Skip to main content

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Extension

A TRV (also referred to as an entry visa) is a sticker placed inside your passport that gives you permission to enter and re-enter Canada. This sticker does not give you status in Canada. It is not your temporary resident status document (i.e. study permit or work permit).  

Please note: You cannot apply for your study permit and TRV at the same time. After you have received your new study permit then you can apply for your TRV.

To find out if you require a TRV or eTA to enter Canada, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. 

Eligible travellers from 13 more countries now qualify for visa -free travel to Canada. Please check more information on the IRCC website. 

Frequently asked questions

  • How can I extend my TRV from inside of Canada?

    Unlike your immigration status document (i.e. study permit or work permit), your TRV can expire. If you do not intend to travel outside of Canada and re-enter, then you do not need to renew your TRV or have a valid TRV inside of Canada.

    We do not recommend making any confirmed travel plans prior to obtaining your renewed TRV as you will need to submit your passport with your application. 

    Please apply for a TRV extension on your IRCC secure account.

  • How do I apply for a TRV from outside Canada?

    If you are a citizen of a country that requires a TRV and you are applying for an initial study permit from outside of Canada, a TRV will automatically be issued upon approval of your study permit application. You are not required to pay an additional fee or submit another application. Usually, your TRV is issued for the same duration as your approved study permit.

    To apply for a temporary resident visa from outside of Canada, follow the step-by-step instruction guide.

  • What documents do I need for my temporary resident Visa extension?
    •  Verification of enrolment letter. 
    • Official Transcript: You can request your transcript on your MyOntarioTech. You can find more information on the Office of the Registrar's website on the fees and processing times. 
    • Financial Supporting Documents: Refer to the IRCC website to find what are acceptable financial supporting documents.
    • Your study permit and passport: It is recommended that you scan your study permit and passport together. You must also provide a copy of the bio-data page (the page with your name, date of birth, passport number, expiry date, etc.) and a copy of every page in your passport that has stamps, visas, or markings from Canada. 
    • PAL or PAL exception letter. As of January 22, 2025 you may need a PAL, or a PAL exception letter depending on your situation.
  • How long will it take to receive my TRV?

    You can check the processing time on the IRCC website.

  • How do I mail my passport to get my new TRV?

    Once your TRV is approved, follow IRCC's instructions under List of countries/territories in alphabetical order and find Canada for how and where to mail your passport.

  • I got a temporary resident (visitor) visa in Canada for my temporary resident visa extension, is it an error?

    According to the IRCC website: 

    If there is a V-1 code on your visitor visa

    This is not an error. Due to COVID-19, IRCC has temporary measures in place to process visitor visa applications submitted from inside Canada.

    • Foreign students and workers who applied for a visitor visa in Canada since July 2021 may get a V-1 visitor visa.
    • You can use your V-1 visa to leave and re-enter Canada – the same way you would use your S-1 or W-1 visa.
    • You don’t need to request a different type of visa or follow up with the processing office or client support centre. A new visa will not be issued in this case.

    Validity period is different on the V-1 visa

    • The V-1 visa is valid until the expiration date of your passport.
      • This is part of the temporary measures in place that will be in effect until further notice.
      • If your V-1 visa expires, you can apply for a new visitor visa.
  • I got a new passport but I have a valid visa in my old one. Can I use the visa in my old passport?

    According to the IRCC website:

    Yes. To travel to Canada using a valid visa in an old passport, you need to bring both

    • your old passport with the valid visa
      • You may need to explain why your old passport isn’t valid.
    • your new valid passport or travel document

    Even though you can use a valid visa in an old passport, we recommend that you get a new visa in your valid passport to avoid delays at the border.