A Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV, is a document that Canada places in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements to travel to Canada for a temporary stay. Most people call it a visitor visa.

If you come from a visa-required country, you generally need a TRV to enter Canada by air, land, or sea. If your country is visa-exempt, you may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead, which is faster and cheaper to get.

Once you arrive, a border officer decides how long you can stay. Most visitors get up to six months, though the officer has the final say based on your situation.

Three Types of Temporary Status

Study Permit

This document lets you study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Most foreign students need a study permit before they can enroll in a Canadian program.

Work Permit

This document lets you work for a Canadian employer. Most foreign workers need one before they start any job in the country.

Visitor Visa (TRV)

This is the standard document for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. It does not let you work or study in Canada. If you want to do either, you need a separate permit.

Eligibility Criteria for a Temporary Resident Visa

Before you apply, make sure you meet these general requirements.

• You are at least 18 years old, if you are the primary applicant
• You hold a valid passport with at least one blank page
• You can provide certified translations for any documents not in English or French
• You have no criminal record that would make you inadmissible to Canada
• You can pay the required application and biometric fees
• You can sign and date every section of your application that asks for it
• You have enough funds to support your stay in Canada
• You can attend an interview or give biometric information if asked
• You can complete a medical exam if the visa office requests one
• You can show that your visit is temporary and that you plan to return home afterward

Additional requirements may apply, depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit

Fees You Should Know

The government fee for a visitor visa runs at CAD $100 per person, or CAD $500 for a family of five or more applying together. Most applicants between 14 and 79 years old also need to give biometrics, which costs CAD $85 per person, or CAD $170 for a family applying together. Once collected, your biometric data stays valid for ten years, so you will not need to pay this fee again for a while.

How to Apply

Check which document you need. Confirm whether you need a TRV or an eTA, based on your nationality and how you plan to travel.

• Gather your documents. This includes your passport, photos, proof of funds, and any supporting letters for your visit.
• Complete your application. Fill in every required field and sign where needed.
• Pay your fees. Pay the visa fee and, if required, the biometrics fee.
• Give your biometrics. Visit a Visa Application Centre if the visa office asks for fingerprints and a photo.
• Wait for a decision. Processing times vary widely by country, so check current wait times before you plan your travel dates.

Canada offers dozens of immigration and travel programs, and picking the right one depends entirely on your goal. Someone who wants to study needs a different path than someone who wants to visit family for a few weeks. Getting this choice right from the start saves you time and avoids unnecessary refusals.

Why Work With Canus Immigration

A visitor visa application looks simple on paper, but small mistakes cause a lot of refusals. Weak proof of funds, unclear travel intent, or missing documents can all work against you.

We review your situation, help you gather the right documents, and make sure your application shows exactly what the visa office wants to see. Whether you are visiting family, exploring Canada, or preparing for a longer-term move, we guide you through the process.

Reach out to Canus Immigration today and let’s plan your trip to Canada the right way.