Table of Contents:

1. Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visas) for Canada
2. What is a Temporary Resident Visa?
3. Eligibility for Temporary Resident Visa
4. Countries with conditional eligibility
5. Special cases (e.g., US residents with Green Cards)
6. Requirements for a Temporary Resident Visa
7. Application Procedure for a Temporary Resident Visa
8. Apply online for the TRV
9. Apply via paper for the TRV
10. Common mistakes to avoid during application
11. Cost and Processing Time for a Temporary Resident Visa
12. Fee structure for applying for a TRV
13. Processing time for TRV
14. Factors affecting the processing time
15. What should you do if your TRV application is refused?
16. Steps to take after a refusal
17. Process for reapplication
18. Process for Reconsideration
19. Process for an appeal
20. Helping Friends and Family Obtain a TRV
21. How to support a friend's or family member's TRV application?
22. What should be included in the Letter of Invitation?
23. Required documents and letters of support
24. Special Considerations for TRV Holders
25. Extending Your Stay in Canada
26. Studying in Canada on a TRV
27. Working in Canada on a TRV
28. Business Visits on a TRV
29. Requirements for a Business Visitor visa
30. What can you do with a business visitor visa?

 

Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visas) for Canada

A temporary resident visa is for individuals who wish to enter Canada for temporary purposes, like tourists, temporary foreign workers, and international students. TRV is an official document the Canadian visa office grants as proof that the applicant has fulfilled the admission requirements to enter Canada as a visitor. The TRV is, however, not required for citizens from visa-exempt countries.  Citizens from visa-exempt countries planning to travel to Canada by air must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arriving there. The eTA was introduced for citizens from countries exempt from the mandate TRV requirement. There are, however, some exemptions for U.S. citizens, as they do not need a TRV or eTA, and Green card holders do not require an eTA to come to Canada.

Note: TRV is compulsory for those not belonging to a visa-exempt country; Individuals with a TRV do not require an eTA and vice versa.

 

List of Countries: Temporary Resident Visas

The table below has the complete list of countries that require a TRV and a list of countries that need an ETA.

TRV (Temporary Resident Visa)		Eta (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Afghanistan	Liberia	Andorra
Albania	Libya	Anguilla
Algeria	Macao	Antigua & Barbuda
Angola	Macedonia	Argentina
Antigua & Barbuda	Madagascar	Australia
Argentina	Malawi	Austria
Armenia	Malaysia	Bahamas
Azerbaijan	Maldives	Barbados
Bahrain	Mali	Belgium
Bangladesh	Mauritania	Bermuda
Belarus	Mauritius	Brazil
Belize	Mexico	Brunei
Benin	Moldova	Bulgaria
Bhutan	Mongolia	Chile
Bolivia	Montenegro	Costa Rica
Bosnia-Herzegovina	Morocco	Croatia
Botswana	Mozambique	Cyprus
Brazil	Myanmar	Czech Republic
Burkina Faso	Namibia	Denmark
Burundi	Nepal	Estonia
Cambodia	Nicaragua	Finland
Cameroon	Niger	France
Cape Verde	Nigeria	Germany
Central African Republic	Oman	Greece
Chad	Pakistan	Hungary
China	Palau	Iceland
Colombia	Panama	Ireland
Comoros	Paraguay	Israel (passport holders)
Congo, Democratic Republic	Peru	Italy
Congo, Republic of	Philippines	Japan
Costa Rica	Qatar	Korea, South
Cuba	Russia	Latvia
Djibouti	Rwanda	Liechtenstein
Dominica	Sao Tome e Principe	Lithuania
Dominican Republic	Saudi Arabia	Luxembourg
Ecuador	Senegal	Malta
Egypt	Serbia	Mexico
El Salvador	Seychelles	Monaco
Equatorial Guinea	Sierra Leone	Morocco
Eritrea	Somalia	Netherlands
Ethiopia	South Africa	New Zealand
Fiji	Sri Lanka	Norway
Gabon	St. Kitts & Nevis	Philippines
Gambia	St. Lucia	Panama
Georgia	St. Vincent and the Grenadines	Poland
Ghana	Sudan	Portugal
Grenada	Surinam	Romania
Guatemala	Swaziland	San Marino
Guinea	Syria	Seychelles
Guyana	Tajikistan	Singapore
Haiti	Tanzania	Slovakia
Honduras	Thailand	Slovenia
India	Togo	Spain
Indonesia	Tonga	St. Kitts & Nevis
Iran	Trinidad and Tobago	St. Lucia
Iraq	Tunisia	St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Israel (holders of travel document in lieu of passport)	Turkey	Sweden
Ivory Coast	Turkmenistan	Switzerland
Jamaica	Tuvalu	Taiwan
Jordan	Uganda	Thailand
Kazakhstan	Ukraine	Trinidad and Tobago
Kenya	Uruguay	Turks and Caicos
Kiribati	Uzbekistan	United Arab Emirates
Korea, North	Vanuatu	United Kingdom
Kosovo	Venezuela	Uruguay
Kuwait	Vietnam
Kyrgyzstan	Yemen
Laos	Zambia
Lebanon	Zimbabwe
Lesotho

