Temporary residents

Special measures are currently in effect due to the disruption of services associated with impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). See further instructions:

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

Every year, more than 35 million people visit Canada to enjoy the many opportunities our country has to offer, including visiting family and friends.

What is a temporary resident?

A temporary resident is a foreign national who is legally authorized to enter Canada for temporary purposes.

A foreign national has temporary resident status when they have been found to meet the requirements of the legislation to enter and/or remain in Canada as a visitor, student, worker or temporary resident permit holder. Only foreign nationals physically in Canada hold temporary resident status.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada processes these applications under several categories:

Temporary residents are subject to various conditions, such as the length of their stay in Canada [R183].

Page details

Date modified: