Canada•North AmericaTRP — Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
At a Glance
Varies
CAD $246
Up to 3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

Living in Canada
Overview
Special permit issued under exceptional circumstances for inadmissible foreign nationals. Available to victims of trafficking, family violence, or those in state care. Valid 6-12 months.
The Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a discretionary document issued under Section 24(1) of Canada's IRPA, allowing inadmissible foreign nationals to enter or remain in Canada when their need outweighs the health or safety risks to Canadian society.
Valid for up to 3 years at IRCC's discretion, the TRP can be renewed and may lead to PR after 3+ years of continuous stay. Work authorization is case-by-case; dependents may accompany the holder. The permit can be cancelled at any time and does not erase the underlying inadmissibility.
This visa is ideal for inadmissible individuals with a compelling, time-sensitive reason to enter Canada — such as a family emergency, urgent business, or humanitarian need.

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Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
CanadaS-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit
CanadaWP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be technically inadmissible to Canada (e.g., criminal, medical, or financial reasons).
Must have a compelling reason for entry that outweighs the risks to Canadian society.
Must demonstrate that the presence in Canada does not pose a significant risk to the public.
Must provide evidence of rehabilitation or the nature of the inadmissibility.
Must have adequate funds for the stay.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport.
Detailed letter of explanation/justification for entry.
Evidence of inadmissibility (e.g., court records, medical reports).
Proof of rehabilitation (if applicable).
Proof of financial support.
Police certificates from countries of residence.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Provides a legal pathway for inadmissible individuals to enter Canada for essential reasons.
- Can be issued for durations ranging from one day up to three years.
- Allows for multiple entries if granted.
- Offers a solution for humanitarian, business, or family reunification needs.
Worth Knowing
- Approval is entirely discretionary; there is no guarantee of success.
- Does not remove the underlying inadmissibility; it only provides a temporary waiver.
- Processing can be lengthy and requires extensive documentation.
- Non-refundable application fee (CAD 246).
- Must be renewed if the stay needs to be extended.
Application Process
Determine the specific ground of inadmissibility.
Prepare a detailed personal statement explaining the need for entry and why it is justified.
Gather supporting documents (police certificates, medical reports, etc.).
Complete the TRP application form (IMM 5708 if inside Canada).
Submit the application to a Canadian consulate or at a Port of Entry (for US citizens/residents).
Undergo a discretionary assessment by an immigration officer.
Application Forms
Go to application portal| Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder | — |
| Document Checklist - Temporary Resident Permit | — |
| IMM 5708 Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder | Fill online |
| IMM 5557 Document Checklist: Temporary Resident Permit | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in Canada
- Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (Humanitarian/Temporary)
Humanitarian
- Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
Humanitarian
- Government-Assisted Refugees
Humanitarian
Humanitarian visas in other countries

Living in Canada
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