 

What is a Temporary Resident Visa?

A temporary resident visa (TRV), or a visitor visa, is an official document that the Canadian visa office issues. The TRV is usually placed in the passport as proof that the applicant has fulfilled the requirements to be admitted to Canada as a temporary resident. You can enter the country as a temporary foreign worker, international student, or visitor. The TRV must be obtained before entering the country and cannot be acquired after you arrive in Canada.  The basic requirement to be fulfilled for a TRV is to meet the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations with proof that you will reside in the country for a temporary period.   

Differences between a TRV and a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

The table below has the eight major differences between TRV vs. TRP:

Factor	TRV	TRP
Eligibility	For those who are inadmissible to Canada for several reasons	For those who are not a Canadian citizen or PR holder (Unless you are from a visa-exempt country)
Ineligibility	Those whose refugee claim is being processed, whose refugee claim was denied in the last 12 months, or if you have Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) eligibility.	NA
Application process	Can be applied in advance at a Canadian visa office in your native country or at POE (Point of Entry)	Must be applied before entering the country, cannot be granted at the POE
Documents required	Proof that your Canadian trip is mandatory, that the advantages exceed any risks at the entry, proof that you will exit the country after the visa expires, must not work or study in Canada without authorization, will follow Canadian laws during your stay.	Proof that you will leave the country after the expiry of your visa, sufficient proof of funds, must not work or study in Canada without authorization, will follow Canadian laws, must not have a criminal record & must be in good health.
Validity	1-3 years	NA
Renewal	Cannot be renewed, must re-apply after expiry	Can be renewed if required
Cost	$200 CAD per person	$100 CAD per person

 

Eligibility for Temporary Resident Visa

The eligibility criteria for the Temporary Resident Visa are as follows:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a valid passport
• Criminal clearance certificate with supporting documents
• Must be able to pay any additional visa application or processing fees
• Sign the documents and date it as per the requirement
• Sign and file for a Visa Application Center (VAC) Consent Form
• Proof of current immigration status
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Canada
• Evidence that you are willing to attend any visa interview and biometric fee
• Medical report
• Proof that your visit is temporary and that you will return after the visa expires
• Proof that you do not intend to study or work in Canada 

 

Countries with conditional eligibility

Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for an eTA if they fulfill any of the three major criteria. Candidates who fail to do so can apply for a TRV to travel to Canada.

To be eligible for an eTA, one must:

• Come to Canada for a short visit, a business trip, or tourist and travel purposes that do not exceed six months.
• Arrive in the country via air transport or transit through the Canadian airport with a valid passport from any of the non-visa-exempt countries.
• Has held a Canada visit visa in the last ten years or currently holds a valid non-immigrant US visa (The non-immigrant visa must be valid when the candidate applies for an eTA, but does not need to be valid at the time of traveling to Canada)

 

The list of countries with conditional eligibility rules to apply for an eTA is as follows:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Costa Rica
• Mexico
• Morocco
• Panama
• Philippines
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Seychelles
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uruguay

 

Special cases (e.g., US residents with Green Cards)

US Green card holders do not require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to come to Canada. However, they must apply and obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Canada. 

 

Requirements for a Temporary Resident Visa

One of the major requirements to apply for TRV is that the applicant fulfills the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) requirements, along with proof that your stay in the country is temporary.

