Who can apply or make a request
To be eligible for a temporary resident permit (TRP), you must:
- be a foreign national
- be inadmissible to Canada or not meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
- not currently hold temporary resident status
- have a compelling reason to enter or stay in Canada temporarily
There is no guarantee that you’ll be issued a TRP
We only issue TRPs for compelling reasons and at the discretion of an officer.
To be issued a TRP, your need to enter or stay in Canada must outweigh the health or safety risks to Canadian society, as determined by the officer. Even if the reason you’re inadmissible seems minor, you must demonstrate that your visit is for a compelling reason.
Foreign nationals who have been issued a TRP with a validity period of at least 6 months can apply in Canada for a:
- work permit
- study permit
What it means to not meet the requirements of the immigration and Refugee Protection Act
You do not meet the requirements if for example you:
- were not examined when you entered Canada
- did not obtain a temporary resident visa
- had an expired visa before you entered Canada
- did not have a passport or it expired before you entered Canada
- overstayed your period of authorized stay
- worked or studied without a permit
Protection and assistance for victims of human trafficking and family violence
If you’re an out-of-status foreign national in Canada, and are either a victim of human trafficking or family violence, or a foreign national who was in state care, you can apply for a TRP.
We’ll issue you a TRP for many reasons, including to:
- escape the influence of traffickers or abusers
- give you time to explore your immigration options
- have time to recover from physical or mental trauma
If you’re issued a TRP that’s valid for at least 6 months, you are also eligible to apply for a work or study permit.
Learn more about TRPs for victims of human trafficking, victims of family violence and foreign nationals who were in state care.
Getting another TRP if your current one is expiring soon
To be issued another (subsequent) TRP, you must continue to have a valid and compelling reason to stay in Canada as determined by an immigration officer.
Temporary resident status
TRP applicants do not:
- benefit from maintained status
- keep temporary resident status while their application is being processed, including:
- applicants applying for an initial TRP
- current TRP holders applying for another TRP
You will lose your temporary resident status in Canada, and need to leave the country if:
your TRP expires or the “permit in force until date” has passed
you haven’t received a new TRP