Temporary residents
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
A temporary resident is a foreign national who is legally authorized to enter Canada for temporary purposes.
A foreign national obtains temporary resident status when they have been found to meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its Regulations, allowing them to enter and/or remain in Canada as a visitor, student, worker or temporary resident permit holder. Only foreign nationals who are physically present in Canada hold temporary resident status.
One of the objectives of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is to facilitate the entry of visitors, students and temporary workers for purposes such as trade, commerce, tourism, international understanding and cultural, educational and scientific activities.
Work, study and permits
Temporary workers
Find guidance on foreign nationals seeking to work in Canada.
International students
Find guidance on foreign nationals seeking to study in Canada.
Temporary resident permits
Find guidance on when and how to qualify for a permit, and who qualifies.
Temporary resident status extensions
Find guidance on eligibility, maintained status, fees, visitor records, restoration and loss of status.
Visiting Canada
Temporary resident visas
Find guidance on visa-required foreign nationals visiting Canada.
Electronic travel authorizations
Find guidance on eligibility and application assessment for visa-exempt foreign nationals.
General guidance
Temporary resident processing
Overview of status, requirements, refusals, cancellations and port of entry examinations