Temporary Resident Visa for Canada

What is a Temporary Resident Visa TRV?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly known as a visitor visa, is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and placed in a foreign national’s passport. It shows that the holder has met the requirements for temporary entry to Canada as a visitor, student, or worker.

Unlike an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), a TRV is generally required for citizens of visa-required countries and can be issued for either a single entry or multiple entries to Canada.

Who Is Eligible for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in Canada?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is required for foreign nationals from countries and territories whose citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Canada.

Eligibility is determined primarily by nationality, although all applicants must also satisfy the requirements for temporary entry to Canada.

Here is the list of countries that require a TRV or an eTA to enter Canada:

In addition to being from a visa-required country, applicants must demonstrate to an IRCC officer that they:

• Have a valid travel document, such as a passport.
• Are in good health, if required.
• Have no criminal or immigration-related inadmissibilities.
• Will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
• Have sufficient funds to support themselves and any accompanying family members during their stay and to return home.
• May be required to provide additional documents, such as proof of ties to their home country, depending on their individual circumstances.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee visa approval, as each application is assessed individually by IRCC.

How long can I stay in Canada with a TRV?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) allows you to travel to Canada and request entry at a port of entry, but it does not determine how long you can stay. In most cases, visitors are authorized to remain in Canada for up to six months from the date of entry.

How long will it take to get a TRV in Canada?

Processing times can vary between 11 and 147 days by country.

For the most up-to-date times, please check our Processing Times tool.

Do I need a Temporary Resident Visa for Canada or an eTA?

Hypothetical scenarios

The following hypothetical scenarios illustrate common situations faced by visitors to Canada from various countries or specific situations.

1. UK

Anthony is from the United Kingdom and has a flight booked to Toronto. He intends to explore southern Ontario as a tourist for a few weeks before leaving Canada.

Before boarding his flight Anthony must first apply for an eTA. This is done quite simply on his smartphone. It costs $7 CAD and he is approved to travel within minutes of applying.

Anthony and his brother, Marcus, plan on meeting in Toronto. However, Marcus is already in North America and will be entering Canada by bus. Because he is not entering by air, and because he is from a country whose citizens are visa-exempt, Marcus does not require either a TRV or an eTA.

2. Bolivia

Isabel is from Bolivia. She wants to visit her daughter, Lola, who now lives in Montreal as a naturalized dual citizen, for a couple of weeks. Isabel is a small business owner, owns a home, and lives with other family members. She needs a Temporary Resident Visa before coming to Canada. Her application costs $100 CAD and takes around 10 business days to be approved.

3. United States

Robert and Jennifer, a couple, are both US citizens. They want to visit Vancouver and the surrounding area. Robert is going to drive into Canada from their home near Seattle, and Jennifer will join him there after flying in directly from a work conference in Chicago. Despite the fact that one of them is entering by air and one by land, neither of them need a TRV or an eTA. This is because the US is the only country whose citizens are exempt from both requirements.

4. You have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

If you have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may wish to explore the super visa option to visit Canada. A super visa will allow you to stay in Canada for up to 5 years.