Other Immigration Services

Temporary Resident Permit

A permit allowing entry or stay in Canada despite an inadmissibility, where justified.

Overview

A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) can allow a person who is otherwise inadmissible to Canada — for example, due to a past criminal record — to enter or remain temporarily, where the need to be in Canada outweighs the risk.

This is a discretionary decision balancing the reasons for the visit against the specific inadmissibility, so a clear, well-supported explanation is central to the application.

Who may consider this: People who are otherwise inadmissible to Canada but have a justified reason to enter or remain temporarily.

Eligibility Considerations

  • A specific, identifiable ground of inadmissibility
  • A justified, compelling reason for entering or remaining in Canada despite that inadmissibility
  • Evidence that the need for entry outweighs the risk associated with the inadmissibility

How It Works

Step 01

Inadmissibility Assessment

We identify exactly which ground of inadmissibility applies to your situation.

Step 02

Justification Review

We help articulate a clear, specific reason for needing to enter or remain in Canada.

Step 03

Document Preparation

Supporting evidence addressing both the inadmissibility and the justification is organized.

Step 04

Application Submission

The TRP application is submitted to the relevant visa office or port of entry.

Step 05

Government Processing

The application is reviewed on a discretionary basis; timelines vary by office.

Step 06

Decision

If approved, the permit allows entry or stay for a specified period and purpose.

Documents You May Need

Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.

  • Evidence and details of the specific inadmissibility
  • Evidence supporting the reason for the visit or stay
  • Identity documents
  • Any relevant court or legal records tied to the inadmissibility

Common Issues to Watch For

These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.

  • A justification that doesn't clearly outweigh the specific inadmissibility concern
  • Missing documentation that fully explains the inadmissibility itself
  • Applying without first confirming exactly which ground of inadmissibility applies

How We Help

  • Identify the precise ground of inadmissibility involved
  • Help build a clear, credible justification for the permit
  • Prepare a complete, well-supported application

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a TRP a permanent solution?+

No — it's a temporary, discretionary permit for a specific period and purpose, separate from any permanent resolution of an inadmissibility.

Can a TRP lead to permanent residence?+

In some cases a TRP holder may later explore other options, but this depends heavily on the individual situation and would need separate assessment.

How is a TRP different from criminal rehabilitation?+

Rehabilitation permanently resolves certain criminality-related inadmissibility, while a TRP is a temporary, discretionary permit — we discuss which applies to your situation.

The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.