A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is issued at the discretion of Canadian immigration authorities. It allows a person who is otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter or stay in the country for a limited period of time.
Unlike a visitor visa, a TRP is only granted when there is a justified reason—such as work obligations, family matters, or urgent humanitarian concerns—that makes your presence in Canada important despite inadmissibility.
Approval is not automatic.
TRPs are issued only when the benefits of your entry clearly outweigh the risks. Every case is reviewed individually.
Temporary solution.
A TRP can last from one day up to three years, but it does not permanently erase inadmissibility. If you need a long-term fix, you may need to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation.
Work and study limits.
A TRP alone does not allow you to work or study in Canada—you will need to apply for the appropriate permit in addition.
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Our consultants can help you correctly identify the Canadian equivalent of your foreign offense and assess your eligibility for Criminal Rehabilitation or other options.
We can advise you on how to best demonstrate your rehabilitation to the government, helping you gather the strongest possible evidence for your case.
We assist in preparing and reviewing your application package, ensuring all forms are filled out accurately and all necessary documents are included.
We help you address any potential issues or inconsistencies in your history to increase your chances of a successful outcome and a permanent solution.
Although both allow temporary entry, a visitor visa is for individuals who already meet Canada’s admissibility criteria. A TRP, on the other hand, is specifically for people who would normally be denied entry but have a compelling reason to come.
A consulate application can take 4–8 months to process, making it a safer option if you are planning well in advance. Applying at the border gives you a decision on the spot, but refusals are more common—and you could be turned back immediately.
A TRP ends on the exact date written on the permit. Staying in Canada after expiration means losing your legal status and facing possible removal orders, which could harm all your future applications.
| Consulate applications for TRP | Port of Entry applications for TRP | |
|---|---|---|
| How to apply | Mail a physical application to the consulate. | Apply in person at a Canadian airport or land border crossing. |
| Processing time | Around 4-8 months. | Immediately. |
| Recommended for | Recommended for planned travel to Canada.. | Best for urgent emergencies with less than 4 months before your travel date. |
| Validity period | Can be for a short term or up to 3 years. | Likely to be for a short period (a few days to weeks). |
| Risk of rejection | Lower risk of rejection if all documents are prepared correctly. If rejected at the consulate, you can still try to apply at a Port of Entry. | Higher risk of rejection. If your application is refused at the border, you will be denied entry and must return immediately. |
While both may apply to individuals with criminal inadmissibility, they serve different purposes:
Depending on your case, one or both may be options.
Criminal Rehabilitation could remove inadmissibility for good. It’s a one-time process that clears your record with Canadian authorities and restores normal entry rights.
Yes. Most immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers let you include your family in your application for permanent residency in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Additionally, Canada has separate programs where citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close relatives for immigration.
While there's no age limit to apply for economic immigration programs, your age will affect your score. These programs award points based on various factors like education, language skills, work experience, and even having a job lined up in Canada. People between 25 and 35 get the highest score for age, but don't worry! If you're outside this range, you can make up for it with strong points in other categories.
If you're an international student wanting to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit. To get one, you must first be accepted by a school approved by the Canadian government (called a designated learning institution). You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your schooling, living costs, and even the ticket back home.
Our commitment is to your success, and we never recommend services unless you genuinely qualify. We believe in open communication and will always explore the most realistic options for your situation. Furthermore, our unwavering support extends beyond the application process. We're with you every step of the way, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada.
Our team is committed to your success, and we'll explore all realistic pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. We believe in clear communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.
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CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.
