Temporary Resident Visa : Visit, Study or Work in Canada

Sanjay Yadav
[Published 04 Jan, 2024 | 11:42 AM]
About Author - 5 min read
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Canada welcomes millions of temporary visitors each year.

If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or from a visa-exempt country, and you want to immigrate to Canada temporarily as a tourist, temporary worker, or international student, you need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

The TRV is granted by a Canadian Immigration Visa Office, showing that you meet the requirements for entry to Canada as a visitor. However, having a TRV doesn't guarantee entry or temporary resident status in Canada.

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Temporary Resident Visa Requirements

To apply for a TRV, you need to fill out forms from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Along with these forms, you must:

• Pay the required processing and biometric collection fee.
• Provide necessary supporting documents with your application.

• Passport photos
• Proof of financial support
• Photocopy of your return ticket or travel itinerary (if applicable)

Temporary Resident Visa Validity

If there's no stamp, date, or document in your passport indicating an expiry date, your status as a temporary resident in Canada will automatically expire six months from your arrival date.

Multiple-Entry Visa vs Single-Entry Visa

The Multiple-Entry Visa allows the holder to enter Canada from any country as often as needed during its validity. This TRV is typically issued with long-term validity to facilitate entry for legitimate travelers. The Multiple-Entry Visa can be valid for up to 10 years or 1 month before the expiry date on the travel document.

On the other hand, a Single-Entry Visa is considered when an applicant is participating in a one-time special event in Canada for a short duration. Since the standard is the Multiple-Entry Visa, if a Single-Entry Visa is issued, the immigration officer must explain the decision.

Studying In Canada On A Temporary Resident Visa

Generally, international students need to apply for Canada Study Visa to undertake an educational program. However, if your program is less than six months, a study permit is not required. For programs exceeding six months, you must apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Once admitted, you'll need to apply for a study permit to continue your studies.

Working In Canada On A Temporary Resident Visa

Generally, foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. If you currently hold valid temporary resident status, you can apply for a work permit. While waiting for a decision on your application, it's common to extend your stay in Canada, essentially being in the country under “maintained status” until a decision is made.

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Spousal Sponsorship and Temporary Resident Visa

Family members or spouses from countries requiring a visa, who have applied for permanent residency through the Family Sponsorship Program, can seek a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to join their sponsor in Canada. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented a new approach for spousal TRV applications, resulting in over 98% approval rates for spouses and their children. This allows families to be together while waiting for the processing of their permanent residency applications. IRCC states that the processing time for spousal TRVs is anticipated to be 30 days.

Extending Your Stay In Canada

You can extend your temporary resident status in Canada either online or by using a paper application. It's advisable to submit your application at least 30 days before your current status expires. If your temporary resident status expires after you've submitted the extension application but before a decision is made, you're allowed to stay in Canada under “maintained status” until a decision on your application is made.

Can I enter Canada with a TRV and eventually apply for permanent residence?

Dual intent means that a foreign national, while applying or considering applying for a Canada PR visa, also plans to enter the country for a temporary period as a visitor, student, or worker. While having dual intent is acceptable, the potential approval for permanent residence doesn't excuse you from meeting the requirements of a temporary resident, particularly the obligation to depart Canada when your authorized stay ends.

Read More: I just arrived in Canada with a visitor's visa. How to apply for PR?