Temporary Resident Visa Canada - How to apply? & TRV Extension

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Canada is a travel document affixed to a foreign nationals passport, issued by a Canadian visa office outside Canada. This visa allows a foreign national to enter or re-enter Canada. Known also as a "Visitor Visa" or "Entry Visa," a TRV is required if you are from a visa-required country and wish to visit Canada temporarily for purposes such as study, work, or tourism. It indicates that you have met the criteria for temporary residence in Canada.

There are 2 types of TRVs.

Single-Entry TRV: This visa permits only one entry into Canada. Once you leave Canada, you will need to apply for a new TRV if you wish to return.

Multiple-Entry TRV: Unlike single-entry, multiple-entry TRV allows you to visit Canada multiple times. You can stay for up to 6 months per visit and leave and re-enter as many times as you wish until the visa expires. It can be valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. 

Note: 1. The individuals who hold a PR in Canada and the US don't need a TRV to enter or re-enter Canada. Similarly, citizens of visa-exempt countries do not require a TRV.

Note 2. Holding a TRV does not guarantee entry into Canada; the final decision rests with the Canadian Port of Entry Officer. 

Do I need a TRV to enter Canada?

Yes, if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and are from a visa-required country, you will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. The TRV functions as an entry permit to Canada, regardless of the purpose of your visit.

Conversely, if you are from a visa-exempt country, you do not need a TRV. Instead, you will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you are flying to Canada. If you are entering Canada by land or sea, a valid passport is sufficient.

Note: It is advisable to keep a valid TRV, even though you might not need it for your stay in Canada. This is because if you leave Canada, a valid TRV will be necessary for re-entry. Applying for a new TRV while outside Canada can be time-consuming, so it is prudent to ensure your TRV is valid and renew it if necessary before departing Canada.

How to apply for a Canada Temporary Resident Visa?

Applicants needing a Canada Temporary visitor visa can apply online, through a paper application, or directly at a Visa Application Centre. If travelling as a family, each member must submit a separate application.

It is advisable to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) at least three months before your planned travel date. The application fee is $100 CAD, with an additional $85 CAD for biometrics, if applicable. Typically, processing takes around 60-70 days.

How to apply if you are an International Student Outside Canada?

If you have already applied for a study permit or work visa from outside Canada, you do not need to apply for a TRV separately. Upon approval of your study or work permit, you will be instructed to submit your passport to have the TRV placed inside. Generally, these TRVs are multiple-entry visas. If you need to apply for a TRV separately, you can do so by logging into the IRCC website or submitting a paper application.

How to apply if you are an International Student Inside Canada?

You can apply for a TRV from within Canada in the following cases.
a) if your study permit has recently expired.
b) if you have received a new study permit.
c) if your current TRV is about to expire.  
d) if you have a single-entry TRV. 
e) or if you are an exchange student or visiting student. 

Note that a TRV is not automatically issued with a new study permit; you must apply separately. It is recommended to apply for a TRV at least two months before your travel date and ideally not to leave Canada until you receive the new TRV. Applications can be submitted through the IRCC account by completing the IMM 5257 form or by paper application.

What are the documents required to apply for a TRV?

To apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) from within Canada, you need to submit the following documents:

1. Completed IMM 5257 Form: Ensure the form is filled out completely, signed, and dated.
2. Proof of Payment: Include a photocopy of the payment receipt and the receipt number.
3. Photographs: Provide two recent photographs of yourself with your name and date of birth written on the back.
4. Passport Photocopies: Submit photocopies of your passport that clearly show your name, date of birth, passport number, insurance number, and expiration dates.
5. Marriage Documents (if applicable): Include a photocopy of your marriage certificate if relevant.
6. Proof of Current Status in Canada: Provide evidence of your current status, such as a study or work permit.
7. Additional Documents for Students: If you are a student, include photocopies of your transcripts and a letter from your current institution.
8. Additional Documents for Workers: If you are currently employed, provide a letter from your employer.

Once you have gathered all these documents, you can submit your application by logging into your IRCC account or mailing these documents to the below address. 

Visitor extension: Case Processing Centre Edmonton Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada c/o Visitor and Temporary Resident Permits Station 303 Suite 55 9700 Jasper Avenue NW Edmonton AB T5J 4C3

Note: If you are applying online and providing more documents in a section, then you can combine them in a single PDF. Also, make sure that your file size doesn’t exceed 4MB per file. 

