What is a TRV?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an official counterfoil (sticker) placed in a foreign national's passport authorizing entry to Canada as a temporary resident. The TRV is required for citizens of visa-required countries before they can board a plane or arrive at a Canadian land border.

TRVs are issued for visiting, studying, or working in Canada on a temporary basis. The visa itself doesn't authorize entry on its own — at the port of entry, a CBSA officer makes the final decision about admission and how long the visitor can stay (typically up to 6 months for visitor entries).

Types of TRV

• Single-entry TRV: allows one entry to Canada. Once used, the visitor cannot re-enter without a new visa.
• Multiple-entry TRV: allows multiple entries during the visa's validity period (typically up to 10 years, or until the passport expires). The default for most visitor visa issuances.
• Super Visa: a specific multiple-entry TRV for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and PRs, allowing stays of up to 5 years per visit.

TRV vs. eTA

Canada has two parallel entry-authorization regimes:

• TRV — required for citizens of visa-required countries (most of Asia, Africa, Latin America). Application includes biometrics, full forms, supporting documents, possible interview. Decision in weeks-to-months.
• eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — required for citizens of visa-exempt countries (most of Europe, UK, Australia, etc., plus some others like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile in certain conditions). Online application, $7 CAD fee, decision in minutes-to-days.

US citizens are exempt from both TRV and eTA (no pre-authorization needed for visitor stays).

TRV application process

1. Determine eligibility for the visitor visa (purpose of visit, ties-to-home, financial sufficiency).
2. Submit online application with supporting documents: invitation letter, financial proof, employment letter, travel history, ties-to-home documentation.
3. Pay fee and biometrics ($100 CAD visa fee + $85 biometrics).
4. Biometrics appointment at a local VAC.
5. Possible request for additional documents or interview.
6. Decision — typically 2-12 weeks depending on country, visa office, and complexity.

Common refusal grounds

• Insufficient ties to home country — officers must be satisfied the applicant will leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay. Property, employment, family, travel history.
• Ambiguous purpose of visit — the invitation letter and supporting documentation must establish clearly why the applicant is visiting.
• Insufficient financial means — the applicant or sponsor must show ability to fund the visit.
• Misrepresentation in prior applications — past refusals or misrepresentation findings significantly affect future TRV applications.

See also

• TRP — for inadmissible visitors.
• Visitor Visa service.
• Super Visa — for parents and grandparents.