Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

What is a TRP?

A TRP is a document that authorizes a person who is inadmissible or does not meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or Regulations either as a temporary resident or as a permanent resident to enter or remain in Canada.

TRPs are issued in exceptional cases where the benefits of a person entering Canada outweigh the risks of allowing the person to enter Canada. Any decision to allow an inadmissible person to enter Canada with a TRP must be made in line with Canada’s social, humanitarian, and economic policies. These decisions must also consider the health and security of all Canadian citizens.

TRPs will sometimes be issued to allow criminally inadmissible people to attend family events and business visits. TRPs will also be issued to people who are likely to bring benefits to Canada by entering the country. These kinds of people include famous musicians or athletes with prior convictions who are entering Canada to perform in a concert or sporting event.

How long is a TRP valid?

A TRP is issued for the length of the stay in Canada. It can be valid for a period of between one day and three years and may be extended from inside Canada. The permit is no longer valid if the holder exits Canada unless re-entry had been authorized at the time of issuance. The permit can also be cancelled by an officer at any time.

Things to consider when issuing a TRP

When deciding on whether to issue a TRP, IRCC will consider the following factors:

  • The length of the applicant’s visit to Canada
  • Whether there is a compelling need for the TRP to be issued
  • Whether the need to enter or remain in Canada outweighs the risks to Canadian society  
  • A TRP carries privileges greater than those accorded to other foreign nationals with temporary resident status*
  • TRP holders become eligible for permanent residence after a period of time in Canada  
  • For subsequent TRPs, whether any new admissibility issues have arisen since the issuing of the first TRP.

*Foreign nationals who have been issued a TRP for a validity period of at least 6 months can apply in Canada for a work permit or study permit and may be given access to health or other social services.

For more information on applying for a TRP, please Contact Us.