International Centre

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

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What a TRV looks like

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HELPFUL GUIDES

Download these pdf guides to help you fill out your TRV application forms and help you answer the online eligibility questionaire:

 


What is a TRV?

Your valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) allows you to enter (and re-enter) Canada. It is issued by a Canadian Visa Office and placed in your passport. It confirms that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. Pay attention to the TRV expiry date and make sure to renew it two to three months before the expiration date.

Who needs a TRV?

Only citizens of specific countries require a TRV to enter Canada. Check the IRCC website to see if you need a valid TRV to travel to Canada. TRVs are often issued for the same length of time as the study permit. If you have a study permit, a TRV is not needed while you’re inside Canada. However, if you travel outside of Canada during your studies, you will need a valid TRV to re-enter Canada.

When/how do I receive a TRV?

  • Students who are applying for a Study Permit from outside Canada will automatically be assessed for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) at the same time. If you require a TRV to enter Canada, you will receive your TRV at the same time your Study Permit application is approved. No separate application is required.
  • Once your TRV application has been processed (inside or outside Canada), IRCC will contact you through your online IRCC account with a link to further instructions about when, where, and how to send your passport to have the TRV counterfoil placed in your passport. 

HOW TO APPLY ONLINE

Step 1: Log into your IRCC online account through GCKey or Sign-in partner

If you already have an IRCC online account, login as usual. If you are a new user, you must register for an account.

Step 2: Click on ‘Apply to come to Canada'

You will be asked to enter a Personal Reference Code. If you do not already have a code, go to the section, "I do not have a Personal Refence Code" and click on Visitor visa, study and/or work permit. Answer all the questions that follow.

Please refer to the TRV Eligibility Questionnaire Guide in the adjacent sidebar for assistance.

Step 3: Fill in the online application form and gather supporting documentation

  1. Complete the IMM 5257 Application form. Validate and save the form as an unsigned copy. If you cannot open the form, remove the pop-up blocker on your browser and update your Adobe Reader. We recommend using Firefox or Chrome as your browser. You can find a guide to completing IMM5257 in the adjacent sidebar.
  2. Gather the following supporting documents:
    • Digital photo (420x540 pixels)
    • Passport pages (only pages with stamps, visas, photos)
    • Study Permit (or Post-Graduation Work Permit, if applicable)
    • Official transcript (request via DalOnline or visit the Registrar's Office)
    • Proof of enrolment in the next academic term: undergraduate students can request a Confirmation of Enrolment Letter via DalOnline or by contacting the Registrar's Office. Graduate Students can request a letter from the Faculty of Graduate Studies
    • Proof of means of financial support (e.g. bank statement, loan letter, sponsorship letter, etc.)

Once you have all the documents ready, save them electronically. Then, upload the IMM 5257 form and supporting documents.

Important Information

After you submit your application, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may contact you for additional documents. If you are contacted, make an appointment with an International Student Advisor to ensure you respond accurately and punctually to the IRCC request.   

Step 4: Upload biometrics receipt (if applicable)

If you paid $85.00 CAD for biometric collection but have not yet completed biometrics, upload your $85.00 receipt under “Optional Documents-Client Information.” Make sure to indicate YES to biometrics in the online questionnaire or you will be charged again. 

Step 5: Pay the application fee

Pay the TRV renewal fee of $100 CAD online with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). Do not forget to print a receipt.

Step 6: Submit application and wait for IRCC response

Save or print your confirmation of successful transmission for your records.

Once your application has been processed, IRCC will send you an email directing you to your IRCC online account. In the section for submitted applications, you should check your application for any IRCC letters requesting your passport.

Print the IRCC letter, then purchase two prepaid (32 x 24 cm and 26 x 16.5 cm) “Xpresspost—National” envelopes at any Canada Post retail outlet.

Enclose one envelope inside the other envelope along with your passport and IRCC letter. This second envelope will be used to return your passport and new TRV to you.

We recommend that you enclose your passport and the IRCC letter in a regular envelope. Write your UCI, Application Number (found in your letter) and “TRV Application” on the envelope.

UCI: ######
Application: V######
TRV Application

If sending by mail (e.g. Canada Post), send your documents to the following address:

Temporary Resident Visa Section
Case Processing Centre – Ottawa
P.O. Box 8780 STN T CSC
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5A9

If sending by courier (e.g. FedEx, DHL, UPS), send your documents to the following address:

Temporary Resident Visa Section
Case Processing Centre – Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1L1