What is a TRV? Canada’s Temporary Resident Visa Explained
Summary of Key Points:
If you’re entering Canada for a short amount of time, like tourism, work or study, you may be required to get a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). This visitor visa is placed in your passport, showing you’ve met admission requirements as a temporary resident.
To qualify, applicants must fit a list of requirements, including proof that they will leave Canada at the end of their stay, supply financial support, be in good health and more. Your application may be denied if you’re unable to supply proof of ties to the home country, incomplete documentation or past immigration violations.
A TRV is typically valid up to six months as either a single one-time entry or multiple-entry. You can apply for an extension or transition to a different visa category like a study or work permit or permanent residency.
An Immigration Medical Examination (IME) is often required in the TRV process. Schedule an early appointment with Panel Physicians to help streamline the application process and ensure your results are accepted without delays.
Learn More: How Many Permanent Residents Will Canada Accept This Year?
What is a TRV? Canada’s Temporary Resident Visa Explained
Each year, millions of people visit Canada for a variety of reasons, whether it’s tourism, work or study. To enter the country legally for these temporary purposes, many foreign nationals are required to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
Not sure if you need or qualify for a TRV? We’ll break down everything you need to know about the visa and how to apply for an easy transition.
What is the Purpose of TRV?
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa, is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office. It’s placed in your passport to show you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident.
There are three main types of temporary residents who may need a TRV:
Visitors: This includes tourists, family members or individuals coming to Canada for a short stay.
Students: Foreign nationals enrolled in designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
Workers: Temporary foreign workers authorized to work in Canada under a specific permit.
The TRV allows these individuals to enter Canada, but it does not guarantee entry. Final admission is determined at the port of entry by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer.
Who Qualifies for TRV?
A TRV is required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt. Visa-exempt travelers may still need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada. To qualify for a TRV, applicants must:
Prove they will leave Canada at the end of their stay
Show they have enough financial support during their visit
Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
Be in good health (a medical exam may be required)
Provide all necessary documents and fees
Common Reasons for Refusal
If your TRV application is refused, it may be due to one of these reasons:
Insufficient proof of ties to the home country (job, family, property)
Lack of financial support
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation
Past immigration violations
Health or security concerns
The TRV Application Process
Applying for a TRV involves multiple steps, and attention to detail is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process.
Determine eligibility: Confirm you need a TRV and meet the requirements.
Gather documents: This typically includes:
A valid passport
Proof of financial support
A letter of invitation (if applicable)
Travel itinerary
Employment or enrollment documents
Proof of ties to your home country
Complete the application form: Use the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or canada.ca website.
Pay the fees: The processing fee for a TRV is CAD $100. Biometrics collection costs an additional CAD $85.
Submit your application: Applications can be submitted online or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Attend biometrics appointment: You may be required to provide fingerprints and a photo.
Attend an interview or medical exam: If requested by the visa office.
Here are some helpful links to help you get started with the application process:
Duration and Extensions of a TRV
A TRV is typically valid for up to six months, though the exact duration is determined by the CBSA officer at the port of entry. It can be issued as a single one-time entry into Canada or multiple-entry, allowing you to enter multiple times for up to 10 years or until your passport expires.
Extensions and Visa Transitions
If you wish to stay in Canada longer, you must apply for an extension at least 30 days before your status expires. In some cases, you may also be eligible to transition to a different visa category, such as:
Study permit: If you are accepted into a Canadian educational institution.
Work permit: If you receive a valid job offer.
Permanent residency: Through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Learn More:Canada’s Express Entry Draw: What It Is & How It Works
Importance of the Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
An Immigration Medical Examination (IME) is often a requirement for TRV applicants who plan to stay in Canada for more than six months or come from a country with a higher health risk. It’s also required for workers in jobs that require public health safety like health care or childcare.
IMEs must be conducted by physicians approved by IRCC, like our professionals at Panel Physicians. Our medical experts can help simplify your application process by submitting medical results directly to the visa office. We also offer streamlined scheduling and testing in multiple languages.
Learn More: IME vs. MDT Requirements
Get Prepared for Your TRV Application
Applying for a TRV can be a meticulous and time-consuming process, but it is manageable with the right preparation and guidance. To improve your chances of approval, ensure your documents are complete and truthful and provide a clear purpose and plan for your stay.
You can also reach out to an immigration expert for any questions or concerns you may have about the process or your application. Schedule your IME with Panel Physician early in the process to ensure your results are accepted without delays or resubmissions.
