Temporary Resident Visa

Unless a citizen of a visa-exempt country, an individual who wishes to enter Canada for a temporary purpose, such as visiting, studying, or temporarily working in Canada, must apply for and be granted a TRV from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in accordance with Canada’s Immigration Act and Regulations. The TRV is an official counterfoil document issued by a visa office abroad or the visa section of IRCC’s office in Ottawa. It is a specially designed sticker placed within an individual’s passport to evidence that the individual has met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (a visitor, student, or worker). Generally, a foreign national can stay for up to 6 months as a visitor after entering Canada.

Citizens of visa-exempt countries intending to travel to Canada by air are expected to have applied for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before their departure to Canada. Exceptions to this include citizens of the United States, who do not require a TRV or an eTA. However, US Green Card holders will need an eTA to enter into Canada, regardless of their nationality.

Parents and Grandparents Super Visa

The super visa is a type of TRV which is designed specifically for the parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are foreigners. A super visa allows parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to remain in Canada legally for up to 24 months at a time without the need for renewal of their status.