Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visas) for Canada

A temporary resident visa is for individuals who wish to enter Canada for temporary purposes, like tourists, temporary foreign workers, and international students. TRV is an official document the Canadian visa office grants as proof that the applicant has fulfilled the admission requirements to enter Canada as a visitor. The TRV is, however, not required for citizens from visa-exempt countries.  Citizens from visa-exempt countries planning to travel to Canada by air must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arriving there. The eTA was introduced for citizens from countries exempt from the mandate TRV requirement. There are, however, some exemptions for U.S. citizens, as they do not need a TRV or eTA, and Green card holders do not require an eTA to come to Canada.

Note: TRV is compulsory for those not belonging to a visa-exempt country; Individuals with a TRV do not require an eTA and vice versa.

List of Countries: Temporary Resident Visas

The table below has the complete list of countries that require a TRV and a list of countries that need an ETA.

What is a Temporary Resident Visa?

A Temporary Resident Visa, commonly called a visitor visa, is an official endorsement in your passport permitting you to enter Canada for short-term purposes such as tourism, business, study, or work. It confirms that IRCC has deemed you admissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Differences between a TRV and a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

The table below has the eight major differences between TRV vs. TRP:

Who Needs a TRV to Enter Canada?

You need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if:

• You are a citizen of a country that is not visa-exempt according to Canada’s immigration regulations
• You are planning to enter Canada for tourism, business, family visit, or short-term study/work (under 6 months)
• You are entering Canada by air, land, or sea and do not qualify for an eTA

You do not need a TRV if:

• You are a citizen of a visa-exempt country and entering by air (you may need an eTA instead)
• You are a U.S. citizen (no TRV or eTA required)
• You are a U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) (only an eTA is required when flying to Canada)

Eligibility for Temporary Resident Visa

The eligibility criteria for the Temporary Resident Visa are as follows:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a valid passport
• Intention to leave Canada at end of stay
• Enough funds for living expenses and return travel
• No criminal or security concerns
• Good health, if required (medical exam)
• Not planning unauthorized work/study
• Compliance with IRPA and its regulations 
• Sign and file for a Visa Application Center (VAC) Consent Form
• Proof of current immigration status

Countries with conditional eligibility

Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for an eTA if they fulfill any of the three major criteria. Candidates who fail to do so can apply for a TRV to travel to Canada.

To be eligible for an eTA, one must:

• Come to Canada for a short visit, a business trip, or tourist and travel purposes that do not exceed six months.
• Arrive in the country via air transport or transit through the Canadian airport with a valid passport from any of the non-visa-exempt countries.
• Has held a Canada visit visa in the last ten years or currently holds a valid non-immigrant US visa (The non-immigrant visa must be valid when the candidate applies for an eTA, but does not need to be valid at the time of traveling to Canada

The list of countries with conditional eligibility rules to apply for an eTA is as follows:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Costa Rica
• Mexico
• Morocco
• Panama
• Philippines
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Seychelles
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uruguay

Special cases (e.g., US residents with Green Cards)

US Green card holders do not require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to come to Canada. However, they must apply and obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Canada.

Requirements for a Temporary Resident Visa

One of the major requirements to apply for TRV is that the applicant fulfills the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) requirements, along with proof that your stay in the country is temporary.

Below is a checklist of essential documents to submit with your TRV application:

List of forms that need to be submitted for a TRV:

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257)
• Family Information form. Must be filled by those aged 18 years or older.
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
• Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475)

Application Procedure for a Temporary Resident Visa

You can apply for the Temporary Resident Visa online or on paper (if applicable).

Apply online for the TRV

Before applying for the Canada TRV, you must have the required permit to enter the country. Candidates must have a valid passport, visa, or eTA to travel to Canada, depending on their country of origin.

You can follow the steps given below to apply for the TRV:

Step 1: Check the requirements for the TRV

As the first step, you must review the list of requirements that will be submitted with your application.

Step 2: Arrange the checklist of documents

You can then sort out the documents for the TRV that include:

• Bank statements (For proof of sufficient funds)
• Itinerary (For evidence of accommodation and duration of stay)
• Travel history (Proof of your visit to Canada or any previous visas)
• IMM 5475
• IMM 5476
• IMM 5645

(For a complete list of documents, check the “Temporary Resident Visa” section)

Step 3: Submit all the documents

You will be required to attach the documents along with the TRV application. 

Step 4: Apply for the TRV

You can pay the required application processing fee, including the biometrics fee (for those applying for the first time), and apply for the TRV.

Step 5: Fly to Canada

You can then submit the TRV application and wait for your visa status before planning your trip to Canada.

Apply via paper for the TRV

The TRV visa must be applied online to be accepted and processed. However, you can apply offline via paper if:

• You are unable to apply online due to a disability
• You are traveling with a travel document or identity document that was granted to a non-citizen or a refugee

You can follow the steps given below to apply for the TRV with paper:

Step 1: Check if you are eligible to apply offline
Step 2: Arrange the list of documents
Step 3: Pay the application fees
Step 4: Submit your application
Step 5: Wait for the application status

Biometrics & Interview Process

Most applicants aged 14–79 must provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), usually at a Visa Application Centre after receiving a Biometric Instruction Letter. While TRV interviews are rare, IRCC may request additional documents or an interview if needed to assess your application.

