequency
Virtually zero in contemporary UK or US usage. Its frequency is confined to historical documents or discussions of immigration law in Canada.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Person/They] + be/become + a landed immigrant + (in [Country])[Country] + grant + [someone] + landed immigrant statusVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in HR for verifying work eligibility: 'We need to confirm your status as a landed immigrant for the records.'
Academic
Used in historical, legal, or sociological studies of immigration policy: 'The 1976 Immigration Act formalised the landed immigrant system.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; older Canadians might use it: 'My parents came here as landed immigrants in the 70s.'
Technical
Core term in historical Canadian immigration law documents and forms pre-2002.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She landed as an immigrant in 1990.
- They were landed in Vancouver.
American English
- [Term not used in this form in AmE]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The landed immigrant paperwork was extensive.
- He held a landed immigrant status.
American English
- [Term not used in this form in AmE]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My aunt is a landed immigrant in Canada.
- He came here as a landed immigrant.
- To work here, you need to be a citizen or a landed immigrant.
- After five years, a landed immigrant can apply for citizenship.
- The law distinguished between visitors and landed immigrants.
- Her landed immigrant status granted her access to healthcare.
- The term 'landed immigrant' was officially retired in 2002 in favour of 'permanent resident'.
- Historical analysis shows the landed immigrant policy shaped Canada's demographic landscape.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an airplane LANDING. The immigrant has 'landed' in the country and is now officially allowed to stay permanently.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMIGRATION STATUS IS A JOURNEY WITH A DESTINATION ('landed' implies arrival at the final stop).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводится дословно как 'иммигрант с землёй'.
- Не является синонимом 'гражданин' (citizen).
- Эквивалент в США — 'держатель грин-карты' (green card holder).
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to any immigrant (it specifies permanent status).
- Using it in modern American or British contexts.
- Confusing it with 'naturalized citizen'.
Practice
Quiz
In which country was 'landed immigrant' a common official term?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in meaning they are synonymous. 'Landed immigrant' is the older, formal term used primarily in Canada until 2002, when 'permanent resident' became the official designation.
Typically, no. Landed immigrants/permanent residents do not have the right to vote in national/federal elections, though they may vote in some local elections depending on the country's laws.
It originates from the idea of the immigrant having officially 'landed' or arrived in the country and been processed by immigration authorities, thereby gaining permanent status.
It's best to use 'permanent resident' in most contemporary contexts, even when referring to Canada, as it is the current legal term. 'Landed immigrant' is now dated and used mainly in historical or specific legal discussions.