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Temporary Resident Visa
Temporary Resident Visa: For Limited Duration Stays
This article contains tops tips from our experts, backed by in-depth research.
Last Updated: 23 Jul 2025
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Our team recently fact checked this article for accuracy. However, things do change, so please do your own research.
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) permits citizens of visa-required countries to visit Canada temporarily for tourism, family, or business for up to six months per entry. Applications are online, require biometrics and supporting documents, and must show intent to return home.
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In This Article, You Will Discover:
Key Takeaways
- A Temporary Resident Visa, often required for visitors to a country, allows for a short stay for purposes such as tourism, visiting family, or conducting business.
- The requirements include proving intent to return to one’s home country, financial support for the stay, and may include a medical exam or a letter of invitation.
- The duration of stay with a TRV is usually limited to six months, though extensions can be applied for from within the country.
- TRV holders are generally not permitted to work or study during their stay, unless they receive a specific permit to do so.
- Applying for an extension or a change to another visa category must be done carefully to ensure compliance with immigration policies and avoid overstaying.
What Is a Temporary Resident Visa?
A Temporary Resident Visa is an official entry document that authorizes non-Canadian citizens and non-permanent residents from visa-required countries to travel to—and seek admission into—Canada for a specified time.
The TRV is affixed to your passport and must be obtained before your journey; border officers will determine final entry and duration, normally not exceeding six months.
Applicants must demonstrate the intention to leave Canada by the end of their authorized period, strong ties to their home country, and sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Who Needs a TRV and Who Is Exempt?
Who Needs a TRV?
- Citizens of visa-required countries (full list on IRCC website)
- Anyone wishing to visit Canada temporarily for tourism, business meetings, family, or short-term studies (less than six months)
- Visitors in transit through a Canadian airport (unless exempt)
Who Is Exempt?
- Citizens of visa-exempt countries (require only an eTA or passport)
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents (with proper documentation)
- Those already holding a valid Canadian work or study permit (if returning after a trip abroad during the permit’s validity)
Check your eligibility on the official IRCC tool.
Permitted Activities & Restrictions
Permitted Activities
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting friends or family
- Attending business meetings or conferences (no direct work)
- Short courses or study (six months or less)
- Participating in certain cultural or sporting events
Restrictions
- No employment: A TRV does not permit working in Canada.
- No enrolment in long-term study programs: A study permit is required for courses longer than six months.
- No access to Canadian public benefits: e.g., healthcare, welfare
- No permanent residence pathway through a TRV alone.
You must leave Canada when your authorized stay ends, though extensions can be requested in rare cases.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine Visa Need
- Use the IRCC website tool to confirm if you require a TRV.
- Online Application
- Complete your TRV application via the IRCC secure portal.
- Create a GCKey account or use sign-in partner.
- Upload Supporting Documents
- Gather and upload all required documents (see checklist below).
- Pay Visa Fees
- Pay the application fee ($100 CAD for most applicants; additional for biometrics and family/group apps).
- Biometrics Appointment
- Attend an authorized Visa Application Centre to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.
- Wait for Processing
- Most applications are processed within 15–30 days, but times can vary by country and season.
- Visa Decision & Passport Submission
- If approved, submit your passport for TRV sticker/foil affixing. If refused, review the written reasons and consider reapplying.
- Travel to Canada
- Present your TRV and supporting documents at the port of entry. Admissibility will be determined by a border services officer.
Required Documents Checklist
- Valid passport (must expire after the planned departure from Canada)
- Fully completed electronic application form (IMM 5257)
- Family Information Form (IMM 5645 or 5707, as required)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, pay slips, sponsor letters)
- Proof of ties to home country (employment, property, studies, family, etc.)
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations, invitation)
- Letter of invitation (if visiting friends or family)
- Purpose of visit statement or business letter (for business trips)
- Recent passport-size photographs (per IRCC specs)
- Biometrics fee receipt
- If applying with family: marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, custody documents
- Any prior Canadian visa refusals or immigration records
Documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Fees, Validity & Processing Times
| Fee Type | Cost (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TRV Single/Multiple Entry | CAD $100 | Valid for up to 10 years, or until passport expires; max 6 months per stay |
| Family (5 or more) | CAD $500 | Application for families travelling together |
| Super Visa (parents/grandparents) | CAD $100 | Plus proof of insurance/finances |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD $85 (per person); CAD $170 (per family) | Typically required every 10 years |
| Processing Time | 15–30 days typical | Varies by country/season |
TRV vs. Other Canadian Entry Permits
| Permit Type | Purpose | Duration | Work/Study Allowed | Application Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) | Visit/tourism/family/business | Up to 6 months | No | Yes |
| Study Permit | Academic study (6+ months) | Course length | Yes | Yes |
| Work Permit | Temporary employment | Job-dependent | Yes | Yes |
| eTA | Short visits from visa-exempt countries | Up to 6 months | No | Yes (online, if flying in) |
| Super Visa | Long visits for parents/grandparents | Up to 5 years per entry | No | Yes |
Common Questions
Can I work or study in Canada on a TRV?
How long can I stay in Canada?
Can I extend my stay?
Do I need a TRV if I have an eTA?
What if I overstay my visa?
Can my family apply with me?
Will holding a TRV help with permanent residency?
In Conclusion
The Temporary Resident Visa offers a streamlined route for limited stays in Canada, whether you’re visiting, studying briefly, or attending business events.
Careful preparation, strong supporting ties to your home country, and timely applications are key to approval.
Remember: TRVs do not provide work rights or a pathway to permanent residence.
Disclaimer: This information was accurate as of July 2025. Immigration requirements and eligibility change frequently—always consult the official government portal or a qualified advisor before applying.
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