Quick Answer: A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Canada is a discretionary document that lets someone who’s inadmissible, or doesn’t meet regular requirements, enter or stay in Canada for a limited time when their need outweighs the risk. It can be issued for months (up to 3 years), cancelled at any time, and doesn’t guarantee future entries.
Snapshot: What you need to know
- Eligibility: You’re inadmissible (e.g., certain criminal/medical grounds) or don’t meet IRPA rules, you don’t currently have temporary resident status, and you have a compelling reason to enter or remain.
- Key steps: (1) Pick your route (inside Canada / port of entry / outside Canada with a visitor, work, or study application) → (2) Pay TRP fee → (3) Submit forms + proof → (4) Wait for a discretionary decision.
- Typical timeline: No universal processing time; POE decisions can be same-day, inland mailed files vary, outside-Canada requests ride with your main application.
- Core documents: Forms, passport, proof of why you’re inadmissible and how risks are addressed (court/police docs if applicable), proof of funds, supporting letters.
- Fees: TRP processing $239.75 per person; biometrics $85 if required (family cap $170). Some exemptions exist for defined policies (e.g., victims).
- Next step: Prefer a quick read on fit? Book a 15-minute consult and get a tailored checklist.
Micro-table: TRP routes
| Step | What it is | How long | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Canada | Mail a paper package to the New Waterford Digitization Centre | Varies [VERIFY] | TRP forms, fee receipt, proof of need/risk mitigation |
| Port of Entry (POE) | CBSA officer decides at the border | Same day possible (discretion) | Strong evidence and a clear, time-bound reason |
| Outside Canada | Ask for TRP consideration within a visitor/work/study app | Tracks your main app | TRP fee receipt + letter explaining need, supporting proof |
What a TRP does (and doesn’t do)
- Does: Grants temporary resident status for a defined period; can be single or multiple entry; can be cancelled. Max validity up to 3 years.
- Doesn’t: It isn’t a visitor visa/work permit/study permit by itself, and it doesn’t promise future approvals.
If your TRP is valid for at least 6 months, you may apply in Canada for a work or study permit.
TRP vs. Criminal Rehabilitation
- TRP: Temporary, discretionary permission, useful when you must travel soon.
- Criminal Rehabilitation / Deemed Rehabilitation: Longer-term fix that, if approved, removes criminal inadmissibility for future entries. Many people do both (TRP now; Rehab for later).
Need help choosing? Book a short consult, and we’ll map the quicker path and the long-term solution.
Different ways to get Canada’s Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
There isn’t one universal “apply” button for a TRP. In Canada, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a special, discretionary document used to overcome inadmissibility.
If you’re not inadmissible and simply want to come temporarily, you usually apply through regular temporary status pathways, study, work, or visit, not a TRP. If you are inadmissible, officers may consider issuing a TRP in addition to the base visa/permit below.
Common pathways to TRP
| Route | Who it fits | Core document(s) you’d apply for | When a TRP might also be needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study in Canada | Students accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) | Study permit (and TRV or eTA for travel, if required) | If you’re inadmissible (e.g., past offense) but there’s a compelling academic reason to study now |
| Work in Canada – LMIA-based | Hires supported by a Canadian employer with a Labour Market Impact Assessment | Work permit (plus TRV/eTA if required) | If you’re inadmissible but the job is time-sensitive and the benefits outweigh the risk |
| Work in Canada – LMIA-exempt (IMP) | Intra-company transferees, CUSMA professionals, certain academics, spouses, etc. | Work permit under an LMIA-exempt category (plus TRV/eTA if required) | If inadmissible, a TRP may be layered on top when justified |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) | Eligible youth from partner countries (e.g., Working Holiday, Young Professionals) | Open or employer-specific work permit via IEC | TRP may be considered only if inadmissibility issues exist and are compellingly outweighed |
| Visit Canada (tourism/family/business visitor) | Short stays for tourism, family visits, or limited business activities | TRV (visitor visa) or eTA (if visa-exempt) | If inadmissible but there’s a strong, time-bound reason to visit |
| Business Visitor (no work permit) | Executives/visitors doing after-sales service, meetings, site visits (no entry into the Canadian labour market) | TRV/eTA as a visitor | If inadmissible, a TRP could be considered for a narrow, urgent trip |
| Super Visa (parents/grandparents) | Parents/grandparents of Canadian PRs/citizens for longer stays | Super Visa (multi-year stays with private medical insurance and other conditions) | If inadmissible, only possible with TRP consideration and strong justification |
| Restoration / extension inside Canada | You’re already in Canada and need to extend or restore status | Extension or restoration application | If you’ve become inadmissible, you’d look at an inland TRP pathway instead |
Who’s eligible, and when does a TRP make sense?
