Lasted Updates
Get timely updates on immigration, work eligibility, and health insurance for international students.
Disclaimer
The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.
Overview of Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also referred to as a “visitor visa” or “entry visa”, is a travel document that is placed in your passport and is used to enter or re-enter Canada. It does not give you any status inside Canada and is usually issued for the same length of time as your study or work permit. A TRV allows you to travel to Canada (that is, to the border) while a study permit allows you to stay and study inside Canada. A study permit is the document showing your status inside Canada, but you must have a valid TRV in order to enter Canada if you are a citizen of a visa-required country.
Do I need a TRV?
If you are a citizen of a visa-required country, you will need a TRV to travel to or re-enter Canada.
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US do not require TRVs or eTAs.
Check entry requirements by country and then find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada. Once you are in Canada, you are not required to have a valid TRV since it is only needed for entry to Canada. However, it is highly recommended to always have a valid TRV in case you have an unexpected trip abroad. Otherwise, you must apply for a TRV from outside Canada, which may take a long time, and you may not be able to return to Canada in time to resume studies or work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my TRV expires before I return to Canada?
Single-entry temporary resident visa
- If you have a single-entry temporary resident visa, you will generally need a new single-entry visa to come back to Canada.
- You can request to return to Canada on your original single-entry temporary resident visa, if:
- you will only visit the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon; and
- you will return to Canada before the end of your approved stay in Canada.
Multiple-entry temporary resident visa
- Yes, you can come back to Canada, if you have a multiple-entry temporary resident visa and it has not expired.
Expired temporary resident visa
- You can request to return to Canada on your original temporary resident visa, even if it is expired, if:
- you will only visit the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon; and
- you will return to Canada before the end of your approved stay in Canada.
IRCC officers will confirm whether you meet all the requirements before allowing you to come back to Canada. If you visit any country other than those listed above, you will need a new temporary resident visa.
What should I do if my passport containing a TRV is lost or stolen?
If your passport with a valid TRV is lost or stolen, you must first replace your passport. Once you have a new passport, you can apply for a new TRV. Include a letter of explanation that contains the police report number and a brief explanation of why you are applying.
Which program I can take at TWU if I have a TRV?
You cannot take undergraduate programs and graduate programs at TWU if you have a TRV.
If you still have questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada?
- Workshops and Seminars: Our workshops and seminars are conducted regularly to help international students stay informed and empowered. Link to TWU Calendar.
- Service Hub: For personalized assistance in resolving immigration-related questions, please submit your inquiries through Service Hub. Our team is here to provide specific support and help with any concerns you may have. Please note that TWU RCICs or RISIAs can only advise international students, their spouses, common-law partners, and children. We do not submit IRCC applications on behalf of international students.