Below is a series of questions and answers related to Canadian Temporary Resident Permits to help you understand and be aware of your Canadian immigration options. Please note these this information is for general information purposes only and is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. If you need advice specific to your personal circumstances, please schedule a consultation.
What is a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)?
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) allows a foreign national to have temporary resident status in Canada. It is used to enter Canada on a temporary basis but, unlike a TRV, it is used to overcome some prior event in the applicant’s life which has made them inadmissible. In short, if you are inadmissible to Canada but need to come to Canada, then you need a TRP.
How Is a Temporary Resident Permit Different From a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?
A temporary resident visa (TRV), which is also simply known as a visitor visa, is an official document from the Canadian government that is inserted in your passport and establishes that you meet the qualifications needed to travel to and enter Canada. With a TRV, you may engage in tourism, subject to certain limitations and requirements. TRVs for tourists are generally valid for six months. Further, a TRV may be valid for a single entry or multiple entries. As for who needs to apply for one, TRVs are generally required if you are from a visa-required country and you want to visit Canada. If you are from a visa-exempt country, then a TRV is usually not required; you may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). In short, a TRV is used by visa-required nationals to travel to and enter Canada, while a TRP is used by foreign nationals who temporarily enter Canada for a short period of time even though they are inadmissible.
How Do Immigration Officers Decide Whether to Issue a TRP?
When officers evaluate whether to grant a TRP, they are balancing the health and safety risk to Canadian society versus the reason the foreign national needs to come to Canada. The standard is subjective and officers are afforded a great deal of deference in determining how these factors are to be weighed.
Where Can I Apply for a TRP?
Applicants can apply for a TRP outside a Canada through a visa office, at a port of entry or from within Canada. Therefore, although processing times may differ, you can apply regardless of your location.
Who Can Apply for a TRP?
Three different groups may submit a TRP: 1. Individuals who are outside of Canada, would like to enter but are inadmissible, 2. Individuals who are currently in Canada and become inadmissible and 3. Individuals who are not eligible for restoration of an expired status.
If I Committed a Crime in the Past, Am I Criminally Inadmissible?
The fact that you may have committed a crime in the past does not necessarily make you inadmissible to Canada. Criminal inadmissibility does not apply if 1. you have been pardoned; 2. you have been granted rehabilitation by the Canada Minister or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of their delegated representative or 3. you are deemed to have been rehabilitated. If you can provide documentation establishing that you fall into one of these categories regarding your prior offenses, you are not criminally inadmissible.
What Are the Factors in Rendering a Decision on Criminal Inadmissibility?
Immigration officers evaluate a variety of factors when deciding a TRP application. Here are some of the questions they must consider:
- How serious were the offenses?
- What are the chances of the applicant committing further offenses?
- What are the factors that led the applicant to commit the offenses?
- Has the applicant taken any steps to rehabilitate themselves?
- Was the person under the influence of controlled substances when committing the act?
- Is there a pattern of illegal behavior?
- Has the applicant fulfilled the terms of their sentence?
- Are there any other outstanding, additional criminal charges?
- Are there any restrictions on travel?
- Is the applicant eligible for rehabilitation or a record of suspension?
- How long has it been since the applicant committed the offense?
- If the applicant were admitted to Canada, would it cause any controversy or any other risk?
Assessments are typically made holistically so a negative answer to one or more of these questions are not necessarily fatal to your TRP application.
Do I Need a Lawyer Who Focuses on Inadmissibility and TRPs?
Immigration officers have a high degree of discretion when deciding a TRP application. Further, current Canadian jurisprudence recognizes that issuing a TRP is justified only in “exceptional” circumstances. Therefore, you will need to provide a compelling reason for why you should be admitted to Canada. Given the subjective nature of how each factor should be weighed and the importance of preparing and presenting a strong case, it is highly advisable to work with a lawyer who specifically focuses on this area of law.
Additionally, there is no right to appeal a TRP denial. You will have to reapply, request reconsideration from the officer or apply for judicial review. These solutions will result in more time and money and further delay your entry to Canada. This may cause you to miss an important business trip or family event hence, applying for TRP should not be taken lightly. It is highly advisable to work with counsel.
Last Updated on July 9, 2026 by Ernest J. Edwards