Some of the other requirements include:

• Assure the officer that you will exit the country after the visa expires
• Submit proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family
• Must not have an intention to study or work in Canada until authorized to do so
• Have no record of criminal offenses or activities 
• Provide a medical report
• Provide additional documents that the officials ask
• Proof of payment showing the amount paid.
• A Photocopy of the information page of your valid passport or travel document, which includes:

• The passport number
• The issuance and expiry dates
• Your photo, name, date, and place of birth

List of forms that need to be submitted for a TRV:

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257)
• Family Information form. Must be filled by those aged 18 years or older.
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
• Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475)

 

Application Procedure for a Temporary Resident Visa

You can apply for the Temporary Resident Visa online or on paper (if applicable).

Apply online for the TRV

Before applying for the Canada TRV, you must have the required permit to enter the country. Candidates must have a valid passport, visa, or eTA to travel to Canada, depending on their country of origin.

You can follow the steps given below to apply for the TRV:

Step 1: Check the requirements for the TRV

As the first step, you must review the list of requirements that will be submitted with your application.

Step 2: Arrange the checklist of documents

You can then sort out the documents for the TRV that include:

• Bank statements (For proof of sufficient funds)
• Itinerary (For evidence of accommodation and duration of stay)
• Travel history (Proof of your visit to Canada or any previous visas)
• IMM 5475
• IMM 5476
• IMM 5645

(For a complete list of documents, check the “Temporary Resident Visa” section)

Step 3: Submit all the documents

You will be required to attach the documents along with the TRV application. 

Step 4: Apply for the TRV

You can pay the required application processing fee, including the biometrics fee (for those applying for the first time), and apply for the TRV.

Step 5: Fly to Canada

You can then submit the TRV application and wait for your visa status before planning your trip to Canada.

 

Apply via paper for the TRV

The TRV visa must be applied online to be accepted and processed. However, you can apply offline via paper if:

• You are unable to apply online due to a disability
• You are traveling with a travel document or identity document that was granted to a non-citizen or a refugee

You can follow the steps given below to apply for the TRV with paper:

Step 1: Check if you are eligible to apply offline

Step 2: Arrange the list of documents

Step 3: Pay the application fees

Step 4: Submit your application

Step 5: Wait for the application status

 

Common mistakes to avoid during application

Mistakes you make at the time of your application can result in delayed processing time.  Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid during your application:

• Inaccurate or incomplete documentation
• Giving false information
• Waiting till the last moment to file the application
• Not providing sufficient and correct bank statements
• Not double-checking the submitted information or documents 
• Not reverting on time to the officials for any additional requests
• Missing out on deadlines and submission guidelines
• Not applying via the official IRCC portal
• Having inconsistencies in your application
• Providing an unclear purpose of the visit

 

Cost and Processing Time for a Temporary Resident Visa

Given below is a complete overview of the TRV cost and processing time.

Fee structure for applying for a TRV

TRV applicants are required to complete and submit Form IMM 5257B with information about single—and multiple-entry visa fees and the family rate.

The table below has the fee required to apply for TRV:

Description	Fee
Temporary resident visa – Single or multiple Entry (includes Parent and Grandparent Extended Stay Temporary Resident Visa super visa) applications received at visa office (no fee required for TRV exempt nationals applying at a visa office).	$100
Temporary resident visa – Maximum family rate	$500

 

eTA Fees

The processing fee for eTA is CAN $7, which must be paid before the application is submitted. The applicant can re-apply for another eTA after five years.

Note: There are no eTA fee exemptions.

 

Processing time for TRV

The processing time for TRV applications depends on the country from which you are applying.

The table below lists processing times for countries outside Canada.

Country	Processing time in days
United Arab Emirates	30
Ghana	80
Jordan	13
Turkey	4
Lebanon	53
Egypt	16
Senegal	13
Nigeria	96
Kenya	5
South Africa	22
Morocco	17
Saudi Arabia	11
Israel	5
Tunisia	10
India	32
Thailand	12
China	11
Sri Lanka	30
Vietnam	32
Pakistan	35
Indonesia	4
Philippines	20
Singapore	20
Australia	16
Romania	6
Ukraine	6
United Kingdom	15
Russia	9
France	13
Italy	6
Austria	13
Poland	6
Colombia	18
Argentina	4
Guatemala	8
Cuba	8
Jamaica	33
Peru	6
United States	20
Mexico	6
Canada (Case Processing Centre)	8
Haiti	61
Trinidad and Tobago	7
Chile	5
Dominican Republic	8
Brazil	12

 

Factors affecting the processing time

Some of the factors that affect the processing time of TRV are as follows:

• Country of residence
• Completeness of the application
• Mode and type of application
• Complexity of the application
• Intake of applications
• Completeness of the application
• Visa office as per the country 

 

What should you do if your TRV application is refused?

