Visitors to Canada with a criminal record must apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or other special permissions to overcome their inadmissibility and gain legal entry into Canada. The processing time for a Temporary Resident Permit can vary widely, from a couple of hours to 8 months, depending on how and where the application is submitted. If you are currently looking to get a TRP, this article will provide helpful information on TRPs, the different application methods, and the estimated processing times. First, let’s explore what a TRP is and who requires one.
What is a Temporary Resident Permit?
A Temporary Resident Permit is a document that allows an individual who is previously deemed inadmissible to Canada to enter and stay in the country for a specific duration, as determined by the government. The permit is generally valid for one day and up to three years. If you wish to stay in Canada, you must renew the document before expiry; failure to do so is considered a crime. It’s important to note that a TRP does not grant you the right to work or study in Canada.
Canada TRP Processing Time: Border TRP vs. Consulate TRP
To apply for a Temporary Resident Permit, you can mail the required documents to a Canadian Consulate in your home country. Alternatively, you can apply for a TRP at a Canadian port of entry.
Each option has advantages and disadvantages, particularly regarding processing time and required paperwork. A $200 application fee is the same for both. With that said, let’s discuss how each alternative works and their differences.
Applying for TRP at Border
As previously mentioned, a visitor may apply for TRP upon their arrival at a point of entry into Canada. Like any other visit to Canada, your documents will be screened by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to ensure they are valid. They will also evaluate if the reason for the trip is sufficiently strong to grant you entry into Canada.
It’s important to note that while the processing time for a TRP application at a point of entry will be much shorter, it is a much riskier option than applying in advance. This is because there is no guarantee that Canadian border authorities will allow you to enter the country. Therefore, unless it’s very urgent for you to enter Canada, we strongly recommend applying in advance.
Applying for TRP in Advance
While applying at the border might seem tempting for some due to its short processing time, sending your application documents to a Canadian Consulate well before your visit is the safest option. This way, you will know whether your application is successful or rejected before starting your trip.
Although not guaranteed, applying for entry in advance generally has a higher success rate than applying at the border.
Applying in advance may help your case for urgent entry if an emergency happens. You can show border agents that you have already applied for a TRP and are waiting on processing. This way, the border agents can verify your request and may expedite the process to help you enter Canada sooner.
How Long Does it Take to Get a TRP for Canada?
The answer varies depending on how and where you apply.
If you choose to apply for a TRP at a Canadian port of entry, such as an airport or land border, the processing time can be as short as a couple of hours. However, this option is risky, as there is no guarantee that you will be allowed entry into the country.
On the other hand, if you apply for a TRP in advance by mailing the required documents to a Canadian Consulate in your home country, the processing time can take up to eight months. While this may seem like a long wait, it is the safest option, as it has a higher success rate than applying at the border.
How Dogen Law Can Help
While entering the country might seem complicated for many, it doesn’t have to be. You can make every step of the process easier by seeking assistance from immigration experts.
Are you ready for your trip to Canada but need assistance to make your application process more manageable? Contact us at Dogen Law.