Common mistakes to avoid during application

Mistakes you make at the time of your application can result in delayed processing time.  Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid during your application:

• Inaccurate or incomplete documentation
• Giving false information
• Waiting till the last moment to file the application
• Not providing sufficient and correct bank statements
• Not double-checking the submitted information or documents 
• Not reverting on time to the officials for any additional requests
• Missing out on deadlines and submission guidelines
• Not applying via the official IRCC portal
• Having inconsistencies in your application
• Providing an unclear purpose of the visit

Cost and Processing Time for a Temporary Resident Visa

Given below is a complete overview of the TRV cost and processing time.

Fee structure for applying for a TRV

TRV applicants are required to complete and submit Form IMM 5257B with information about single—and multiple-entry visa fees and the family rate.

The table below has the fee required to apply for TRV:

eTA Fees

The processing fee for eTA is CAN $7, which must be paid before the application is submitted. The applicant can re-apply for another eTA after five years.

Note: There are no eTA fee exemptions.

Processing time for TRV

The processing time for TRV applications depends on the country from which you are applying.

The table below lists processing times for countries outside Canada.

Factors affecting the processing time

Some of the factors that affect the processing time of TRV are as follows:

• Country of residence
• Completeness of the application
• Mode and type of application
• Complexity of the application
• Intake of applications
• Completeness of the application
• Visa office as per the country
   

What should you do if your TRV application is refused?

There could be many reasons why your TRV application was refused. Countries that require a visa to enter Canada must have a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). It is suggested that an experienced immigration firm like Y-Axis be consulted to avoid chances of rejection, as there is a high refusal rate for applications that apply on their own. TRV visas usually take two weeks to 4 months, depending on the country of residence and the concerned visa office.

Some of the most common reasons for TRV rejection are as follows:

• Lack of travel history
• Overstaying in the country
• Unclear intent to stay
• Failure to provide sufficient documentation
• Failure to meet the security standards
• Not meeting the health standards
• Lack of ties to Home country
• Staying illegally in the country
• Inadmissibility to Canada
• Misinterpretation issues
   

Steps to take after a refusal

You can re-apply for the visa with new information in specific conditions that are listed below:

• Your application for criminal rehabilitation has been approved
• You qualify for deemed rehabilitation
• You are inadmissible but are applying for a TRP (Temporary resident permit)
• You were initially inadmissible for medical reasons, but the reasons have changed since

If your Canada visa is rejected, you can either apply for reapplication, reconsideration, appeal the decision, or apply for judicial review.
 

Process for reapplication

Step 1: The first step in applying for reapplication is to ensure the information you have given in the application is updated and accurate.  
Step 2: Review the checklist and guidelines for the TRV visa application. 
Step 3: Check if the application has all the required documents.  
Step 4: File for the reapplication and ensure the TRV application is up-to-date, as the requirements and conditions are subject to change since your initial application was rejected.
Step 5: Wait for the status of your reapplication.
 

Process for Reconsideration

Reconsideration can be known as an appeal to the immigration officer.                  

Note: Reconsideration does not mean a new application. It is only a chance for you to provide additional information or clear out any misunderstandings that have led to the rejection of your application.
 

Process for an appeal

In some rare cases, you can appeal for the visa application to be rejected. Before appealing, the first thing to do is gather, and submit all the relevant documentation and proof to support your case. 

You can appeal for a decision on your application depending on the type of visa refusal.

Some of the conditions listed below are often used to submit an appeal:

• If your application was rejected due to medical reasons, you can appeal to the IRRB (Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada).
• If your application was rejected due to financial reasons, you can submit a review request to the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada). 
• You may be eligible to apply for a judicial review if your application was rejected due to criminal charges or unclear ties to your native country. 

Note: The process for appeal takes longer than the re-application with very low success rates.
 

Helping Friends and Family Obtain a TRV

How to support a friend's or family member's TRV application?

You can invite a friend or a family member to apply for a Canadian visitor visa by offering a Letter of invitation to support their visa application.  

Note: A letter of invitation can only act as a supporting document and may not necessarily help with getting the visa.
 

What should be included in the Letter of Invitation?

Writing a letter of invitation does not make you responsible for the family member or friend. It is, however, still important to write a letter that states facts, including keeping the promises made in the letter. 

