Temporary resident permits

This information is for guidance and reference only. A decision on your admissibility can only be made when you apply to come to Canada or at a port of entry.

If you are inadmissible but have a compelling reason to travel to Canada, in some cases you may be issued a Temporary Resident Permit.

To be eligible for a Temporary Resident Permit, your need to enter or remain in Canada must outweigh the health or safety risks to Canadian society. Even if the reason you are inadmissible seems minor, you must prove your need is valid.

Note: A Temporary Resident Permit is a document that is only issued in exceptional cases. It is not the same as a Temporary Resident Visa.

There is no guarantee that you will be issued a Temporary Resident Permit. If you apply for this permit, you have to pay a fee which is not refundable. This permit may be cancelled at any time, and you may be subject to an admissibility hearing or a removal order.

A permit is issued for a specified period. This period is often short, for example, for a week to attend a conference. You must leave Canada or apply for a new permit before your current one expires. It may be cancelled by an officer at any time. The permit is no longer valid if you leave Canada, unless you have specifically been authorized to leave and re-enter, which is rare.

How to Apply

If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, the visa office responsible for your country or region may have their own application form for Temporary Resident Permits. You should verify with the visa office to find out about their specific application procedures.

Otherwise, if you are inadmissible to Canada but wish to come here, you should submit an application for a Temporary Resident Visa along with supporting documentation to explain why you are inadmissible and why it may be justified for you to enter Canada.

You may have to attend an interview so that an officer can assess your application.

Fees

You must pay a fee ($200 CAD) to cover the cost of processing your application for a Temporary Resident Permit. The fee will not be refunded if a permit is refused. Check the visa office website for payment instructions.