Temporary Resident Visa

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What is a Temporary Resdient Visa (TRV)?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an entry document that is placed in your passport and permits entry or re-entry into Canada for foreign nationals from visa requiring countries. A TRV is often referred to as a “visitor visa” or “entry visa”. A TRV does not provide status in Canada, it simply permits entry.  A study permit is a status document which defines your status as a student inside Canada and provides permission to study inside Canada. A TRV is typically issued for the same length of time as your status document (study or work permit).

Do I require a TRV?

  • Foreign nationals from visa requiring countries require a visa to come to Canada by any method of travel – plane, car, bus, train, or cruise ship. 
  • Foreign nationals from a visa-exempt country, require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air (unless exempt).

How do I obtain a TRV?

The process to obtain a TRV varies depending on where you are applying from and what type of application you are submitting. 

Outside Canada

If you apply for an initial study permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) from outside of Canada you are not required to apply separately for a TRV. When your initial study permit or PGWP application is approved, you will automatically be issued a TRV along with your study or work permit, if required.

Inside Canada

When you apply to extend your study permit or apply for a PGWP from within Canada, you have to wait until you have received your new permit to apply for a TRV from within Canada. Your status document (study/work permit) is required for the TRV application and your TRV is typically issued the same length as your status document.

Be sure to apply for a TRV well in advance of any travel plans you make. Be cautious about booking travel plans before you receive your TRV. Do note, the published IRCC processing times do not include the time it takes to mail your passport to the Case Processing Centre in Ottawa. This process can take up to 1 month or longer. If you are required to provide biometrics for your TRV application, we highly recommend applying earlier to allow for this step.

If your TRV expires while you are in Canada

Once you are in Canada, you are not required to have a valid TRV as it is simply requiured for entry.. However, it is highly recommended to always have a valid TRV in the event of an unexpected trip abroad. 

If your TRV expires while you are outside Canada

You can apply for a TRV from outside of Canada with a digital copy of your study or work permit. Do note the process from outside of Canada is typically longer and you will also be required to refer to your visa office instructions for additional documents required. You should also ensure that you include a letter of explanation with your application to clarify that you are applying for a TRV to return to Canada to continue your studies. We highly recommend obtaining a TRV from within Canada.

If you get a new passport

If you have received a new passport but the TRV in your old passport is still valid, you may continue to use your TRV in the expired passport until it expires. You will be required to travel with both your old passport with the valid TRV and your new valid passport. 

If your passport is lost or stolen

You first need to replace your passport. Once you have obtained a new passport, you can apply for a new TRV. You should be prepared to include a letter of explanation to support your application containing a police report number and a explanation of your circumstances. 

TRV validity

A TRV remains valid until the expiry date listed on the document. This means you may continue to use your TRV until the expiry date. On the other hand, study permits become invalid 90 days after the holder stops their studies.

If you transition to a new immigration status

Some TRVs are issued with a specific code, for example: student’(S-1), worker (W-1), visitor (V-1). Even if your status in Canada changes, for example from student to worker, you are still permitted to use a valid TRV regardless of the code noted. In some cases, you may be issued a TRV with a V-1 code, even if you applied for a study or work permit. This is not an error and you are permitted to use your TRV for entry until the expiry date.

Disclaimer 

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information. 

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