If you want to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, business trips, or short term studies, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly called a Visitor Visa. This visa is required for citizens of non visa exempt countries before they can enter Canada. At Sober Immigration, we assist clients worldwide in preparing strong TRV applications, ensuring their travel purpose and ties to their home country are clearly demonstrated to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?
A TRV is an official counterfoil (sticker) placed in your passport by IRCC. It shows that you meet the requirements to enter Canada temporarily as a:
- Visitor (tourism, family visit, events, short term courses).
- Business Visitor (meetings, negotiations, conferences).
- Student or Worker (alongside a valid study permit or work permit approval).
Note: A TRV is not the same as a permit. It allows you to travel to Canada and request entry, but the final decision to admit you is made by a border services officer.
Who Needs a TRV?
You need a TRV if you are from a non visa exempt country (such as India, China, Pakistan, Philippines, Nigeria, etc.). You do not need a TRV if:
- You are from a visa exempt country (in which case, you may need an eTA).
- You already hold a valid study or work permit with a TRV that allows re-entry.
Types of TRVs
- Single-Entry TRV
- Allows entry into Canada once.
- If you leave Canada (except to the US or St. Pierre & Miquelon), you need a new visa.
- Multiple-Entry TRV
- Allows you to travel in and out of Canada multiple times.
- Typically valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires.
Requirements for a TRV
To qualify, you must show IRCC that you will:
- Leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
- Have sufficient funds for travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Have ties to your home country (employment, family, property, responsibilities).
- Provide a clear purpose of visit (tourism, family visit, business, studies under 6 months).
- Have no criminal or immigration violations.
- Be in good health (medical exam may be required in some cases).
Documents Required for a TRV
A typical application includes:
- Valid passport.
- Completed IMM 5257 application form and supporting forms.
- Recent photographs.
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, pay stubs, sponsorship).
- Travel itinerary or flight details.
- Invitation letter (if visiting family, friends, or attending business events).
- Proof of ties to home country (employment, property, family documents).
- Government fee payment.
Common Reasons for TRV Refusals
Visitor visa refusals are common due to:
- Weak proof of ties to home country.
- Insufficient financial support.
- Unclear or incomplete purpose of visit.
- Past immigration violations.
- Poor travel history.
Visit our Visitor Visa Refusals page to see how we help clients reapply after refusals.
How Sober Immigration Helps
At Sober Immigration, we:
- Assess your eligibility for a TRV.
- Prepare a complete application package.
- Draft strong invitation letters and explanation letters.
- Address refusal risks by strengthening weak areas of your case.
- Provide support in case of refusals, reconsiderations, or appeals.
Why Choose Sober Immigration?
- Licensed immigration consultants with expertise in TRV applications.
- Strong experience in visitor, business visitor, and family visit cases.
- Transparent and personalized guidance.
- Proven success helping applicants from visa required countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about work permits and employment in Canada.
Still Have Questions?
Our immigration experts are here to help. Contact us for personalized assistance with your work permit application.
Take the first step toward your immigration journey with a professional consultation. During your consultation, we will:
- Assess your eligibility for immigration programs.
- Review your options based on your personal situation.
- Provide a clear action plan for your next steps.