Temporary Resident Visa
A temporary resident visa (TRV) also known as a visitor visa is an official document issued by a visa office that is placed in a person’s passport to show that they have met the wants for admission to Canada as a short-lived resident.
Temporary Resident Visa
Temporary Resident Visas
A temporary resident visa (TRV) also known as a visitor visa is an official document issued by a visa office that is placed in a person’s passport to show that they have met the wants for admission to Canada as a short-lived resident.
Who Needs a Visitor’s Visa
The main determining factor on whether you need a short-lived Resident Visa before travelling to Canada is nationality. If you are a citizen of a country that Canada has exempted from the Temporary Resident Visa requirement, you want to instead obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before travelling to Canada by air (if travelling overland, visa-exempt individuals may obtain approval to enter Canada on a brief-lived basis at the Canadian border). Travellers from all other countries must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor’s Visa).
Different Types of Visitor’s Visa
You need a visitor visa if you are from a visa-required country and you propose to go to Canada (even if you’re traveling by air and it’s for fewer than 48 hours) or stay in Canada quite 48 hours while transiting.
Unless you’re from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need a visitor visa to enter Canada whether you’re coming as a student, temp, or just to go to which translates into the subsequent different types of Visitor’s Visa: Transit Visa, Single Entry Visa, and Multiple Entry Visa.
Transit
You may need to transit through Canada on your way to another country. The document with which you are using to transit through Canada depends on:
- how you’ll travel through Canada (by air, car, bus, train, boat, including cruise ship).
- how long it will take you to transit through Canada.
- the nationality of your passport.
- other factors, like whether you’re a permanent resident of the us or a US visa holder.
Single Entry
The single-entry visa allows a visitor to enter Canada only once during the visa’s period of validity, may be issued up to 6 months before the expected date of travel, and should have an expiry date of a minimum of one month after the expected date of arrival in Canada.
A single-entry visa could also be issued in cases where an applicant is eligible for a fee exemption and therefore the purpose of entry to Canada is restricted – to visit a loved one, study or for tourism.
Another reason for a single entry is, if an applicant is participating in a one-time special event in Canada – such as a conference or a short term project.
Also, if country-specific procedures or guidelines are in place and approved by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) a single entry visa may be issued.
Once a single-entry visa is issued, the reasons need to be noted in the case.
Persons who are issued single-entry visas and for whom the amount authorized for his or her stay in Canada has not ended may visit us and back. They are will not need to obtain a second temporary resident visa to re-enter Canada.
Multiple Entry
The multiple-entry visa allows the holder to enter Canada from any country as often as necessary during the visa’s period of validity. It is issued with long-term validity to facilitate entry into Canada for legitimate travelers and it has a maximum validity date of up to 10 years or one month before the expiration date on your travel document.
A multiple-entry visa can still be valid even though it was issued on an expired travel document (in this case, the holder must have a newer and valid travel document and must present both travel documents to the airline carrier so as to visit and to the border services officer in order to enter Canada).
Once you have determined which visitor’s visa you need, there are a few visitor’s visa requirements that need to be met before you can apply.
Important Requirements for Visitor’s Visa
Basic requirements need to be met in order for you to receive a visitor’s visa.
You can prove that you have ties—such as employment, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country.
You have enough money for the duration of your stay. The amount of funds you’ll need depends on how long you’ll stay and if you’ll stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.
You are in good health and are free of any criminal or immigration-related convictions. You may be asked to complete a medical exam.
You have a valid reason to visit such as studying, visiting a family member, on a short project or for tourism and can prove that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
You may be asked to provide a letter of invitation from someone that knows you well in Canada and is inviting you to the country. This individual can be a friend, family, or business partner, but it must be someone who knows you well and can verify your identity and purpose for visiting Canada.
The invitation letter is essentially a plea from this person in Canada asking the Canadian Consulate to offer you a visa and permit you to enter the country.
