Applying to remain in Canada as a temporary resident permit holder (IMM 5554)

Overview

This guide is for persons who currently hold a valid temporary resident permit (TRP) and wish to apply for another TRP to remain in Canada as a permit holder. A TRP is a document that authorizes a person who is inadmissible or does not meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or Regulations either as a temporary resident or as a permanent resident to enter or remain in Canada.

You can use this application to apply for another TRP if you apply before the expiry of your valid TRP. Before you start, read the entire guide. It details your obligations as a Permit Holder and provides some information on inadmissibility and non-compliance which may help you determine whether you are eligible to apply for another TRP. The guide also provides instructions and application forms that you need to complete, as well as, a checklist of supporting documents that you will need to submit with your application.

Note: A work or study permit, or a temporary resident visa is not a temporary resident permit. These documents are clearly marked as visas or work and study permits. You are not a temporary resident permit holder unless you are inadmissible and you have been issued a document specifically identified as a Temporary Resident Permit.

Do not use this application guide if:

• You want to apply for an initial TRP;
• You want to apply for another TRP but the TRP you currently hold has expired; or
• You want to renew your work or study permit and you are not a temporary resident permit holder.

Note: TRPs are only issued in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the processing officer. A TRP may be cancelled at any time.

Family members

Family members (spouse, common-law partner and dependent children) travelling with you are also inadmissible and may or may not be issued an initial TRP. If the officer forms an opinion that it is justified in the circumstances for all family members to enter or remain in Canada, then each family member will be given their own TRP and they are each permit holders in their own right.

Obligations of a permit holder

CIC has permitted your entry to Canada despite an inadmissibility and has suspended enforcement action for the duration of your TRP. As a permit holder you are expected to:

• abide by the laws of Canada;
• to take any action required to resolve your inadmissibility; and
• to leave or request another TRP before the expiry of your initial TRP.

Note: The nature or seriousness of your inadmissibility will determine whether you can take action to resolve your situation from inside Canada, or whether your situation can only be resolved by exiting Canada.

Processing times for your application

The Case Processing Centre-Vegreville (CPC-Vegreville) will review your application to determine if it is complete. If your application is not signed or if the required fee is missing, your application will be returned to you and you will have to re-apply. If other information is missing, your application may be returned or refused.

CPC-Vegreville will send you either:

• a letter refusing your application; or
• notification that your application has been referred to a local Canada Immigration Centre for further assessment.

CPC-Vegreville completes most of the applications it receives, however, a small number are referred to a local office for further clarification. If your application is referred to a local office, they will contact you to obtain additional information or clarification. It may take up to three months for them to contact you.

Once they receive the additional information or clarification, the local office will complete the final stages of processing and if required, invite you to an interview. Once processing is complete, the local office will notify you by mail of their decision.

Note: The Case Processing Centre receives large volumes of applications in the temporary resident categories each year. It is recommended that you apply at least 30 days before the expiry of your current document. However, you may want to apply in advance of this recommended period since processing delays vary. Contact the Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 or check our current processing times.

After reading this guide, if you believe you are eligible to apply then you should proceed as instructed below:

• Gather all the necessary documents. They are listed on the Document Checklist.
• Calculate and pay the fees.
• Photocopy the blank forms and use one as a working copy. Keep it for your records.
• Fill in the forms carefully and completely.
• Sign and date your forms.
• Mail your application to the Case Processing Centre-Vegreville.

It is illegal to remain in Canada beyond the validity of your status in Canada.

It is illegal to work without a required work permit.

It is illegal to study without a required study permit.

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