There could be many reasons why your TRV application was refused. Countries that require a visa to enter Canada must have a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). It is suggested that an experienced immigration firm like Y-Axis be consulted to avoid chances of rejection, as there is a high refusal rate for applications that apply on their own. TRV visas usually take two weeks to 4 months, depending on the country of residence and the concerned visa office.

Some of the most common reasons for TRV rejection are as follows:

• Lack of travel history
• Overstaying in the country
• Unclear intent to stay
• Failure to provide sufficient documentation
• Failure to meet the security standards
• Not meeting the health standards
• Lack of ties to Home country
• Staying illegally in the country
• Inadmissibility to Canada
• Misinterpretation issues

 

Steps to take after a refusal

You can re-apply for the visa with new information in specific conditions that are listed below:

• Your application for criminal rehabilitation has been approved
• You qualify for deemed rehabilitation
• You are inadmissible but are applying for a TRP (Temporary resident permit)
• You were initially inadmissible for medical reasons, but the reasons have changed since

If your Canada visa is rejected, you can either apply for reapplication, reconsideration, appeal the decision, or apply for judicial review. 

 

Process for reapplication

Step 1: The first step in applying for reapplication is to ensure the information you have given in the application is updated and accurate.  

Step 2: Review the checklist and guidelines for the TRV visa application. 

Step 3: Check if the application has all the required documents.  

Step 4: File for the reapplication and ensure the TRV application is up-to-date, as the requirements and conditions are subject to change since your initial application was rejected.

Step 5: Wait for the status of your reapplication.  

 

Process for Reconsideration

Reconsideration can be known as an appeal to the immigration officer.                  

Note: Reconsideration does not mean a new application. It is only a chance for you to provide additional information or clear out any misunderstandings that have led to the rejection of your application.

 

Process for an appeal

In some rare cases, you can appeal for the visa application to be rejected. Before appealing, the first thing to do is gather, and submit all the relevant documentation and proof to support your case. 

You can appeal for a decision on your application depending on the type of visa refusal.

Some of the conditions listed below are often used to submit an appeal:

• If your application was rejected due to medical reasons, you can appeal to the IRRB (Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada).
• If your application was rejected due to financial reasons, you can submit a review request to the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada). 
• You may be eligible to apply for a judicial review if your application was rejected due to criminal charges or unclear ties to your native country. 

Note: The process for appeal takes longer than the re-application with very low success rates. 

 

Helping Friends and Family Obtain a TRV

How to support a friend's or family member's TRV application?

You can invite a friend or a family member to apply for a Canadian visitor visa by offering a Letter of invitation to support their visa application.  

Note: A letter of invitation can only act as a supporting document and may not necessarily help with getting the visa. 

 

What should be included in the Letter of Invitation?

Writing a letter of invitation does not make you responsible for the family member or friend. It is, however, still important to write a letter that states facts, including keeping the promises made in the letter. 

The information that is required to be included about the person you are inviting in the Letter of Invitation is as follows:

• Full name of the person
• Date of Birth 
• Residential address and contact details 
• Your relationship with the person 
• Purpose of the trip 
• Duration of their stay in the country 
• Details of their accommodation in Canada, along with the means of payment/ supporting themself in the country 
• Details of when the person will leave or exit the country 

 

The information that is required to be included about you in the Letter of Invitation is as follows:

• Full name
• Date of birth 
• Residential address and contact details 
• Job role/title 
• Details of your family that include the names and Dates of the birth of your spouse and dependents
• Proof that you are a Canadian citizen or PR holder 
• Evidence of your Canadian status:

1. Canadian birth certificate (If you were born in Canada)
2. Canadian citizenship card (If you are a naturalized citizen)
3. Copy of the IMM 100 or PR card 
4. A Secure Certificate of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status (status card)

