Temporary Residence in Canada: Visit, Study, Work and Keep Your Status
Temporary residence means you can be in Canada for a set time as a visitor, student or worker. Each route has its own document, deadline and conditions. We help you pick the right permit, keep your status, fix a lapse and plan the move to permanent residence.
since 1991
Which temporary route fits you?
Pick by your goal: visit and travel, study, or work. Visitors need a visitor visa or an eTA, students need a study permit in most cases, and workers need a work permit unless an exemption applies. Each route links to its own guide (IRCC).
What if your status is ending or already lost?
Apply to extend before your status expires and you keep the right to stay while IRCC decides. If you missed it, you may be able to restore your status within 90 days. Read our maintained status guide, the restore status guide and the change of status guide. Start with the visit Canada hub, the Study in Canada hub or the work permits hub.
Key rules at a glance
- Visitors: a visa or an eTA, and most can stay up to 6 months.
- Students: a study permit in most cases, with a PAL or TAL and proof of funds.
- Workers: an employer-specific or open work permit, unless an exemption applies.
- Status: apply to extend before expiry, and apply to restore within 90 days if you lose it.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
Temporary residence fits if
- You want to visit, study or work for a set time.
- You plan to leave, or to move to PR later with a clear plan.
- You can meet the entry and funds rules of your route.
Think about permanent residence if
- You want to settle in Canada: see the Canada immigration hub and the Express Entry guide.
- You are studying: read the study to PR guide.
- You are working: read the Canadian Experience Class and the bridging open work permit guide.
Refused or inadmissible? See the inadmissibility and refusals hub and the work permit refused guide.
Why temporary residence goes wrong
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Wrong document
A visa, an eTA, a study permit and a work permit are different. Using the wrong one can stop your trip or your job.
Missed expiry date
If your status expires before you apply to extend, you lose the right to study or work until it is restored.
Working or studying without authorization
Unauthorized work or study can lead to a refusal and a loss of status.
Weak plan to leave
Officers must be satisfied that you will leave when your stay ends.
Incomplete application
Missing documents can lead to refusal or delay. Follow your personalized checklist.
Not sure which route or deadline applies?
We check your document, dates and plans before you file.
Deadlines you cannot miss
30 days before expiry
Apply to extend or change your status at least 30 days before your current status expires. Apply earlier if processing is slow in your category.
If you lose your status, you generally have 90 days to apply to restore it. After that you usually must leave Canada and reapply from outside.
Your passport must last as long as your permit, and a PAL has its own validity. Check both before you apply.
Documents to gather
Each route builds its own checklist. Start with these.
How to stay on track, step by step
Six stages from your goal to your next permit.
Pick your goal
Visit, study or work.
Get the right document
Visa, eTA, study permit or work permit.
Track your dates
Mark your expiry date and your 30 day mark.
Extend in time
Apply before expiry to keep maintained status.
Restore if needed
Apply within 90 days if your status lapsed.
Plan the next step
Permanent residence, a new permit or departure.
Temporary residence costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Temporary residence FAQs
What is temporary residence in Canada?
It means you are allowed to be in Canada for a set time as a visitor, student or worker. Each category has its own document, conditions and deadlines.
What is the difference between temporary and permanent residence?
Temporary residents have an expiry date and conditions. Permanent residents can live in Canada without a time limit, subject to residency rules. Read our Canada immigration hub.
What documents do temporary residents need?
Visitors need a visa or an eTA. Students need a study permit in most cases. Workers need a work permit unless an exemption applies. Read our visit Canada hub, Study in Canada hub and work permits hub.
What is maintained status?
If you apply to extend before your status expires, you can stay in Canada while IRCC decides, under the same conditions. Read our maintained status guide.
What if my status expired?
You may be able to restore it if you apply within 90 days and still meet the rules of your stay. Read our restore status guide.
Can I change from visitor to student or worker inside Canada?
Only in some cases. Most people cannot apply for a work permit from inside Canada unless they meet a listed situation. Read our change of status guide.
How do I extend my stay?
Visitors apply for a visitor record, students extend their study permit, and workers extend their work permit. Apply at least 30 days early. See each guide.
Can I work as a visitor?
No. A visit does not give the right to work. See our work permits hub for work routes.
Can I study as a visitor?
Only a short program of 6 months or less. Longer programs need a study permit. Read our short-term study guide.
How do I move from temporary to permanent residence?
Common routes include Express Entry, the Canadian Experience Class, provincial programs and family sponsorship. Read our Express Entry guide and our study to PR guide.
What if my application is refused?
You can reapply with new information or ask the Federal Court to review a refusal. There is no appeal for temporary residence decisions. See our work permit refused guide.
Can you help me plan my route?
Yes. We check your document, deadlines and plans, and map the path to PR. Book a Strategy Consultation.