TRV Basics: Key Dates and Rules for Canada’s Temporary Resident Visas

Understanding the Expiry Dates of Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) in Canada

When planning a visit to Canada with a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), it's essential to understand the nuances of its validity and expiry dates. Here's a breakdown to help you navigate this important aspect:

1. Expiry Date of the TRV: The date on your TRV is a deadline. You must use the visa to enter Canada before this date, or it becomes invalid. Remember, this isn't an indication of how long you can stay in Canada.
2. Determining Your Stay Duration: The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the entry point decide how long you can stay in Canada, not the TRV itself. Usually, if everything is in order, you might be allowed to stay for up to six months. However, if you have a super visa (PG-1 or a letter of introduction from the visa office), you might be allowed to stay for up to five years per entry.
3. Re-Entry Rules: There's an interesting clause for those needing a TRV to enter Canada. If you leave Canada and only visit the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you can re-enter Canada without a new TRV under certain conditions. These include returning within the time initially allowed by an officer or having a valid visitor record, work permit, study permit, or a temporary resident permit that allows re-entry.
   • Example: If you have a 1-year TRV and get a 4-year study permit upon entry, you can travel to and from the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon and re-enter Canada as long as your study permit is valid, even after your TRV expires.
   • Counter-Example: If you're on a cruise leaving the U.S. and entering international waters, this exemption doesn't apply. You'd need a valid TRV to re-enter Canada.
4. Adherence to Admissibility Requirements: Upon re-entry, all other standard admissibility requirements apply. If you visit countries other than the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon, this TRV exemption does not apply.
5. Length of Stay Upon Re-entry: When you re-enter Canada, the CBSA officers may grant an additional 6-month stay or refer to the initial period granted and limit your stay to that timeframe.

Remember, these guidelines are subject to change and depend on individual circumstances. It's always best to stay informed and check with the appropriate authorities for the most current information.

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