What is TRV (Temporary Resident Visa)? How To Apply For TRV?

What is TRV? 

TRV stands for Temporary Resident Visa. It is a document stamped on your passport by the Canadian Visa Office which allows you to enter Canada. Everyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident must have a TRV on his passport in order to enter Canada with a specific permit. TRV will have details on the kind of visa issued, the issuing date, the visa expiry date, etc.

A TRV is needed if you have:
1. Work permit
2. Study permit
3. Visitor visa

Important Note: Most of the students forget to apply for a TRV after getting their post-graduation work permit. If you want to leave Canada and return, you must have renewed TRV on your passport unless you are visiting the United States. There have been cases where students would their home country after the completion of the program and when they come back, they were declined entry because they didn't have a valid TRV on their passport. \

How to apply for a TRV? 

Applying for a TRV is a very easy process and takes around 2 hours if you have all the documents ready. The processing of the application can take between 10-15 days. Check the current Processing Times to find out the latest trends.

Here's the step by step instructions with screenshots on how to apply for a TRV:

Step 1: The very first thing you need to do is to log in to your My CIC account.

Step 2: Select Apply to come to Canada. 

Step 3: On the next screen, click Visitor visa, study and/or work permit. 

Step 4: You will find a list of questions in the next screen. Select the answers which apply to you. Once you complete the first list of questions, the form will recommend you to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. Click Continue. 

Step 5: Once you click Continue, you'll find a few more questions. Answer them based on what applies to you. The form will ask you if you can make the payment online with a credit card? Select YES. The charges for applying for TRV is $100.

Below is the list of most general answers to the form. This is just for reference and make sure to check and verify based on what applies to you as your answer could be different than this.

Step 6: Pay the application fees of $100 and you will receive a document checklist on your account.

Step 7: Scan or take pictures of the following documents. You can also use CamScanner app which can convert pictures into high quality scanned documents. 

   a. Passport front and back page

   b. Passport picture (35x35)

   c. Medical records if you have

   d. Work permit or Study permit

   e. Download and fill out IMM5257e form. Check and validate.

Step 8: Upload all the documents under the application options. You will start receiving updates on your profile.

Step 9: Once your application is approved, you'll need to send the passport to their visa office. The passport will be returned back to you on your address. 

If you are in Canada, you'll need to purchase two envelopes (one to send and one for passport return) on the following address (only if sent by regular mail or Canadapost):

Temporary Resident Visa Section
CPP - Ottawa (e-Application)
PO Box 9640
Ottawa, ON, K1G 6T2

If you are outside Canada, you can send the passport to the respective country's visa office. To get more details, check out Where to send your passport?

That's all. Your passport will be sent to your home address after stamping and you've got your TRV. 

If you have any questions, feel free to add to comments and we'll try our best to respond as soon as possible.