If you are criminally inadmissible to Canada due to a past conviction, you may still be able to enter the country by applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
A Temporary Resident Permit allows individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter the country temporarily if they can demonstrate that their need to travel to Canada outweighs any potential risk to Canadian society.
Unlike Criminal Rehabilitation, which permanently resolves criminal inadmissibility, a TRP is a temporary solution that only allows you to remain in Canada for a specific period of time.
Contact us for assistanceA Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a special authorization issued by the Canadian government that allows an inadmissible individual to enter or remain in Canada temporarily.
TRPs may be issued for individuals who are inadmissible due to:
To obtain a TRP, applicants must show that:
TRP approvals are entirely discretionary, meaning the final decision rests with a Canadian immigration or border officer.
If approved, the permit will specify how long you may remain in Canada. Once the TRP expires, you must leave Canada before the expiration date.
Even if you are from a visa-exempt country such as the United States, you may still require a Temporary Resident Permit if you have a criminal record.
Anyone who is inadmissible to Canada but has a legitimate reason to enter the country temporarily may apply for a TRP.
A TRP is often required if:
Common reasons people apply for TRPs include:
In many cases, a TRP is the only option available until you become eligible to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation, unless you can be considered “deemed rehabilitated.”
If your inadmissibility is related to a DUI or impaired driving offence, explore our guide on entering Canada with a DUI.
The validity period of a TRP depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the reason for travel.
Example: Your TRP is valid from June 3, 2026, to June 6, 2026. It expires at the end of the day on June 6, 2025, and you must leave the country before then.
Most TRPs are single-entry permits, meaning they allow you to enter Canada only once for a specific period of time.
Typical validity periods include:
If you leave Canada before the TRP expires, you cannot re-enter using the same permit.
In some cases, applicants may receive a multiple-entry TRP.
These permits are more difficult to obtain but may be issued to individuals who must travel to Canada regularly for professional reasons, such as:
Multiple-entry TRPs are usually valid for one to three years.
Note: TRPs are non-renewable. You will need to reapply for another TRP before or once your current TRP expires.
Contact us for assistanceThere are two ways to apply for a TRP:
Each option has different processing times and risks.
| Consulate Applications | Port of Entry Application | |
|---|---|---|
| How to Apply | Mail the application to the consulate | Apply directly at the airport or land border |
| Processing Time | Approximately four to six months | Immediate decision |
| Best For | Planned travel to Canada | Urgent travel or emergencies |
| Validity Period | Short term up to long term (two years) | Likely short period of time (few days-weeks) |
| Risk of Refusal | Lower risk if documents are properly prepared. If your application is rejected by the consulate, you will learn of the decision in advance and plan accordingly. You cannot apply at a port of entry if refused. | Higher risk due to strict border policies. If your application is refused, you will have to cancel any plans to enter Canada and return home. However, you have the benefit of applying at a consulate. |
Applying for a TRP at the border should only be considered as a last resort.
If your application is refused at the port of entry, you may be denied entry to Canada immediately and required to return home at your own expense.
The government processing fee for a TRP is:
$246.25 CAD (subject to change without notice)
This fee must be paid before your application is reviewed.
Important notes:
To apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), you must prepare a detailed application package demonstrating that your need to enter Canada outweighs any potential risk to Canadian society.
Providing complete and well-organized documentation is essential, as missing or inconsistent documents are a common reason for TRP refusals.
Typical documents required for a TRP application include:
Additional documentation may be requested depending on the nature of the offence, your travel history, and the purpose of your visit.
If you apply for a Temporary Resident Permit at a Canadian port of entry, you must demonstrate that your travel is urgent and that you could not reasonably wait for the consulate application process, which can take several months.
Border officers will assess your situation in real time and may request strong evidence supporting the urgency of your trip.
Because these applications are reviewed under strict scrutiny, it is important to arrive with complete documentation and a clear explanation of your circumstances.
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is different from a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa.
| Temporary Resident Permit | Temporary Resident Visa |
|---|---|
| For individuals who are inadmissible to Canada | For travelers who meet normal entry requirements |
| Addresses criminal or medical inadmissibility | Used for tourism, business, or family visits |
| Granted only in exceptional circumstances | Standard visa for many foreign nationals |
If you are from a visa-required country, you may need both a TRP and a TRV to enter Canada.
Temporary Resident Permit applications may be refused if:
If your TRP is refused, you may reapply with stronger documentation or additional evidence.
Yes. If you need to travel to Canada before your Criminal Rehabilitation application is approved, you may apply for a TRP to enter Canada temporarily.
No. TRPs cannot be renewed. However, you may apply for a new TRP once your current permit expires.
No. There is no formal appeal process for a TRP refusal. However, you may submit a new application with stronger evidence or corrected documentation.
No, you may not extend your TRP, and 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.
If your TRP expires and you remain in Canada, you will lose your legal status and may face serious consequences, including removal from Canada and difficulty reentering the country.
Yes, if you have a stopover in Canada and are criminally inadmissible. If you have a direct flight from a US origin and a US destination, you do not require a TRP. However, if you are planning to cross the border to drive through Canada or to have a layover at a Canadian airport, you will need to apply for and obtain a TRP. Even if you only plan to cut through Canada, you risk being turned away at the Canadian border if you have a past criminal record.
Yes, you need a TRP if you are otherwise inadmissible and plan to cross the US-Canadian border into Canada.
Temporary Resident Permit applications require a carefully prepared legal argument explaining why your entry to Canada is justified.
An experienced immigration lawyer can help:
If you have questions or concerns relating to inadmissibility, please contact us, and a member of the Canadim Team will be happy to discuss your options.
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