What is a TRV? Canada’s Temporary Resident Visa Explained
Summary:
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) allows eligible foreign nationals to visit Canada for tourism, work, or study. Most applicants must show proof of purpose, financial support, and ties to their home country. TRVs can be valid for up to 10 years, with each entry typically limited to six months. Some applicants also need an Immigration Medical Exam, which can be quickly scheduled through Panel Physician for faster, restriction-free processing.
Time to Read: 6 minutes
What You’ll Learn:
What a TRV is and who needs one
How to apply, required documents, and typical validity
Common refusal reasons and how to avoid them
How to transition from a TRV to a work or study permit
When a medical exam is required and how Panel Physician helps
Next Steps:
Apply online for your TRV well before your travel date
Gather proof of funds, purpose of visit, and home ties
If you have a work permit or are planning to get one, book your Immigration Medical Exam with a Panel Physician to avoid restrictions
What is a TRV? Canada’s Temporary Resident Visa Explained
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), often called a “visitor visa,” is an official document placed in your passport that shows you meet the requirements to enter Canada. This kind of visa is not just for tourists. Students and workers may also need a TRV if they come from a visa-required country.
Holding a TRV does not guarantee entry to Canada, but it allows you to travel to a Canadian port of entry where a border officer will decide if you can enter and how long you can stay. Below, we explain more about who may need to apply for this type of visa, and what additional requirements may be involved, such as biometrics and an immigration medical exam.
Who Needs a TRV?
Not everyone needs a TRV to enter Canada. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (like the U.S., much of Europe, and select others) may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
You generally need a TRV if you:
Are from a visa-required country and want to visit Canada temporarily.
Hold a study or work permit and plan to leave and re-enter Canada while your permit is valid.
Are bringing family members to join you in Canada.
Common Reasons for Refusal
TRV applications are sometimes refused if IRCC is not convinced that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. Some of the factors that may cause this kind of doubt include:
Not showing enough proof of funds to support your trip.
Weak ties to your home country (job, family, property).
Missing documents or incomplete application forms.
Previous overstays or immigration issues in Canada or another country.
Learn More: How Many Permanent Residents Will Canada Accept This Year?
How to Apply for a TRV
The application process is fully online for most applicants. Here’s what you need to prepare:
Forms & Fees
Complete the IMM 5257 application form and pay the processing fee (currently CAD $100 per person).
Supporting Documents
You will need to upload the following as part of your application:
Proof of purpose of travel (e.g., invitation letter, itinerary).
Proof of funds (bank statements, pay stubs).
Passport and digital photo.
Biometrics
Most applicants need to give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
This may be required if you plan to work in health care, child care, education, or if you’ve lived in certain countries for six months or more in the last year.
Submit & Wait
Processing times vary by country but often range from a few weeks to several months.
How Long Does a TRV Last?
A TRV can be issued in several different ways, which may impact how long you can stay in Canada and how often you can leave and return to the country.
Single-entry visa: Lets you enter Canada once.
Multiple-entry visa: Lets you enter and leave Canada as often as you like, typically for up to 10 years or until your passport expires.
Regardless of TRV validity, most visitors are admitted for six months per entry unless a border officer stamps or writes a different date in your passport.
Extending or Transitioning from a TRV
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
Why Your Immigration Medical Exam Matters
A medical exam is a crucial part of many TRV applications, especially if you plan to work in jobs involving:
Children (e.g., daycare staff, teachers)
Patients (e.g., doctors, nurses, health care aides)
Public health (e.g., lab technicians)
Completing an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) ensures your TRV or work permit is issued without occupational restrictions.
Here are some helpful links to help you get started with the application process:
How Panel Physician Helps
Not all options for your IME are the same. When you schedule your IME through PanelPhysician.ca, you can benefit from:
Fast Booking: Get your appointment quickly so your application isn’t delayed. Booking online is easy, and we also accept walk-ins at most of our locations in the GTA.
Direct Results Submission: Your results are uploaded securely via eMedical to IRCC on your behalf. There is no need to submit them yourself.
12-Month Validity: Exams are valid for a year, so we time your appointment to avoid retesting.
Proof of Completion: We also provide your IME number for easy upload if requested.
Take the Next Step with Panel Physician
Applying for a TRV can feel complicated, but understanding the process helps you avoid refusals and delays. Prepare your documents early, apply online, and if you plan to work with children, patients, or in a school setting, book your Immigration Medical Exam with Panel Physician so your visa can be issued without restrictions.
Book your IME today
Take the next step toward visiting, studying, or working in Canada with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Check IRCC’s Come to Canada tool. If your country is visa-required, you need a TRV.
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Processing times vary by country. Use IRCC’s Check Processing Times tool for the most accurate estimate.
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A TRV does not grant you permission to work in Canada. You need a separate and valid work permit to work in Canada legally, unless you are exempt under a specific program (e.g., short-term work permit exemption for certain events). But it is possible to gain a work permit after entering Canada on a TRV.
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You may be able to apply to restore your status within 90 days. If you leave Canada with an expired TRV, you must apply for a new one before returning.
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Yes, if they are from a visa-required country. Parents can submit their children’s TRV applications together with their own.
