Temporary Resident Visa

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What is a Temporary Resident Visa?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a document that allows foreign nationals to travel to a Canadian port of entry, such as an airport or border crossing. It indicates that the person has met the basic requirements for entry as a temporary resident, but it does not guarantee that they will be allowed into Canada.

On arriving in Canada, a person’s entry requirements will be reviewed by a border services officer to determine whether they are still met. When there are such concerns, the officer has the right to deny entry. Getting into Canada counts as a privilege, as it is dependent on meeting a criteria on the date of arrival.

A person with a TRV must leave Canada by the end of their authorized stay unless they apply for an extension or change in status.

Categories of Canadian Temporary Visas

Depending on the purpose of visit, the following types of temporary visa are available in Canada. Below are three common categories: It includes Canada Student Visa, Canada Work Visa and Canada Visitor Visa. There are requirements for each of these visas and also has a set of eligibility and processing times.

1. Canada Student Visa (Study Permit)

A Canada Student Visa, and widely called a Study Permit which allows international students to study in any Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) of Canada. The permission referred to within this permit is required for most foreign nationals planning to study in Canada for a period longer than 6 months.

Canada Student Visa Requirements:

Letter of Acceptance: From a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) : To apply for a study permit, you must provide either a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or a Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), depending on where you plan to study. Most students are required to submit this letter from the specific province or territory where their institution is located, alongside their study permit application.
Language Proficiency : IELTS or another English/French proficiency test is often required for admission into most Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), especially for non-native English speakers.
Proof of Financial Support: Evidence that you can support yourself and pay for your tuition, living expenses, and return transportation.
Travel Documents: Valid passport and passport-sized photos.
Proof of No Criminal Record: Police certificate.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): Explaining why you want to study in Canada and your plans post-study.

Canada Student Visa Eligibility:

Enrollment in a DLI: You must be accepted into a DLI.
Proof of Funds: Must show you have enough money to support your studies and living expenses.
Clean Criminal Record: No prior criminal history.
Medical Fitness: You may need to undergo a medical examination.
Genuine Intent: You must prove that you plan to leave Canada after completing your studies.

Canada Student Visa Processing Time:

Standard Processing Time: Typically between 1 to 3 months, depending on the country of application. Processing times may vary.
Student Direct Stream (SDS): In select countries, the visa can be processed in 20 days under the SDS program for faster processing, provided you meet specific requirements.

2. Canada Work Visa

The work permit, also called a Canada Work Visa, permits foreign nationals to work in Canada on a temporary basis. Work permits are of different types based on the job, duration and whether or not a Canadian employer has employed the person.

Canada Work Visa Requirements:

Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Some jobs require an LMIA, proving that the employer could not find a Canadian to fill the position.
Work Permit Application: Completed form with supporting documents.
Proof of Financial Support: Evidence you can support yourself and your family in Canada.
Travel Documents: Valid passport and passport-sized photos.
Medical Exam: May be required for some jobs, such as healthcare.

Canada Work Visa Eligibility:

Job Offer: A valid job offer is usually required unless you are exempt (e.g., open work permits).
LMIA: In most cases, an LMIA is needed to assess the impact of hiring a foreign worker.
No Criminal Record: Police certificate.
Medical Exam: May be required depending on the job and country of residence.
Intent to Leave: You must prove you will leave Canada when your work permit expires.

Canada Work Visa Processing Time:

Standard Processing Time: Usually takes between 2 weeks to several months, depending on the type of work permit, nationality, and the visa office processing the application.
Global Talent Stream: If eligible, processing could take as little as 2 weeks.

3. Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)

The Canada Visitor Visa allows foreign nationals to travel to Canada temporarily on a short term basis for such purposes as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings or short-term studies (less than six months). The visa typically falls into two categories: Depending on how much you plan to fly into Canada, you’ll require a single entry or multiple entry visas.

Canada Visitor Visa Requirements:

Proof of Identity: Valid passport and passport-sized photos.
Proof of Financial Support: Evidence you can financially support yourself during your stay.
Purpose of Visit: The purpose of your visit in Canada ( For example : Tourism, attending business meetings or conferences in Canada, visiting family or friends residing in Canada etc.)
Travel Itinerary: Details of your travel plans.
Invitation Letter: If you’re visiting friends or family, you may need a letter of invitation from them.
Ties to Home Country: Strong ties to your home country (e.g., job, property) to show you’ll come back.

Canada Visitor Visa Eligibility:

Valid Passport: You must have a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay.
Financial Support: Must prove you can support yourself financially during your stay.
Ties to Home Country: Must show strong ties (job, family, property) that compel you to return home after your visit.
Clean Criminal Record: Must not have a criminal record.
Medical Exam: May be required in some cases.
Genuine Intent: You must show that your intent is to visit temporarily and that you will leave at the end of your stay.

Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time:

Standard Processing Time: Typically ranges from 2 weeks to several months, depending on the country of application and volume at the visa office.
Express Options: No express service is available for regular visitor visas, but processing times can vary by location.

Each of these visas allows temporary entry to Canada for a specific purpose—whether it’s studying, working, or visiting. It’s essential to ensure that the application is thorough and complete to avoid unnecessary delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a TRV from India?

Yes, you can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) from India. The application process can be completed online through the IRCC portal. You will need to submit your application form, required documents, and biometrics. Processing times may vary, so it’s important to apply well in advance of your planned travel.

How long does it take to get a Temporary Resident Visa in Canada?

The processing time for a TRV varies depending on the country from which you are applying. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Processing times are influenced by factors such as the volume of applications, completeness of your documents, and whether additional steps such as biometrics or a medical exam are required. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.

What are the documents required for a Temporary Resident Visa in Canada?

The following documents are generally required when applying for a TRV:

A valid passport.
Proof of financial support (bank statements, pay stubs, etc.) to show you can support yourself during your stay.
Travel itinerary or details of your trip to Canada (e.g., hotel bookings, flight tickets).
Letter of invitation from a Canadian resident (if visiting family or friends).
Medical exam (if required, based on the length of stay or country of origin).
Police certificate (if required, to prove you have no criminal record).
Completed application form and required biometrics (if applicable).

Who is eligible for a Temporary Resident Visa in Canada?

To be eligible for a TRV, applicants must:

Hold a valid passport or travel document.
Be in good health (medical exam may be required).
Prove that they have enough financial resources to cover their stay.
Convince the immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their visit.
Have no criminal record and provide a police clearance certificate if required.
Provide additional documents, such as a letter of invitation (if applicable).

What happens if I overstay my Temporary Resident Visa?

Overstaying your TRV can have serious consequences. If you remain in Canada beyond the authorized period, you may lose your status and could be subject to removal from Canada. You may also face difficulties in obtaining visas or entry to Canada in the future. If you realize that you have overstayed, you should consult with immigration authorities immediately to address your situation.