You may be considered if you’re inadmissible or otherwise don’t meet IRPA requirements, you do not currently hold temporary resident status, and your reason to enter/stay is compelling enough to outweigh the risk to Canadian society. Examples include urgent family events, time-sensitive business, or short stays while you pursue a longer-term fix. Decisions are case-by-case and discretionary.
Light caution: This isn’t legal advice; policies change. Check official sources or consult a licensed professional.
How to apply for TPR
1) Inside Canada (mail-in)
- Use the IRCC instruction guide, complete forms (e.g., IMM 5708 for TRP/visitor), and mail to the New Waterford Digitization Centre (Sydney, NS). Track delivery.
2) At a Port of Entry (POE)
- A CBSA officer can assess and decide on the spot. Bring strong proof of your compelling need and evidence addressing risk (court records, rehab steps, support letters).
3) From outside Canada
- There’s no stand-alone TRP application abroad. Apply for a visitor, work, or study permit and request TRP consideration in your file; pay the TRP fee and upload the receipt. Follow any visa office specifics.
Friendly nudge: Upload your document checklist (we’ll sanity-check gaps before you submit).
Can you work or study on a TRP?
If your TRP is 6+ months, you may apply in Canada for a work permit or study permit. Some special streams (e.g., for victims of trafficking or family violence) include fee exemptions for certain permits.
Travel & re-entry
Approvals issued outside Canada come with a TRP counterfoil for travel, plus a letter for the border. If you hold a TRP inside Canada and plan to travel, confirm whether your status allows re-entry and whether you also need a visa or eTA. Plan.
Documents you’ll need (checklist)
- Forms: IMM 5708 (TRP/visitor). If combining: IMM 5709 (study) / IMM 5710 (work). Representative/release forms if used.
Identity & status: Passport, any current Canadian document, entry records. - Background: Court/police docs (if applicable); proof of steps to resolve inadmissibility.
- Purpose & support: Detailed letter explaining why your need outweighs risk, supporting letters, itinerary.
- Finances: Proof you can support yourself during the stay.
- Photos & fees: Two photos; TRP fee receipt; biometrics if required.
Mail as directed (inland) or upload online (outside Canada).
Fees & biometrics
- TRP fee: $239.75 per person (non-refundable)
- Biometrics: $85 per person (family cap $170 when applying together)
- Exemptions: Limited exemptions exist under specific policies (e.g., certain victims)
From TRP to permanent residence
Some TRP holders can apply for PR later under the Permit Holder Class after 3–5 years of continuous residence on TRPs (the exact period depends on the inadmissibility). See IRCC’s guide for the category rules.
Common pitfalls, and how to avoid them
- Vague purpose / weak evidence: Be concrete. Include dates, people, and why travel now.
- Ignoring “maintained status” rules: TRP applicants don’t keep status while a TRP is processing. Don’t overstay.
- Assuming a TRP equals a visa: You may still need an eTA or visa to board a flight.
- Forgetting validity caps: TRPs can be up to 3 years, single or multiple entry, and can be cancelled.
Ready to move? Book a 15-minute consult and we’ll build a clean TRP package: purpose letter, risk-mitigation evidence, and the right route (inland/POE/outside).
Final Note
A TRP is a narrow but powerful bridge when you have a compelling reason to enter or stay in Canada despite inadmissibility. Results hinge on clear purpose, honest disclosure, and well-organized evidence, and, where possible, a longer-term fix (e.g., Criminal Rehabilitation) in motion. Policies change, and every case is different; consider getting tailored guidance before you apply.
Ready to move forward? Contact is now. We’ll map whether a TRP, rehabilitation, or a regular study/work/visit route fits your goals.
FAQs
IRCC and CBSA share responsibility. An officer with delegated authority decides based on your facts, needs, and risk.
Time-sensitive family, business, or humanitarian factors are common. The officer balances your need against public health/safety and program integrity
If your TRP is valid for 6 months or more, you may apply in Canada for a work permit or study permit.
Case-by-case. TRPs can be issued for up to 3 years, single or multiple entry, and can be cancelled.
No. There’s no stand-alone TRP application abroad. Request TRP consideration within your visitor/work/study application and upload the TRP fee receipt.
$239.75 per person for the TRP; $85 biometrics if required (family cap $170). Some exemptions exist in defined scenarios.
No. A TRP is temporary and discretionary; Rehabilitation is a long-term fix to criminal inadmissibility. Many do both, TRP now, Rehab for the future.
Possibly later via the Permit Holder Class after 3–5 years on TRPs, depending on the inadmissibility. Different rules and fees apply.
