What Is a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)?
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a special document that allows a foreign national who is otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter or remain in the country for a temporary period.
A TRP is issued only when there is a valid reason to travel to Canada and when the benefits of the individual’s presence are considered to outweigh any potential risks to Canadian society.
Who Needs a Temporary Resident Permit?
Some individuals are not allowed to enter Canada because they are considered inadmissible under Canadian immigration law. A Temporary Resident Permit provides a legal way to overcome inadmissibility in limited circumstances.
A TRP is commonly required in cases of:
- Criminal inadmissibility
- Medical inadmissibility
Each application is assessed individually based on the purpose of travel and the nature of the inadmissibility.
Temporary Resident Permit vs Visitor Visa
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is not the same as a visitor visa.
- A visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is issued to individuals who already meet the requirements to enter Canada.
- A TRP is issued only to individuals who do not meet entry requirements due to inadmissibility.
In simple terms, a TRV confirms admissibility, while a TRP temporarily overcomes inadmissibility.
What Is Temporary Resident Status?
Temporary resident status applies to foreign nationals who are legally authorized to remain in Canada on a temporary basis.
This status may apply to:
- Visitors
- Students
- Workers
- Individuals issued a Temporary Resident Permit
To hold temporary resident status, the individual must be physically present in Canada.
Temporary resident categories:
Common Reasons for Inadmissibility
Foreign nationals may be inadmissible to Canada for reasons such as:
- Criminal records
- Serious or contagious medical conditions
- Immigration violations
- Security concerns
- Misrepresentation
- Inability to support themselves financially
If an offence is considered a crime both in the country where it occurred and in Canada, it may result in criminal inadmissibility.
Alcohol or Drug-Related Driving Offences
Driving offences involving alcohol or drugs are among the most common reasons for TRP applications, including:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- DWI (Driving While Impaired)
- OWI / OUI (Operating While Intoxicated)
Even older convictions may still affect admissibility.
Reckless or Dangerous Driving
Serious traffic violations such as reckless or dangerous driving can result in inadmissibility, even if the individual does not intend to drive in Canada.
Theft and Fraud
Offences involving theft or fraud may lead to inadmissibility depending on:
- Monetary value involved
- Use of violence or weapons
- Canadian criminal classification
More serious cases may be treated as serious criminality.
Assault
Assault offences range from threats to physical harm. Inadmissibility depends on factors such as:
- Use of a weapon
- Degree of bodily harm
Drug-Related Offences
Offences involving possession, production, or distribution of controlled substances may also result in inadmissibility depending on severity and sentencing.
Sentences and Inadmissibility
Inadmissibility is assessed after completion of the full sentence, which may include:
- Jail time
- Probation
- Fines
- Licence suspension
- Deportation
When multiple penalties apply, the sentence is considered complete only after the final condition is met.
How to Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit
To apply for a TRP, applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- Supporting documents explaining inadmissibility
- Evidence demonstrating why entry to Canada is justified
Applications are assessed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Canadian Consulate
Applying through a Canadian consulate:
- Takes longer processing time
- Provides a decision before travel
- Reduces uncertainty at the border
Port of Entry
Some applicants may apply at a port of entry.
Advantages:
- Faster decision, sometimes same day
Disadvantages:
- No guarantee of approval
- Risk of immediate refusal
Application Fee
The government processing fee for a Temporary Resident Permit is CAD $239.75 per application.
Who Is Required to Apply for a TRP?
A TRP may be required for individuals who:
- Have foreign convictions equivalent to indictable or hybrid offences in Canada
- Have multiple foreign convictions equivalent to summary offences
- Are otherwise inadmissible but have a legitimate reason to enter Canada
How a TRP Helps You Enter Canada
A Temporary Resident Permit allows an otherwise inadmissible individual to:
- Enter Canada legally
- Remain for a defined period, often up to six months
- Apply for extensions from within Canada for up to three years
A TRP may be issued regardless of how much time has passed since sentence completion and, in limited cases, even while parts of a sentence are still being served.
Permanent Residence Options
In some cases, individuals who enter Canada on a TRP may later qualify for permanent residence through eligible pathways.