Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
A Temporary Resident Permit, also known as a TRP, is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows people who are inadmissible to Canada to visit the country temporarily. A TRP is only given to a person if the CBSA officer decides that their need to come to Canada outweighs the risk of that person being in the country.
A TRP is a temporary solution to inadmissibility compared to criminal rehabilitation, and will clearly indicate the specific dates you are allowed to be present in the country. After the expiration of a TRP, you are no longer allowed to be in Canada.
What is a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)?
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a special permit that is issued to those who successfully demonstrate a pressing need to enter Canada that outweighs the risks of letting them enter the country. A TRP allows individuals to enter or stay in the country for a specific period. Officers reserve the right to revoke this permit at any given time at their discretion.
There are two pathways available to apply for a TRP. Through the consulate and at the port of entry (POE). An immigration program manager if you applied through the consulate or a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the POE will determine which TRP applications should be approved. They will compare the risks of a person’s entry to the benefits it will have on Canadian society. Therefore, it is up to the applicant to demonstrate that they are deserving of temporary residence in Canada. TRPs usually cover the necessary length of a person’s stay in Canada and if you are granted one, you must leave once your temporary residence has expired.
Unlike other permits, such as work or study permits, a TRP is not intended for long-term stays but rather provides a temporary solution for individuals facing specific inadmissibility issues (criminal inadmissibility and medical inadmissibility). It is a discretionary measure and is granted on a case-by-case basis, often requiring applicants to demonstrate the necessity of their visit and their ability to adhere to Canadian laws. In contrast to permanent residency or citizenship, a TRP is a short-term solution designed to address specific circumstances, from other immigration permits in Canada.
How Long Is a TRP Valid?
A TRP can be a single-entry permit, which means that you will only be allowed to be present in Canada for a specific period of time with an expiration date, in which you will have to leave the country.
A multi-entry TRP however, is more difficult to justify and to obtain. A multi-entry TRP usually ranges from a (1) year to three (3) years and allows the individual to enter and leave Canada multiple times in that time frame. This is usually granted to those who must enter Canada multiple times as part of their job or professional obligations.
What is the Difference Between a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is different from a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). A TRV is intended for individuals visiting Canada for tourism, business, or family purposes, and it follows the standard immigration requirements. While both involve temporary stays, a TRP addresses unique situations that may render an individual inadmissible, whereas a Visitor Visa is for those meeting the regular criteria for temporary entry. Understanding these differences is crucial for individuals navigating the Canadian immigration landscape.
Who needs a Temporary Resident Permit?
Anyone who is inadmissible to Canada, but has a valid need to come into the country temporarily can apply for a TRP. TRPs can cover either medical or criminal inadmissibility. If you are inadmissible to Canada because of a criminal conviction and you completed your sentence less than five years ago, a Temporary Resident Permit might be your only option if you have a compelling need to travel to Canada.
If you have a business meeting, family emergencies, or an important trip planned out in Canada, and you are otherwise inadmissible, you need a TRP.
How can I apply for a TRP?
There are two ways to apply for a TRP depending on your travel plans and needs. You can submit your application in advance by mailing it to the consulate or you can submit it at the Port of Entry (POE) border between Canada and America. There are key differences and risks associated with the two ways and it is very important to understand your options to choose the best for you.
The difference between applying for a TRP at the Consulate vs Port of Entry:
| Consulate applications for TRP | Port of Entry applications for TRP | |
|---|---|---|
| How to apply | Mail physical application to consulate | Canadian border at airport or land crossing |
| Processing time | Around 4-8 months | Immediately |
| Recommended for | Planned travelling to Canada | Urgent emergency with less than 4 months to the travel date |
| Validity period | Short term up to long term (3 years) | Likely short period of time (few days-weeks) |
| Risk of rejection | Lower risk of rejection (If all the documents prepared correctly) If your application is rejected at the consulate, you may still be able to apply at the Port of Entry. | Higher risk of rejection The CBSA officers evaluate your circumstances in real-time with stricter scrutiny. If your application at the POE is refused, you will have to turn back immediately and cancel any plans of entering Canada. |
Applying for a Temporary Resident Permit at the Consulate
To apply for a TRP to the Canadian consulate, a complete and accurate package of applications and documents must be sent in by physical mail.
What documents do I need to apply for a TRP at the consulate?
- Processing Fee Receipt
- Application for TRP
- Two passport-sized photos
- Use of Representative Form (if applicable)
- Applicant Letter re Circumstances of offence
- Applicant Statement Regarding Purpose of Visit
- Photocopy of US passport
- Court documents regarding offence
- FBI Criminal History Report
- Supporting Documents/Itinerary (regarding reasons for coming to Canada)
- Three (3) Letters of reference
Where do I submit my application for a TRP?
If you are submitting a TRP application through the consulate, your application can be sent to:
Consulate General of Canada Visa Section: 550 South Hope Street, 9thFloor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
What is the Processing time for a TRP sent to the consulate?
The processing time for a TRP consulate application averages around four (4) months up to eight (8) months of waiting time.
What is the cost of applying for a TRP consulate?