It acts as a guarantee from the person inviting you to the Consulate that you are providing true information about your reasons to enter Canada and can prove that you will leave at the end of your visit, as well as that they can support you financially if you are not able to.
Visitor’s Visa Application Process
Once you have determined that you need a visitor’s visa you may go ahead and go through the Visa Application Process, you will need to:
- Gather required documents
- Complete the application online or fill it out manually to be mailed ( applying online ensures your application is complete before you submit it. You will also be able to get updates on the status of your application directly on your online account).
- Pay the fees.
- Submit the application.
After you apply for a visitor visa
Fingerprints and in most cases, biometrics will be required. After paying the biometrics fee and submitting your application, you will receive a letter that indicates your requirement to give your biometrics. Details on how and where will be included. You have up to 30 days to provide your biometrics (in person).
Your application will be reviewed to ensure that all documents required have been submitted. If it’s incomplete, it will be returned to you without processing.
You may be asked to: Go to an interview with officials in your country, send more information, get a medical exam, and get a police certificate.
Visitor’s Visa Processing Time
Processing times depend upon the visa office and if you are required to complete any of the steps (listed above).
Your passport and other original documents are going to be returned to you after your application is processed. If your application is approved, the visa is going to be stamped inside your passport and if your application is refused, an explanation will be provided.
The validity period of a visitor’s visa
If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer may stamp your passport or let you know the length of your stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to remain in Canada for up to six months.
At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to remain for fewer or a while longer than 6 months. If so, they put the date you are to leave in your passport. They could also offer you a document, called a visitor record, which shows the date you need to leave by.
If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you’ll stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you require a stamp, you’ll ask a border services officer for one or if you reach an airport that uses primary inspection kiosks, ask the border officer after you finish at the kiosk.
In some cases, the officer may limit or extend your time to stay in Canada to cover the planned purpose of your visit.
Extending a visitor’s visa
If you want to increase the time of your stay in Canada as a visitor, you need to apply for a visitor record. A visitor record isn’t a visa.
A visitor record is a document that reflects your status as a visitor in Canada and allows you to remain longer. It includes an alternate expiry date – that’s the new date that you must leave Canada by.
When to apply for a visitor record
You are required to apply for a visitor record before your current status expires. If you’re unsure when your status expires, determine how long you’ll stay in Canada.
A visitor record is a document that continues to offer your status as a visitor in Canada and allows you to remain longer. It doesn’t guarantee that you simply can leave and then re-enter Canada.
If you propose to travel outside Canada or the US, you need a legitimate entry document, like a visitor visa or eTA, to return to Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my application for TRV is refused?
If your situation has drastically changed and you have new information to submit then you may re-apply.
Would I be able to help a visiting friend or a family member with their TRV?
The part that you can help out with is the Letter of Invitation, indicating how you will help the person when they visit Canada. You may for example provide them with accommodation with you. The whole process however should start outside of Canada by the applicant from the country they are living in. There is no guarantee that a TRV will be issued based on the Letter of Invitation only.
What documents do I need for my TRV application?
Passport size photos, a copy of your return ticket or travel itinerary, other documents that may be required for your specific country/region and proof of financial support.
I am a US resident with a Green Card status (Permanent Resident of the USA), Do I need a TRV?
If you are flying into Canada you will need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) which would be issued upon arrival or you can apply for it and get it before you arrive. If you are driving across the border all you need to do is present your valid Green Card at the Canadian border.
I’m flying into Canada for business purposes, do I need a TRV?
If you are flying in from a country that Canada requires a TRV then YES you will need to apply and obtain one.
If I have my TRV, would I be able to work in Canada?
For the most part you need to get a Work Permit in order to work in Canada with exceptions.
Assessment form
Mana Immigration is a leading Canadian immigration law firm with all the solutions you may need to live your dreams. Please spend a few minutes completing the assessment form of your choice. Once you complete the form, Mana Immigration will contact you to provide further assistance.
