What is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Having a visa does not guarantee the right to enter, as a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer retains the authority to refuse entry to inadmissible individuals. If you are a study permit holder, your TRV will say “student” visa in your passport.
Types of Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
There are two types of Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) you could get:
- A single-entry visa: allows you to enter Canada only once during its validity. When you leave Canada, excluding travel to the United States and St. Pierre and Miquelon, you will need to obtain a new TRV to return to Canada.
- A multiple-entry visa: allows you to re-enter Canada repeatedly during its validity. You must arrive in Canada on or before the expiry of your TRV.
Who needs a TRV
Not everyone needs a TRV to enter Canada. This visa requirement depends on your Country of citizenship.
Exception: If you have a valid study permit and leave Canada to visit only the United States, St. Pierre and Miquelon, you do not need a valid Temporary Resident Visa to re-enter Canada, provided that you re-enter Canada before the expiry of your study permit: immigration and Refugee Protection Regulation, Section 190-3f.
Keeping your TRV valid
If your passport with a TRV is lost or stolen
Applying
If you are currently outside of Canada
You must apply at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC). Every VAC will have specific application and processing requirements.
If you are currently in Canada and have a valid study permit
You must apply either Online or by paper through the Case Processing Centre in Ottawa. The application fee is $100.00 CAD.
When to Apply
You should apply 1 to 4 months before your planned travel or immediately after you have extended your study permit. If you do not have enough time to apply for a new TRV before leaving Canada and require re-entry, you may apply for a new TRV outside Canada at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC). Processing time varies.
You can check approximate processing times online. In the drop-down menu, select visitor visa (from inside Canada) to view processing times for applications submitted within Canada. Select visitor visa (from outside Canada) to view processing times for applications submitted outside Canada.