 

Required documents and letters of support

The documents required or the letters of support depend on the factors listed below: 

• The country that issued the travel document 
• The type of travel document that was issued 
• The applicant's nationality 
• The applicant's means of travel to Canada 
• Below is a list of documents you can send to the family you are inviting. The TRV applicant can attach these documents and the TRV application in their home country.  
• Copy of the passport 
• Study permit and Confirmation of Registration letter (If you are currently admitted to a school)

Note: The study permit must be valid for the duration of the invited family’s stay in the country

• Post-graduation work permit and study permit and Confirmation of Registration letter 

Note: Any one of the documents mentioned above must be valid for the duration of the invited family's stay in the country

• Letter of Invitation
• Applicants must also submit proof of sufficient financial funds and social ties to their native country

 

Special Considerations for TRV Holders

Given below are some of the special considerations for TRV holders

 

Extending Your Stay in Canada

If you are a TRV holder in Canada and wish to extend your stay in the country, you can follow the steps given below: 

Step 1: Check your eligibility 

Make sure you are eligible to apply for an extension. If yes, keep a scanner or camera to have copies of your documents and a valid credit or debit card for payment.  

Step 2: Review the instructions guide on the official website

Go through the instructions guide (Guide 5551), which will help you complete the online form. 

Step 3: Be prepared with relevant answers 

Before uploading the documents, you must answer a few questions to generate a personalized list of documents.  

Step 4: Sign in or create an account online

Create an online account to complete the fee payment, submit your application, and check the status. 

Step 5: Wait for the status

You can then complete the steps mentioned in Step 4 and await an update about your TRV extension. 

 

You can also apply for a TRV extension offline if you have a disability or if the online application is not working.

 

Below are the steps to apply offline or on paper for the TRV extension.

Step 1: Get the application package 

As the first step, you must get the application package, which includes the list of forms to be submitted. The list of forms includes IMM 5558, IMM 5708, IMM 5409, and IMM 5476. 

Step 2: Prepare the application package 

Complete and submit all the pages in the application package. Print out the form, sign, and date it. 

Step 3: Pay the application fee

Complete the fee payment, which generally includes the processing fee. 

Step 4: Submit the application 

Please submit the completed application to the address in the application package, along with the fee receipt and documents. 

Step 5: Wait for the status

Once the application is submitted, wait for a decision from the officials.

 

Studying in Canada on a TRV

International students who wish to pursue a study program or course in Canada require a valid study permit. However, students enrolled in study programs under six months do not need a permit. Those looking for courses over six months must apply to a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You must apply for a study permit once you are admitted to the study program.  

 

Working in Canada on a TRV

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada must obtain a Canadian work permit to seek employment there. You can apply for a work permit with a temporary resident status. You will likely extend your stay in the country while a decision is being taken on your application. You can remain in Canada under "maintained status" as you wait for a decision to be announced.

 

Business Visits on a TRV

Foreign business people who wish to enter Canada for business or trade purposes require a Temporary resident visa (TRV). Depending on their nationality or country of origin, they will either need an eTA or a TRV. Qualifying business people with eligibility for the visa can obtain a single-entry, multiple-entry, or transit visa. The visa is generally offered by the visa office in their country, stating that the individual has fulfilled the requirements for a TRV.

Requirements for a Business Visitor visa

Given below are some of the eligibility requirements for a Business visitor visa:

• The planned trip to Canada must not exceed more than six months. 
• The business person should not intend to enter the Canadian labor market. 
• The business person must provide proof of the complete source of profits and income and additional supporting documents. 
• Have a valid passport. 
• Must have an intention to leave the country after the planned intended stay period 
• Must not be involved in any criminal activity and pose no health, physical, or criminal threat to the Canadians
• Proof of sufficient funds to support their stay in Canada

 

What can you do with a business visitor visa?

Here are some of the activities or things you can do with a Business visitor visa:

• Purchase Canadian services or goods from a foreign government or business 
• Accept orders for goods and services 
• Attend conferences, meetings, fairs, or conventions 
• Get training from a Canadian parent company of the company you work for outside of Canada 
• Train employees at the Canadian branch of your company 

Note: Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, a Mexican national or a U.S. citizen can participate in activities like research and general or marketing services.