The information that is required to be included about the person you are inviting in the Letter of Invitation is as follows:

• Full name of the person
• Date of Birth 
• Residential address and contact details 
• Your relationship with the person 
• Purpose of the trip 
• Duration of their stay in the country 
• Details of their accommodation in Canada, along with the means of payment/ supporting themself in the country 
• Details of when the person will leave or exit the country 

The information that is required to be included about you in the Letter of Invitation is as follows:

• Full name
• Date of birth 
• Residential address and contact details 
• Job role/title 
• Details of your family that include the names and Dates of the birth of your spouse and dependents
• Proof that you are a Canadian citizen or PR holder 
• Evidence of your Canadian status:

1. Canadian birth certificate (If you were born in Canada)
2. Canadian citizenship card (If you are a naturalized citizen)
3. Copy of the IMM 100 or PR card 
4. A Secure Certificate of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status (status card)
    

Required documents and letters of support

The documents required or the letters of support depend on the factors listed below: 

• The country that issued the travel document 
• The type of travel document that was issued 
• The applicant's nationality 
• The applicant's means of travel to Canada 
• Below is a list of documents you can send to the family you are inviting. The TRV applicant can attach these documents and the TRV application in their home country.  
• Copy of the passport 
• Study permit and Confirmation of Registration letter (If you are currently admitted to a school)

Note: The study permit must be valid for the duration of the invited family’s stay in the country

• Post-graduation work permit and study permit and Confirmation of Registration letter 

Note: Any one of the documents mentioned above must be valid for the duration of the invited family's stay in the country

• Letter of Invitation
• Applicants must also submit proof of sufficient financial funds and social ties to their native country
   

Can You Extend a TRV in Canada?

Yes. You can apply to extend your status before your current TRV expires by requesting a Visitor Record, which grants legal stay and specifies expiry date. Once inside Canada, you cannot re‑enter with a Visitor Record; a new TRV would be needed
 

Special Considerations for TRV Holders

Given below are some of the special considerations for TRV holders:
 

Extending Your Stay in Canada

If you are a TRV holder in Canada and wish to extend your stay in the country, you can follow the steps given below: 

Step 1: Check your eligibility 

Make sure you are eligible to apply for an extension. If yes, keep a scanner or camera to have copies of your documents and a valid credit or debit card for payment.  

Step 2: Review the instructions guide on the official website

Go through the instructions guide (Guide 5551), which will help you complete the online form. 

Step 3: Be prepared with relevant answers 

Before uploading the documents, you must answer a few questions to generate a personalized list of documents.  

Step 4: Sign in or create an account online

Create an online account to complete the fee payment, submit your application, and check the status. 

Step 5: Wait for the status

You can then complete the steps mentioned in Step 4 and await an update about your TRV extension. 

You can also apply for a TRV extension offline if you have a disability or if the online application is not working.

Below are the steps to apply offline or on paper for the TRV extension.

Step 1: Get the application package 

As the first step, you must get the application package, which includes the list of forms to be submitted. The list of forms includes IMM 5558, IMM 5708, IMM 5409, and IMM 5476. 

Step 2: Prepare the application package 

Complete and submit all the pages in the application package. Print out the form, sign, and date it. 

Step 3: Pay the application fee

Complete the fee payment, which generally includes the processing fee. 

Step 4: Submit the application 

Please submit the completed application to the address in the application package, along with the fee receipt and documents. 

Step 5: Wait for the status

Once the application is submitted, wait for a decision from the officials.
 

Studying in Canada on a TRV

International students who wish to pursue a study program or course in Canada require a valid study permit. However, students enrolled in study programs under six months do not need a permit. Those looking for courses over six months must apply to a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You must apply for a study permit once you are admitted to the study program.
 

Working in Canada on a TRV

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada must obtain a Canadian work permit to seek employment there. You can apply for a work permit with a temporary resident status. You will likely extend your stay in the country while a decision is being taken on your application. You can remain in Canada under "maintained status" as you wait for a decision to be announced.
 

Business Visits on a TRV

Foreign business people who wish to enter Canada for business or trade purposes require a Temporary resident visa (TRV). Depending on their nationality or country of origin, they will either need an eTA or a TRV. Qualifying business people with eligibility for the visa can obtain a single-entry, multiple-entry, or transit visa. The visa is generally offered by the visa office in their country, stating that the individual has fulfilled the requirements for a TRV.
 

Requirements for a Business Visitor visa

Given below are some of the eligibility requirements for a Business visitor visa:

• The planned trip to Canada must not exceed more than six months. 
• The business person should not intend to enter the Canadian labor market. 
• The business person must provide proof of the complete source of profits and income and additional supporting documents. 
• Have a valid passport. 
• Must have an intention to leave the country after the planned intended stay period 
• Must not be involved in any criminal activity and pose no health, physical, or criminal threat to the Canadians
• Proof of sufficient funds to support their stay in Canada
   

What can you do with a business visitor visa?

Here are some of the activities or things you can do with a Business visitor visa:

• Purchase Canadian services or goods from a foreign government or business 
• Accept orders for goods and services 
• Attend conferences, meetings, fairs, or conventions 
• Get training from a Canadian parent company of the company you work for outside of Canada 
• Train employees at the Canadian branch of your company 

Note: Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, a Mexican national or a U.S. citizen can participate in activities like research and general or marketing services.