The government processing fee of CAD $239.75 (USD $173.39) must be paid in advance directly to the government of Canada and this receipt must be included in the application package in order for it to be considered.
This fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused and must be paid again if you are reapplying. It is important to note that this fee, along with all government fees are subject to change so it is advised to check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date fee.
Applying for a Temporary Resident Permit at the Port of Entry (POE)
To apply for a TRP at a Port of Entry you must reach the Canadian border at an airport or a land crossing. These types of applications are immediately assessed by the CBSA officer and they will decide whether or not you will be allowed entry into Canada. You will still need to prepare an application package and present it to the officer on duty. You must ensure that the need to be in Canada is extremely urgent and justified as the chances of being turned away at the border is higher compared to applying to the consulate.
What documents do I need to apply for a TRP at the border?
- Use of Representative form (if applicable)
- Application for TRP
- Applicant Letter re Circumstances of Offences
- Applicant Statement Regarding Purpose of Visit
- United States Passport or a Copy of US passport
- Three (3) Letters of References
- Court documents regarding offence
- FBI Criminal History Report
- Supporting Documents/Itinerary (regarding reasons for coming to Canada)
Where do I submit my application for a TRP?
If you are submitting a TRP application through the Port of Entry, you will need to bring your application with you to the border crossing to present it to the CBSA officer.
What is the Processing time for a TRP at the Port of Entry?
Your application will be processed immediately by a CBSA officer, who will determine whether or not you will be granted a TRP on the spot after careful review of your application.
What is the cost of applying for a TRP at the Port of Entry?
You must pay the government processing fee of CAD $239.75 (USD $173.39) at the border before your application is reviewed.
This fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused and must be paid again if you are reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a TRP while my CR application is being processed?
Yes, if you have a need to enter Canada but your CR application is still being processed, you may apply for a TRP. You will have to go through the standard TRP process to apply.
How long is a Temporary Resident Permit valid, and can it be renewed?
A TRP is valid as long as the period it indicates on the permit. If it indicates that the TRP is valid through June 3, 2025, to June 6, 2025, the TRP expires at the end of the day on June 6, 2025, and you must leave the country before the end of the indicated date. In some cases, a TRP is valid for up to three (3) years. A TRP cannot be renewed. However, you may apply for another TRP before or once your current TRP expires.
It is important to note that if you possess a single-entry TRP for a week and leave Canada before your TRP expires, you are not allowed to come back into Canada with the same TRP. You must apply for another TRP.
Can I check the status of my TRP application?
Yes, you can access the status of your application by logging on to the IRCC website. A TRP application may take up to a year to process, so it is important to be patient as contacting IRCC will not expedite the process.
Why was my TRP application denied?
There are many reasons as to why your TRP applications could have been denied. The refusal letter by the IRCC you will receive will outline the main factor that led to their decision of refusal. The most common reasons for a denied TRP application are insufficient reasoning for visiting Canada, incomplete or inconsistent information provided on documents, and concerns of severity of criminality. You may reapply for a TRP with updated information or stronger evidence of travel purposes to Canada.
Can I appeal a denied TRP application?
No, there is no way to appeal a denied TRP. IRCC will provide you with the reasoning as to why your application was refused and you may reapply for a TRP with stronger evidence or corrected information.
Can I extend my TRP if I need to stay in Canada longer?
No, you may not extend your TRP as it is very important that you leave Canada before your TRP expires. If your TRP expires, you are no longer permitted to be in Canada and will be removed. TRPs are not renewable and will only be valid for the time period that it is issued for. You may apply for a new TRP before your current TRP expires, but due to the unpredictable processing time, it is advised to apply well in advance or to re-enter Canada once the second TRP is approved.
What happens if my TRP expires while I’m in Canada?
If your TRP expires and you haven’t left Canada, you have lost your legal status of a temporary resident. This can lead to many serious consequences. There could be a deportation order from the CBSA for you to be removed from the country. This will affect all your future entries into Canada and applications for visas, permits, and Permanent Residence.
Do I need a TRP to travel through Canada to Alaska?
If you are inadmissible to Canada and taking a direct flight from the United States to Alaska with no layovers or stops in Canada, you do not need a TRP. However, if you are planning on crossing the border to drive through Canada or having a layover in a Canadian airport, you will need to apply and obtain a TRP. Even though you only plan to cut through Canada, if you find yourself at a Canadian border with a past criminal record, you risk being turned away.
Do I need a TRP if I am planning to stay in Canada less than 24 hours?
Yes, you need a TRP if you are otherwise inadmissible and planning on crossing the US-Canadian border into Canada no matter how short the period of your stay will be. You may obtain a TRP for one day if it is needed.
How can a Lawyer Help me Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit?
The world of criminality and inadmissibility is very complex and requires a very thorough understanding of immigration law and criminal law. With guidance from an immigration lawyer, your application can be a smoother process. A TRP application is very delicate in that if you do not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your presence is needed in Canada, your application will be rejected. To avoid any cancellations of travel plans to Canada, contact us at Canadim today to assess your criminality.
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