If you’re planning to visit Canada, it’s important to understand the difference between a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) and a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa). While a TRP is only needed in certain circumstances, such as when a criminal record would make you inadmissible, a TRV or an equivalent is needed by most people who would like to enter Canada temporarily.
Whether you’re currently inadmissible to Canada or simply need a visa to visit, this guide explains everything you need to know about the differences between a TRV and a TRP so you can determine which option best suits your situation.
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
A Temporary Resident Permit (sometimes referred to as an ‘entry waiver’) is designed to give the holder the ability to enter Canada for a specific, compelling reason when they would otherwise be inadmissible.
Inadmissibility issues could be caused by a previous criminal record, medical issues, or concerns about whether someone has the financial means to support themselves in Canada without working.
TRP Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the Temporary Resident Permit (TRP or Entry Waiver):
- Eligibility Criteria: Anyone who would otherwise be inadmissible but has a reason to travel to Canada that is justified in the circumstances. Justification is ultimately decided by immigration authorities, and there is no guarantee of being granted a TRP.
- Applying: You can apply for a TRP either in advance through your nearest Canadian consulate or at a Canadian Port of Entry (such as a border crossing).
- Cost: The cost to submit an application for a TRP is currently CAD $239.75 (about USD $170). This money goes directly to the Canadian government and is non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful.
- Processing Time: TRP processing times can vary from just a few hours if applying at the border to up to 8 months if applying for a TRP in advance.
- Validity/Duration: A TRP can be valid for anything from a single day to up to three years, depending on the reason for entry into Canada and the assessment made by immigration officials.
- Single or Multiple Entry: Both single-entry and multiple-entry TRPs exist and will be given based on your circumstances and the discretion of immigration authorities. A single entry TRP expires as soon as you leave Canada, even if it would have been valid for longer had you stayed.
- Extend/Renew: In some rare cases, a TRP holder may be able to extend or renew a TRP while inside Canada. However, most people would have to leave Canada before it expires and then apply for a new one from outside if necessary.
Further Details
Examples of valid, compelling reasons to visit Canada that could support an application for a TRP include attending a family funeral, family wedding, or specific work events such as meetings or conferences.
Those who would otherwise be inadmissible to Canada usually need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in addition to a TRP to travel to Canada. However, citizens of certain countries (such as the US) are usually exempt from this requirement and would only need to bring a valid travel document, such as a passport, with them in addition to their TRP.
Dogen Law has years of experience offering efficient, personalized guidance to those with criminal records who wish to enter Canada. If you want to obtain a Temporary Resident Permit or start a Criminal Rehabilitation application, our team can review your unique situation and seamlessly guide you through the application process. Get in touch today to request a free assessment of your case.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
A TRP is only necessary for the relatively small portion of people who would otherwise be inadmissible to Canada, whereas a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa, is needed by most people who would like to visit – regardless of the reason.
Citizens from certain countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a TRV, and US Citizens are usually exempt from this requirement altogether.
A TRV is separate from a study permit or work permit and is usually issued once you have been accepted into a program.
TRV Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV or Visitor Visa):
- Eligibility Criteria: Any non-Canadian citizen who would like to visit Canada for work, study, or visiting purposes, unless they are a citizen of a visa exempt country or eligible for an eTA.
- Applying: You must apply for a TRV through your nearest Canadian consulate or embassy in advance of your travel. You cannot apply for a TRV at a Port of Entry such as an airport or land crossing.
- Cost: The TRV application fee is CAD $100 (about USD $70), but there is a maximum fee of CAD $500 for families (about USD $350).
- Processing Time: TRV processing times will depend on where you are applying from and the reason for your travel. IRCC has an online tool to check the latest processing times.
- Validity/Duration: Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada, but the multiple-entry visitor visa has a maximum validity of up to 10 years.
- Single or Multiple Entry: Both single-entry and multiple-entry TRVs exist and will be given based on your circumstances and the discretion of immigration authorities.
- Extend/Renew: TRVs can commonly be extended or renewed from inside Canada.
Visitor Record
A visitor record is a document that allows a person to stay in Canada beyond the initial 6-month visitor visa period. You can apply for one either on arrival or online during your stay in Canada (at least 30 days before your authorized stay in Canada expires).
How Dogen Law Can Help
If you would like to enter Canada but have a criminal record that could make you inadmissible, seeking guidance from a Canadian immigration lawyer can help to clarify the options available in your unique circumstances.
At Dogen Law, we have extensive experience helping clients navigate the various legal pathways to visit or immigrate to Canada. Our team offers competitively priced services to assist you with applications for Temporary Resident Permits and Criminal Rehabilitation to help you overcome criminal inadmissibility and enter Canada.
Get in touch today by completing our online assessment to see if you are eligible.
