Canada Temporary Resident Visas

Among the several categories of the temporary Canada visas, the TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) is the most requested. In this article, will review temporary visas and provide valuable information. 

What are the Temporary Resident Visas or TRV?

The Temporary Resident Visas are a group of 8 different types of visas and are meant for people who want to stay in Canada temporarily. The maximum time that these visas allows you to stay in Canada is 6 months. You can apply for one of these visas depending on the purposes of your visit to Canada; for example,  business, tourism, family visits, etc. 

During your visit, if you have a temporary Canada visa, you can’t apply for citizenship and Canadian benefits (such as health coverage). You are only allowed to stay in Canada for the purpose that you applied for, and you cannot work or study for a long-term. However, if you specify it at the time of your application, you could attend a study program that has a duration of 6 months or less.

But keep it in mind that you engage in any employment-related activity. This is why you have to demonstrate that you plan to return to your home country after completing your temporary visit.

It is necessary to apply for a Canada TRV?

It depends. For some citizens of specific countries, a Temporary Resident Visa is not needed. In these cases, all you need is an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Nonetheless, most of the time, you need a visa, even if you belong to one of these countries. To find out whether you need a visa for Canada, visit this page.

These are the 8 types of Temporary Resident Visas

As mentioned before, there are 8 main types of Temporary Resident Visas. These visas are separated according to the purpose of the visit. Here are the types of Canada temporary resident visa: 

Super Visa

This Visa is an exception to the rules of the 6 months. It is for parents or grandparents of permanent residents or Canadian citizens. With this Visa, people can visit their children or grandchildren for a more extended period of time which is up to 2 years at a time.

Visitor Visa

The most basic of all the visas in this category is Canada Tourist Visa which allows you to enter Canada for tourism purposes.

Diplomatic and Official Visa

Government officials or diplomats of foreign countries must apply to this visa if they want to enter Canada to attend official duties.

Courtesy Visa

This visa is for people who are government officials or diplomats but have some importance or ranks. It is granted when the person can’t qualify for a Diplomatic and Official Visa.

Facilitation Visa

In some cases, due to circumstances beyond their control, Canadian Citizens with dual nationalities don’t have a Canadian passport. This visa is for them. The Consulate issues a Facilitation Visa against the passport of the other nationality that the applicant holds.

Persons who want to enter Canada to give birth

If you want to give birth to a baby in Canada, this visa is for you. Every child born in Canada is considered a citizen.

Business Persons and Business Delegations Visa

Business people who visit Canada to do business are granted this visa. The applicants can’t stay longer than 6 months even if they need to stay more because of the company that they are attending.

Intending Organ Donors Visa

This visa is for those who want to donate an organ, but only if they are donating to a Canadian Permanent Resident or a Canadian Citizen.

The Dual Intent Visa

When a person wants to stay in Canada for a short period of time and during that time they apply for a permanent visa, they need a dual intent visa.

What are the requirements for TRV Canada?

There are two types of requirements. As an applicant, you must fulfill these requirements to be eligible and/or qualify for any of the visas:

  • General Visa Requirements
  • Visa Specific Requirements

General Visa Requirements

To meet the general visa requirements, it is important to meet certain requirements no matter what type of visa you’re applying for. They are as follows:

    1. You must be 18 or older, this applies to you because you are the primary visa applicant. Nonetheless, your children or dependents, even if they are under 18 years old, they still can apply for a TRV, but they must apply with you.
    2. Your passport must have validity beyond the time you will spend in Canada. This is very important if you are applying for the super visa.
    3. Your passport must have at least one blank page other than the last page.
    4. All the documents must be presented in English or French. So, you may need to hire a professional translator and proofreader.
    5. You must sign with the date all the application documents
  • Submit two (2) photos that meet the Canada Photo Requirements
    1. Keep in mind that only those with a clean criminal history can enter Canada. You must prove it through valid and relevant documents.
  • You must pay the Canada visa and the processing fees
  1. You may be asked to submit your biometric information
  2. Fill and sign the Visa Application Center (VAC) Consent Form
  3. Fill and sign Form IMM 5707, Family Information Form. Here you have to list your family members, their dates of birth, and occupations.
  4. Submit photocopies of your current immigration status in Canada or another country.
  5. Prove you can afford to stay in Canada. You must submit your bank statements or other financial documents to support your claim.

Visa Specific Requirements

Based on your purpose of visit, you may be required to submit other documents. Before that, you first have to qualify and meet the general visa requirements. 

These additional criteria are different for each type of visa in the category. Here are some examples of special requirements:

  • You need an itinerary. This only applies to the Tourist Visa, you must tell what places you plan to visit in Canada.
  • For the Super Visa, you must have an invitation letter from your child or grandchild and proof of relationship such as a birth certificate.
  • If you are doing business, you have to demonstrate that you work for a company other than the one you are doing business within Canada.
  • For the diplomatic visa, you must have documents which prove you are a governmental official in your country and you are visiting Canada for official duties.

These are just a few examples of specific requirements, we recommend you to read our guide for each visa and go through all the instructions. Meeting important requirements is vital for you to get the visa. If you do not meet for all the requirements, you can send additional documents to show to the Canadian Consulate the reasons why they should give you the visa.

How to Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa?

There are two ways you can apply for the Temporary Resident Visa:

  • Online application or
  • In person

Since technology is making life easier, we recommended you to try and apply online.

However, even if you apply online, the Consulate may require an interview or your biometric. In that case, you will have to show up in person. If you want to apply in person, you will be visiting the Consulate multiple times to complete the whole process. Without further ado, these are the specific steps in the processing for the TRV application:

    1. Are you eligible? Find out by going to the Canadian Consulate website here.

      Click on Immigration -> Visit/Immigrate/Work/Study or Others -> Find out if you are eligible. Complete the questionnaire and wait for the results.
    2. Get your reference code: Save this code, since you’ll use it for your application. With the reference code, you will also get instructions on how to apply.
    3. Create an account: You can do this on the same website using either your bank information or the Government of Canada login (GCKey).
    4. Start and complete the application: There are several forms that you’ll need to fill.
  • Submit the supporting documents and paying the fees
  1. Attend the interview: during visa processing, the Canadian Consulate may require an interview or your biometrics. If that’s the case, make an appointment. Complete the interview by answering the questions truthfully and try not to break the visa rules.

    The biometrics must include your picture and fingerprints. You can give these at the time of your interview.
  2. Wait for the Consulate to process your application: This process can take between 2 weeks to 1 or 2 months.
  3. Always check your account: When your visa is approved, you’ll see a notification there. Moreover, if you need to attend the interview, the officials will let you know through your account, so keep in touch always.
  4. Your visa has been approved: Now you need to mail your passport and processing fees to the Consulate. Follow the instructions without making any mistakes. In some cases, when you complete your interview, if applicable, you have to hand your passport to the official.
  5. Wait (again): Your passport will be processed, and the visa will be stamped on it. The Consulate will mail your passport back to you with your pre-paid return envelope that you must include when you send in your passport to them.