A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) also known as a visitor visa, is an official document placed in a person’s passport to show to Canadian authorities that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a visitor.
Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents have the right to enter Canada freely. However, other visitors to Canada or citizens of certain countries need to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa before they can enter Canada.
Purpose of Visitor Visa
A Temporary Resident Visa holder may legally enter the country for a short period of time or with a fixed length of stay, for the purpose of traveling, visiting family and friends, or attending business meetings.
If a visitor wants to study or work in Canada, the person will need to apply for that through a separate application. It is not allowed to work or study for a long-term program, but some temporary residents can take programs of study up to six months in length, but conditions vary.
It is also not allowed to apply for citizenship of Canada, apply to get Canadian government documents or try to claim for Canadian benefits such as health coverage. Temporary residents must prove that they plan to return to their home country and not stay in Canada.
Types of Canadian Temporary Visitor Visa
Single Entry Visa: It allows visitors to come to Canada only one time. Once they have left Canada, excluding the visa-exempt countries, they will need a new visa to travel back to and enter Canada.
Multiple Entry Visa: It allows visitors to come and go from Canada without having to reapply each time. It can be valid for up to 10 years, or a month before the passport expires.
Transit Visa: It allows entry to Canada for foreign nationals who are travelling and who stop in Canada for less than forty-eight (48) hours, but who’s country of origin is one that requires a visa.
Extending the Visit
If visitors wants to extend their visit in Canada, they must apply to do so. They need to check their temporary resident visa to make sure it’s not yet expired. Visitors should apply 30 days before their status expires.
Eligibility for Visitor Visa
All of the required Identity Documents
Proof of financial means to maintain yourself or family, and return home
Proof that you will not work or study without authorization
Proof that you will leave Canada at the end of the approved stay
Proof that you are in good health and not a risk to the health of the Canadians
Proof of no criminal record
Proof that you do not pose a security or safety risk to the Canadian Public
Take note that not everyone requires a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. Some people may be allowed to enter with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or they are Citizens from visa-exempt countries.
If your TRV application is refused, there is no formal appeal process. In addition, you may only reapply if your situation has changed substantially or you have considerable new information to submit.
In addition to the application forms and required fees, you will need to submit photos, proof of financial support, a photocopy of your return ticket or travel itinerary (if applicable), and any other documents required by the visa office responsible for your country or region.
If your friend or family member requires a TRV to visit Canada, their initial application must be made outside the country, at the visa office responsible for the applicant's country or region. You may provide them with a Letter of Invitation, explaining how you will help the person to visit Canada. For example, you may state that you will pay for plane tickets or accommodation. While a Letter of Invitation may help a TRV application, it does not guarantee that the person will receive a visa.