Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Canada: Complete 2026 Guide for Inadmissible Visitors

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What Is a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)?

A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a special document that allows an inadmissible foreign national to enter or remain in Canada for a limited time when there is a strong, compelling reason to do so. It is used when you do not meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) but still need to be in Canada temporarily.​

A TRP is always discretionary, which means an immigration officer decides if your need to enter or stay in Canada is strong enough to outweigh any risk you may pose to Canadian society.

Who Can Apply for a TRP?

To be eligible for a TRP, you must meet all of the following conditions:​

• You are a foreign national (not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident).​
• You are inadmissible to Canada or do not meet IRPA requirements (for example, because of past violations or technical non-compliance).​
• You do not currently hold temporary resident status in Canada.​
• You have a compelling reason to enter or stay in Canada for a temporary period.​

Even if your inadmissibility seems minor, you must clearly show that your visit has a serious, justified purpose such as important family reasons, urgent business, or humanitarian needs.​

There is no guarantee that you will receive a TRP, even if you apply correctly and feel your reason is strong.​

Inadmissibility and Not Meeting IRPA Requirements

You may need a TRP because you are formally inadmissible or because you did not follow immigration rules, even if you were never formally reported.​

Common reasons for inadmissibility

Foreign nationals can be inadmissible for several reasons, including:​

• Criminal history (for example, DUI or other convictions).
• Certain medical conditions that pose a public health or safety risk or heavy demand on health services.
• Security, human rights violations, or organized crime concerns.
• Misrepresentation or giving false or incomplete information to immigration authorities.
• Serious financial problems that could make you unable to support yourself.

Examples of not meeting IRPA requirements

You may also “not meet the requirements of IRPA” even if you were not charged or arrested, for example if you:​

• Entered Canada without being properly examined at the border.
• Did not obtain a temporary resident visa when one was required.
• Used a visa that had already expired before entry.
• Entered without a passport or with a passport that had already expired.
• Overstayed your authorized period of stay.
• Worked or studied without the required permit.

In all of these situations, a TRP may be the only way to legally enter or remain in Canada while still being inadmissible or non-compliant.​

How Officers Decide: “Compelling Need” vs. Risk

TRPs are only issued when the benefit of your entry or stay is greater than the risk you pose to Canadian society. Officers conduct a case‑by‑case assessment based on the information and documents you provide.​

Key factors can include:​

• The reason you are inadmissible or out of status (for example, one old minor conviction vs. repeated serious offences).
• How long ago the incident happened and what has changed since (rehabilitation, clean record, medical treatment, etc.).
• The purpose of your visit (family emergency, essential work, critical business, major event, humanitarian reasons).
• The length of time you want to stay in Canada.
• Any evidence of rehabilitation, good conduct, and ties to your home country.

If the officer is not satisfied that your need is compelling enough, or believes the risk is too high, the TRP will be refused.​

TRP and Your Right to Work or Study

A TRP does not automatically give you the right to work or study in Canada. However, there is a key benefit:​

• If you receive a TRP with a validity of at least 6 months, you can apply from inside Canada for a work permit or study permit while your TRP is valid.​

This can be very important if your compelling reason to stay relates to employment, training, or continuing education.

Special TRPs for Victims of Human Trafficking and Family Violence

Canada offers specific protections for out-of-status foreign nationals who are victims of human trafficking, family violence, or who were formerly in state care.​

Who can use these special measures?

You may qualify for a special TRP if you:​

• Are in Canada with no valid status (out of status).
• Are a victim of human trafficking (for example, forced labour, sexual exploitation, or coercion).
• Are a victim of family violence, such as domestic abuse by a spouse or partner.
• Are a foreign national who was in state care (for example, in the child welfare system) and now face inadmissibility barriers.​

What these TRPs can provide

For victims, IRCC may issue a TRP in order to:​

• Help you escape the influence or control of traffickers or abusers.
• Give you time to explore immigration options, including safer long-term status solutions.
• Provide time to recover from physical or mental trauma with greater stability.

Recent policy improvements allow many victims and their dependants to receive an initial one‑year TRP, with fees waived for follow‑up TRPs, work permits, study permits, and biometrics.​

If your victim-focused TRP is valid for at least 6 months, you can also apply for a work permit or study permit, similar to other TRP holders.​

Getting a Subsequent TRP When Your Current One Is Expiring

TRPs are always temporary, and you may need to apply for another one if you still have a strong reason to stay in Canada.​

To be issued a subsequent TRP, you must:​

• Still have a valid and compelling reason to stay in Canada.
• Show that circumstances continue to justify your temporary presence despite your inadmissibility or non-compliance.
• Convince an officer that your behaviour in Canada has been compliant with the conditions on your current TRP.

Officers may refuse a new TRP if, for example, you:​

• Did not obey the conditions on your first TRP.
• Stayed beyond the validity of your document.
• Left Canada and re-entered without authorization.
• Were found inadmissible for another, new reason.
• Worked or studied without proper authorization.

A TRP is not a pathway that you can rely on automatically year after year; it is a short‑term, discretionary solution.​

TRP and Temporary Resident Status (No Maintained Status)

Understanding status is critical for TRP applicants. TRP holders are considered both permit holders and temporary residents, but they are still technically inadmissible or non‑compliant.​

No maintained status for TRP applicants

Unlike many other temporary residents, TRP applicants do not benefit from maintained status (formerly called implied status). This means:​

• If you apply for an initial TRP, you do not keep any previous temporary status while your TRP application is being processed.​
• If you already hold a TRP and apply for another one, you do not keep your status just because a new application is in process.​

You will lose your temporary resident status in Canada and must leave the country if:​

• Your TRP expires or the “permit in force until” date has passed.
• You have not received a new TRP before your current one expires.

This is very different from other categories, such as most work or study permit holders, who can often remain in Canada under maintained status while an extension application is being processed.​

How to Request or Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit

The process can differ depending on whether you are outside or inside Canada, and on how you discovered your inadmissibility.​

If you know you are inadmissible or non-compliant

If you already know you are inadmissible or do not meet IRPA requirements, you may:​

• Request a TRP at a port of entry when you arrive in Canada, explaining your situation and providing evidence of your compelling reason.
• Apply through a visa office outside Canada if you need entry for a specific event or purpose.
• Apply from inside Canada if you are already here and need a TRP to remain legally, for example after discovering a past overstay or violation.​

In all cases, you should expect to provide:​

• Detailed explanation of why you are inadmissible and what happened.
• Evidence of your compelling reason to enter or stay (invitations, medical letters, proof of family relationship, job offers, etc.).
• Proof of rehabilitation or good conduct, where relevant (police certificates, court documents, treatment records).

Officers have wide discretion, so strong, clear documentation and honest explanations are crucial.​

When a TRP Might Be Right for You

A TRP is often described as a “band‑aid solution”—not a cure for inadmissibility, but a way to manage urgent needs. It may be appropriate if:​

• You have a time‑limited reason to be in Canada (wedding, funeral, essential meeting, specialized treatment).
• You have strong family ties in Canada that justify a short‑term visit despite past issues.​
• You are a victim of trafficking or family violence needing protection and time to plan next steps.​

For long‑term plans, many people later look into criminal rehabilitation, medical reassessment, or permanent residence options to address inadmissibility more permanently.​

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