Temporary Resident Permit: Enter Canada When You Are Inadmissible
A temporary resident permit (TRP) lets a person who is inadmissible to Canada enter or stay for a limited time, if they have a compelling reason. It does not fix the problem for good. Officers issue it at their discretion, and only when your need outweighs the health or safety risk to Canadians.
since 1991
What is a temporary resident permit?
A temporary resident permit (TRP) grants temporary resident status to a foreign national who is inadmissible to Canada or does not meet a requirement of IRPA. It is issued for a limited time and may be cancelled at any time.
A TRP does not permanently overcome your inadmissibility. It lets you enter or stay for a compelling reason, such as family, work or a medical need.
Who can get a TRP?
You qualify to ask if you are a foreign national, you are inadmissible or do not meet IRPA requirements, you do not hold temporary resident status and you have a compelling reason to be in Canada. Even a minor inadmissibility needs a compelling reason. There is no guarantee (IRCC).
Which problems can a TRP cover?
- Inadmissibility: a criminal record, a medical issue or another ground. See criminal inadmissibility, medical inadmissibility and misrepresentation
- Missed requirements: no visa, an expired passport or visa at entry, or entering without an examination
- Status breaches: overstaying, or working or studying without a permit
- Special cases: victims of human trafficking or family violence, and people who were in state care, who pay no TRP fee
Is this page for you?
A quick check before you ask for a TRP.
Read this if you
- Are inadmissible and have a strong reason to visit or stay in Canada
- Were told you need a TRP at a border or visa office
- Are out of status and have no other way to stay
Look elsewhere if you
- Can fix the issue with rehabilitation instead
- Are still in status and only need to extend it
- Want permanent residence, which a TRP does not give
See the inadmissibility and refusals guide, the restore status guide and the H&C application.
Five ways a TRP can work for you
Your best route depends on where you are. Source: IRCC.
From outside Canada
There is no separate TRP form. You ask for one inside your visitor visa, study permit or work permit application, and you upload your reasons and your TRP fee receipt.
At the eTA stage
If you are from an eTA country and know you are inadmissible, you ask IRCC for TRP instructions through its web form first.
From inside Canada
If you are out of status, you apply for a TRP in Canada. You may add a work or study permit request.
For victims
Victims of human trafficking or family violence, and people who were in state care, can apply for a TRP and pay no fee.
Another TRP
If your TRP is expiring, you apply for another one before it ends. You need a valid compelling reason again.
Need to ask for a TRP?
We check your reason, your inadmissibility and your proof before you apply.
Rules to know first
Compelling reason
Your need must outweigh the health or safety risk. Show proof, not only a story.
No maintained status
A TRP applicant does not keep status while waiting. If your TRP expires and no new one arrives, you must leave.
Fee is not refunded
The TRP processing fee is paid separately and is not refunded if your request is refused.
Max three years
A TRP can last up to three years. It can be cancelled at any time.
Leaving can cancel it
A TRP ends when you leave Canada, unless it says it is valid for re-entry.
Check the page date
Fees and forms change. Check IRCC before you file.
Related pages
These pages cover inadmissibility, refusals and other ways to enter Canada.
How to ask for a TRP
Five actions, in order.
Name the problem
Write the exact reason you are inadmissible.
State your reason
Explain why you must enter or stay, with proof.
Pay the fee
Pay the TRP fee separately and keep the receipt.
File it
Ask inside your visa or permit application, or apply in Canada.
Plan the end date
Know when you must leave or file for another TRP.
Want help with your request?
We check your reason and your proof first.
Temporary resident permit, step by step
Six steps from request to arrival.
Find your inadmissibility
Name the ground, such as a conviction or a medical issue.
Build your compelling reason
Show why you must enter or stay, with proof.
Pay the TRP fee
Pay it separately from your other fees and save the receipt.
Request the TRP
Ask inside your visa or permit application, or apply from inside Canada.
Get your TRP documents
If approved from outside Canada, you get a counterfoil and a letter to show at the border.
Meet the border officer
The officer decides on entry and issues your TRP status document with your stay length.
Five mistakes when asking for a TRP
These mistakes sink strong cases.
Treating it as a cure
A TRP does not erase the inadmissibility. Plan the long fix too.
Weak reason
A vague trip is not a compelling reason. Show proof of the need.
Forgetting the fee receipt
Your TRP fee is paid separately. Upload the receipt with your request.
Working without a permit
A TRP does not allow work or study. You need a separate permit.
Staying past the date
You must leave by the expiry date unless you get another TRP.
Want a second set of eyes?
We check your reason and your proof before you file.
Temporary resident permit facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC, checked October 2026. Last updated: October 2026. Source: IRCC.
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Temporary resident permit FAQs
What is a temporary resident permit in Canada?
A TRP grants temporary resident status to a foreign national who is inadmissible or does not meet IRPA requirements. It is issued for a limited time and may be cancelled at any time. It does not permanently overcome your inadmissibility.
Who is eligible for a TRP?
You must be a foreign national, be inadmissible or miss an IRPA requirement, not hold temporary resident status and have a compelling reason to enter or stay in Canada. There is no guarantee you will get one.
How long can a TRP last?
A TRP can be issued for a maximum of three years. It may be cancelled at any time, and it is no longer valid once you leave Canada unless it says it is valid for re-entry.
How much does a TRP cost?
The TRP processing fee is $246.25 per person according to the IRCC fee list we checked. It is paid separately from your other fees and is not refunded if your request is refused. Check the IRCC fee list before you pay.
How do I ask for a TRP from outside Canada?
There is no separate TRP application. You ask for it when you apply for a visitor visa, study permit or work permit, and you upload your reasons and your TRP fee receipt.
What if I am from an eTA country?
If you know you are inadmissible, ask IRCC for TRP instructions through its web form before you apply for an eTA.
Can I work or study with a TRP?
No. A TRP does not allow work or study by itself. If your TRP is valid for at least six months, you can apply in Canada for a work permit or study permit.
Do I keep my status while my TRP request is processed?
No. TRP applicants do not benefit from maintained status. You lose status and must leave if your TRP expires and you have no new one.
Can I get another TRP when mine expires?
Yes, if you still have a valid and compelling reason. Apply for another TRP before the current one ends.
Is a TRP a way to stay permanently?
No. It gives temporary status only. To fix the inadmissibility for good, look at criminal rehabilitation, a medical inadmissibility response or an H&C application.
Does a TRP guarantee entry at the border?
The border services officer decides on entry and issues your TRP status document with your stay length. Carry the letter IRCC sent you.
Where can I get help with a TRP request?
Book a Strategy Consultation with Amir Ismail, RCIC R412319. We check your reason, your inadmissibility and your proof before you file.