How can you extend your TRV?

Once you have arrived in Canada, the border officer will authorize your stay by placing a stamp and/or sticking an additional document. 

• Stamp: The stamp shows the exact expiration date of your temporary resident status.
• Handwritten Date: If a handwritten date is provided, your status typically expires in 6 months from that date.
• Visitor Visa, Study/Work Permit: The expiry date will be marked directly on these documents.

Irrespective of whether it is a single-entry or multiple-entry TRV, you can legally live in Canada for up to the time mentioned in your passport. You must leave Canada within that time. But, if you wish to extend your stay, then you must apply for TRV Extension. 

How to apply for the TRV Extension

You need to fill in the below documents to apply for the TRV extension.

1. Complete the IMM 5708 Form: Fill out the form completely, ensuring all fields are completed, signed, and dated.
2. Proof of Payment: Include proof of payment for the application fee.
Photocopies of Passport: Provide photocopies of your passport, including:

1. Passport number
2. Dates of issue and expiry
3. Name and date of birth
4. Recent Canadian entry stamp

4. Photocopies of Travel or Identity Documents: Include any relevant travel or identity documents.
5. Photocopy of Current Immigration Document: Provide a copy of your current immigration status document.
6. Marriage License Certificate (if applicable): Include a photocopy if relevant to your situation.
7. Proof of Support and Financial Documents (if needed): Submit evidence showing you can support yourself financially during your extended stay.

Implied Status

While your extension application is being processed, you can remain in Canada under "implied status," meaning you can continue to stay legally until a decision is made on your application. It is advisable to apply for the extension at least 30 days before your current visa expires to ensure you maintain your status.

Final words on Canada TRV

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a crucial document for foreign nationals wishing to travel to Canada. This article has covered essential information about what a TRV is, the different types, the application process, the required documents, and how to extend your TRV.

If you have further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to contact Kanan.co at 73555 73555. We offer comprehensive visa support to help you with your journey to Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions on TRV Canada

1. Who is eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa in Canada?

• Individuals who are not citizens or Permanent residents of Canada must apply for a TRV to enter Canada.
• If you are from a visa-exempt country, then you require only eTA to travel to Canada by air.
• If you are a citizen of the US and a lawful permanent resident of the US, then you do not require any TRV or eTA.

2. What is the difference between TRV and eTA?

TRV is a Temporary residence visa, which is a counteroil stick to an individual's passport authorizing non-citizens of Canada to enter Canada. 
On the other hand eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is issued to individuals who are from visa-exempt countries to enter Canada. This is required only if you fly to Canada.

3. Do I need to apply for a TRV, even if I have a Visa?

Unless you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you need a TRV to enter into Canada. 
If you have applied for a study permit or work permit from outside Canada, you will be automatically issued with TRV. 
If you are visiting Canada for tourist purposes, then you need to apply for a TRV to enter Canada.

4. What to do if your TRV expires before you return to Canada?

You can return to Canada with an expired TRV, if you have visited the US, or St. Pierre et Miquelon.
If not, you have to apply for a new TRV from outside Canada and wait till you get it approved. Since it is a long process and takes much time, it is always better to exit Canada with a valid TRV.

5. Should I apply for a TRV separately if I have already applied for PGWP or a study permit outside Canada?

No, it is not required to apply for TRV separately if you have applied for a PGWP or study visa from outside Canada. You will be automatically provided with a TRV with the expiry date same as that of your study/work permit. 

6. What is TRV validity?

TRVs are valid until the date listed in the document. You can stay up to 6 months with a valid TRV at a time. You can continue to use the TRVs irrespective of the status mentioned like ‘visitor’ (V-1), ‘student’ (S-1) or ‘worker’ (W-1). 

7. What to do if I lost my passport with a TRV?

You have to first file a complaint and apply for a new passport. After getting your new passport, you can apply for a TRV along with a complaint copy and an explanation as to why you are applying for a new TRV.

8. What is a Super Visa?

A super visa is a type of temporary resident visa that allows the parents and grandparents of citizens / Permanent residents of Canada to visit Canada. Usually, you can stay up to 3 years in a single visit and it is valid for up to 10 years.