Are you facing the challenge of inadmissibility to Canada, but still have a compelling reason to travel to the Great White North? A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) could be the solution for you. In this guide, we'll walk you through the application process, shedding light on key aspects and considerations.
What is A Canadian Temporary Resident Permit?
A Canadian Temporary Resident Permit, commonly known as a TRP, is a temporary authorization issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada that allows individuals who are technically considered inadmissible to visit Canada for a specified period.
This permit is granted when the need for a person to enter Canada outweighs the associated risk, such as for work, family, or emergency reasons. In cases where a foreign national has a criminal conviction, including misdemeanors like DUI or DWI, they may be deemed inadmissible under Canada's health and security regulations.
However, a TRP can be officially granted to such individuals, permitting them to enter the country for a specific duration, ranging from a single day to up to three years, depending on various factors.
Temporary residence visas allow you to explore Canada and see what the country is like, before committing completely to immigration. Additionally, your chances of being able to immigrate are higher when you’ve been living in Canada doing certain activities, such as working.
Who Needs a Temporary Resident Permit?
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is essential for individuals who are deemed inadmissible to Canada but have a legitimate need to enter the country. This need can arise due to either medical or criminal inadmissibility.
If someone is inadmissible due to a criminal conviction and has completed their sentence within the last five years, obtaining a TRP becomes a viable option for travel to Canada. It's important to note that in cases of inadmissibility, family members accompanying the individual may also face inadmissibility, necessitating the application and approval of individual TRPs for each family member before entering Canada.
Once granted a TRP and present in Canada, individuals must strictly adhere to specified conditions to remain in the country. This includes full compliance with all Canadian laws. Moreover, those seeking to work or study during their temporary residence must obtain additional permits alongside the TRP.
It's crucial to highlight that leaving and re-entering Canada during temporary residence requires proper authorization, and failure to comply with these regulations may result in legal consequences. When a Temporary Resident Permit expires, the holder is obligated to leave Canada promptly. Thus, a TRP serves as a crucial mechanism for individuals facing inadmissibility to address their specific needs while ensuring compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.
Canada's Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) serves as a valuable solution for individuals facing inadmissibility but have legitimate reasons to visit the country. Whether it's for work, family, or other essential purposes, obtaining a TRP opens doors to experiencing Canada. Here are three avenues to explore when seeking a Canadian Temporary Resident Permit:
3 Ways to Obtain a Canadian Temporary Resident Permit
Securing a Canadian Temporary Resident Permit requires careful consideration of your unique circumstances and adherence to specific application processes. Whether you're from an eTA-required country, need a visa, or are focusing on demonstrating rehabilitation, the key lies in presenting a convincing case for your entry. By understanding these pathways, you can navigate the application process effectively and gain the opportunity to experience the beauty and opportunities that Canada has to offer.
1. Through eTA-Required Countries
If you come from a country requiring an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and your eTA application was denied, you might be eligible for a Temporary Resident Permit. The approval depends on the nature of your inadmissibility and the urgency of your visit. Each country may have its own application form, so it's crucial to check with the Canadian visa office in your region for specific requirements and instructions.
2. For Those Requiring a Visa
Individuals from countries that necessitate a visa must apply for a visitor visa. Alongside the visa application, include comprehensive supporting documents explaining the reasons behind your inadmissibility and justifying your entry into Canada. Be prepared for a potential interview where an immigration officer will assess your application. This method is especially relevant for those who have completed their sentence for a criminal conviction within the last five years.
3. Demonstrating Rehabilitation and a Compelling Narrative
One of the most critical aspects of a successful TRP application is crafting a compelling narrative. It's imperative to showcase rehabilitation from past mistakes and assure immigration officials that you pose no threat to the local population. Documentation supporting the necessity of your travel is vital. A Temporary Resident Permit may be issued for as long as three years, allowing for multiple re-entries, but the duration requested must be justified with supporting documentation.
How Do I Apply For a Canadian Temporary Resident Permit?
Securing a Temporary Resident Permit involves substantiating the essentiality of one's visit to Canada. The application procedures vary based on the applicant's country of origin, and detailed information regarding the specific requirements can be obtained from the Canadian visa offices in each respective country. It is important to note that the application process incurs a non-refundable fee of 200 CAD for each Temporary Resident Permit application.
Duration of Stay
Temporary Resident Permits are typically issued for the duration of your intended visit, whether it's a week-long conference or a specific event. Ensure you exit Canada by the permit's expiry date or secure a new one before the current permit lapses. It's important to note that an officer retains the authority to cancel the permit at any time.
Leaving and Re-entering
Once you depart Canada, the permit loses its validity unless you have received explicit authorization to leave and re-enter. This flexibility is particularly valuable for those with multiple re-entry needs.
Considerations for Long-Term Plans
While a TRP can facilitate short-term visits, it may not be a long-term solution. Those eyeing Canadian permanent residency must permanently address any criminal inadmissibility through rehabilitation. Criminal inadmissibility can impact eligibility for various immigration channels, including Express Entry, Spousal Sponsorship, Work Permits, and Study Permits.
Embarking on the Temporary Resident Permit journey necessitates meticulous attention to detail, a well-crafted narrative, and adherence to the specific application process based on your circumstances. By navigating this process effectively, you can open doors to experiencing Canada while meeting its immigration requirements.
FAQs
Can I Renew My Visitor Visa to Canada?
In most cases, you can apply online to renew or extend your visitor’s visa and get a visitor’s record. Your visitor status in Canada and the duration of your stay are specified in a visitor record. It doesn't ensure that you can leave Canada and then come back. You must adhere to Canada's Entry rules if you intend to travel outside.
Why Should I Apply Online?
There are various benefits to applying online for a visitor’s visa:
- You get your application immediately, with no courier fees or mail delivery delays.
- The processing of your application might go more rapidly.
- It assists you in ensuring that your application is finished before submitting it.
- More documents can be quickly submitted online
- You can simply use your online account to receive information on the status of your application.
Can I Stay After My Canada Temporary Resident Permit Expires?
Once your visitor’s visa expires, you will be out of status and must leave the country. However, if you applied to renew your visa, or to change your condition of stay by submitting an application to work or study in Canada, then you may remain in the country while you await the results of your application