What is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an entry document that permits entry or re-entry into Canada for foreign nationals from visa required countries. A TRV is often referred to as a “visitor visa” or “entry visa”.
A TRV permits entry to Canada but does not grant visitor, student, or worker status. A study permit is a document that defines your status as a student and provides permission for you to study in Canada. A TRV is typically issued for the same length of time as your study or work permit.
Do I require a TRV?
You require a TRV if you are a foreign national from a visa requiring country that is planning to enter Canada by any method of travel.
You may not require a TRV if you are a:
- Foreign national from a visa-exempt country: In this case, you may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air, unless you are exempt.
- Citizen of the United States: You can enter Canada with a valid U.S. passport or other acceptable identification.
- Lawful permanent resident of the United States: You may enter Canada with a valid passport (or other equivalent acceptable travel document) and valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States).
Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa
The process to obtain a TRV varies depending on what country or territory you are applying from and what type of application you are submitting.
| Applying from outside of Canada | If you apply for an initial study permit or post-graduation work permit from outside of Canada, you are not required to apply separately for a TRV. Once your study permit or work permit application is approved, you will obtain an invitation to submit your passport to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for the TRV to be placed inside. You will obtain your study permit or work permit when you arrive in Canada at the port-of-entry. |
| Applying from within Canada | If you apply to extend your study permit or apply for a post-graduation work permit from within Canada, you must wait until your new permit is approved to apply for a TRV. Your status document (e.g. study or work permit) or the approval letter of your status document is required for the TRV application. |
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Step 1: Check your eligibility
Learn about the temporary resident visa application process and if you are eligible to apply as a student.
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Step 2: When to apply
While a temporary resident within Canada can have an expired TRV, we highly encourage you to keep it valid in case you need to unexpectedly leave Canada temporarily. Be cautious when booking flights before obtaining your entry visa, as you will not be able to re-enter Canada without a valid entry document. We recommend applying four to six months prior to your plans to leave Canada.
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Step 3: Gather required documents
As part of their application, all applicants must submit:
- Official education transcript
- Proof of enrollment for the upcoming academic term
- Copy of Canadian study permit
- Copy of valid passport (entry visa cannot be issued beyond length of passport)
- Proof of financial support
- Digital Photograph
- Some applicants may require additional documents based on their circumstances.
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Step 4: Review application fees
Please review IRCC Fee list for all citizenship and immigration related application fees.
- $100 CAD for TRV application
- $85 CAD biometrics fee, if applicable
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Step 5: Submit your application
You must apply online through an IRCC secure account.
Refer to the IRCC website for an application instruction guide and TRV processing times.
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Step 6: After you apply
IRCC will review your application and provide a decision through your IRCC Secure Account. If your application is approved, you will obtain a letter from IRCC indicating how to send your passport to the Visa Application Centre to have your entry visa placed inside. Do not send your passport until the application is approved. Once IRCC has placed the entry visa in your passport, they will return it to you by mail.
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What should I do if I am planning to travel outside of Canada?
Apply for a TRV well in advance of any travel plans and be cautious about booking travel plans before you receive your TRV.
The published IRCC processing times do not include the time it takes to mail your passport to the Case Processing Centre in Ottawa and for you to receive it in the mail from there. This process can take one month or longer to complete. If you are required to provide biometrics for your TRV application, we highly recommend applying earlier to allow ample time for this step.
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What happens if my TRV expires?
A TRV remains valid and can be used until the expiry date listed on the document.
| 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 only required for entry. However, it is highly recommended to always have a valid TRV in the event that you temporarily leave the country and intend on re-entering. |
| If your TRV expires while you are outside Canada | You can apply for a TRV from outside of Canada when you apply for study or work permit. As part of this application, you should:
The process for receiving a TRV from outside of Canada is typically longer than when you apply from inside Canada. Whenever possible, we highly recommend obtaining a TRV from within Canada. |
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What if I replace or lose my passport?
If you have received a new passport but the TRV in your old passport is still valid, you can continue to use the TRV in your expired passport until the TRV expires. If you are doing this, 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 must first replace your passport. Once you have obtained a new passport, you can apply for a new TRV. You may need to provide a letter of explanation to support your application containing a police report number and explanation of your circumstances.
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What if I transition to a new immigration status?
Some TRVs are issued with a specific code that indicates if you are a student (S-1), worker (W-1), or visitor (V-1). Even if your status changes from a student, worker, or visitor to another status (e.g. you complete your studies and become a worker), you can still use your TRV until it expires regardless of the code listed.
Rarely, students can 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. No additional action is required.
Connect with one of our International Student Immigration Advisors by email at internationaladvising@trentu.ca.
You can also book a one-on-on appointment through our Student Experience Portal > Appointment Bookings > Trent International > Immigration Advising.
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.