After you apply or make a request

What happens after you apply or request a temporary resident permit (TRP) depends on where you currently live.

If your application is refused for being incomplete, you will need to reapply for a TRP. We will consider the application as never being submitted.

Keep your information up to date

If you move before your application is finalized, or if you change your telephone or email address after you have mailed your application, you must tell us.

Update your personal information

If you’re outside of Canada

If your request for a TRP is approved, we’ll:

  • place a TRP counterfoil in your passport that will allow you to travel to Canada
  • send you a letter to be presented to the border services officer when you arrive at a Canadian port of entry.

The expiry date indicated on the TRP counterfoil is the date by which you have to arrive in Canada. It’s not the duration of your stay.

When you arrive in Canada

When you arrive in Canada, you must present yourself and the letter we sent you to a border services officer(opens in a new tab) .

If the border services officer authorizes your entry, they will issue you a TRP status document indicating how long you can stay in Canada.

A TRP:

  • can be issued for a maximum of 3 years
  • may be cancelled at any time
  • is no longer valid once you leave Canada, unless it specifically states that it is valid for re-entry

You must:

leave Canada by the expiry date of the permit

if you want to stay longer, apply for another (subsequent) TRP

Conditions of your stay

As a TRP holder, you are expected to:

  • abide by the laws of Canada
  • comply with the conditions imposed on your TRP
  • take any action required to resolve your inadmissibility
  • not work or study without a work or study permit

If you’re in Canada

We’ll send you a letter informing you if you need to take any further action.

If you submitted an application for your initial TRP

If your application is approved, a TRP will be sent to you at the address you provided in your application.

  • Your TRP:
    • can be issued for a maximum of 3 years
    • may be cancelled at any time
    • is no longer valid once you leave Canada, unless it specifically states that it is valid for re-entry into Canada
  • You must:

    leave Canada by the expiry date of the permit

    If you want to stay longer, you must apply for another (subsequent) TRP

If your application is refused, you must leave Canada.

If you submitted an application for a another (subsequent) TRP

If your application is approved, a TRP with a new validity date will be sent to you at the address you provided in your application.

  • Your new TRP:
    • can be issued for a maximum of 3 years
    • may be cancelled at any time
    • is no longer valid once you leave Canada, unless it specifically states that it is valid for re-entry into Canada
  • You must:

    leave Canada by the expiry date of the new permit

    If you want to stay longer, you must apply for another new TRP.

If your application is refused, you can only stay in Canada until the expiry date of your current TRP, or when you are notified of the refusal if your current TRP has already expired.

Conditions of your stay

As a TRP holder, you are expected to:

  • abide by the laws of Canada
  • comply with the conditions imposed on your TRP
  • take any action required to resolve your inadmissibility
  • not work or study without a work or study permit

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2025-09-08