Updated on December 10, 2025 by canadian immigration experts
A Guide To Visiting Canada With A Temporary Resident Visa
Every year, Canada welcomes many visitors for short stays. If you’re not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or from specific countries, it’s important to learn about the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before planning your trip to Canada. This article is to help you understand the rules about visiting Canada with a temporary resident visa.
Think of the TRV as a special permission slip for people with temporary plans in Canada. This includes tourists, students (with study permits), and workers (with work permits). It’s issued by a Canadian office that handles immigration. When you hold a TRV, it means you’re allowed to visit Canada for a specific reason.
Remember, having a TRV doesn’t automatically mean you can enter Canada or stay for a long time.
Understanding TRV Requirements
To start the Temporary Resident Visa application process, you’ll need to complete specific forms provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In addition, you must:
- Pay the processing fee and biometric collection charges.
- Provide the necessary supporting documents with your application.
These documents might include:
- Passport photos
- Proof of having enough money
- Copies of your return tickets or travel plans, if you have them
- The documents needed could be different depending on the visa office that handles applications from your country or region.
How Long a TRV Lasts
If there’s no date in your passport showing when your visit ends, you can stay in Canada for up to six months from your arrival date.
How Long A Temporary Resident Visa Lasts
Differentiating Multiple Entry and Single-Entry Visas
A multiple entry visa lets you come and go from Canada as many times as you need to while it’s valid. This is the usual kind of TRV. It can last up to ten years or until a month before your passport expires.
On the other hand, a single-entry visa is for coming to Canada just once, maybe for a special event. You’ll need a good reason from the immigration office to get this kind.
Staying Longer
If you want to stay in Canada for more than six months, you can ask for an extension. You do this by filling out forms online or on paper. It’s best to do this at least 30 days before your current permission to stay ends. Even if your permission expires before you get an answer, you can still wait in Canada.
Studying and Working
If you’re a student and your program is under six months, you don’t need a special study permit. But for programs longer than six months, you need to be accepted by a specific school in Canada and then apply for a study permit.
For work, most people need a work permit. If you have a TRV and want to work, you can apply for a work permit. You might need to wait a bit, so you can stay in Canada while IRCC makes a decision.
Bringing Family
If you’re waiting for your family to get permission to live in Canada permanently, they can still visit you with a TRV. The process is faster for spouses and children, usually about 30 days.
Visiting Family In Canada With A Temporary Resident Visa
Transitioning from Temporary to Permanent
If you’re thinking about living in Canada forever, you can still visit first with a TRV. It’s fine to want to stay permanently later, but you still need to follow the rules for temporary visits, like leaving when you’re supposed to.
Navigating the complexities of immigration rules can be confusing. Our counseling services, led by Jane Katkova, are here to provide clarity. Book a consultation now and embark on your journey to Canada with confidence.
