Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) Lawyers
Sometimes, if you are found to be inadmissible to Canada, you may still have options that grant you entry to the country. A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) allows individuals who are inadmissible to Canada to enter for temporary periods of time. They are discretionary and individuals only receive them when the benefits of their entry are determined to outweigh potential risks.
A TRP is not a standard visitor visa, as TRPs are only issued to individuals who do not meet regular admissibility requirements. They are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), but are not granted automatically upon application. To receive one, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a valid or compelling reason to enter Canada despite your inadmissibility issues. In addition, you must prove that you do not pose a risk to Canada, or that your need to enter outweighs your potential risk to the country.
If you have been denied entry to Canada or are facing inadmissibility issues, our Vancouver immigration lawyers at Border Solutions Law Group can guide you through the TRP application process. Whether you are applying for the first time or need to re-enter Canada multiple times, we can assist. To get started, contact our team to schedule a consultation today.
What is a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)?
A TRP is a temporary immigration document that allows you to enter or remain inside Canada for a set period of time after you have been deemed inadmissible. TRPs are outlined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and are issued to applicants on a case-by-case basis depending on the circumstances of their inadmissibility.
When you apply for a TRP, you will need to present an effective argument as to why you should be allowed inside Canada despite your inadmissibility. The reasons you cite may be due to work, family, or other personal emergencies. It will be up to the discretion of the immigration officer assessing your application whether your reason for entering Canada is compelling enough to override your inadmissibility.
Although TRPs are often confused with visitor visas or Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), they are two separate things. A TRP is only meant for individuals who are not allowed to enter Canada due to inadmissibility issues. Visitor visas and TRVs are only issued to people who meet all standard entry requirements when they apply for status.
It is possible to utilize TRPs as a pathway to permanent residency, work, or study permits. Typically, a TRP will be valid for the length of time you need to carry out your affairs in Canada (for example, 1 week for a business trip). TRPs may be valid for a single entry or multiple entries, depending on your application.
Eligibility For Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs)
If you have been deemed inadmissible to Canada on any grounds, you may be eligible to apply for a TRP. Common grounds for inadmissibility that require a TRP include:
- Criminal Inadmissibility: Criminal inadmissibility is one of the most common reasons individuals may seek a TRP. You may be criminally inadmissible and therefore require a TRP to enter Canada if you have:
- Past criminal convictions on your record (such as DUI, assault, theft, fraud, etc.)
- Ongoing criminal charges
- Serious criminal offences
- Pending criminal rehabilitation eligibility (5 years have not passed since your conviction)
- Medical Inadmissibility: In cases where immigration authorities have determined that you might place excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system, you may deemed medically inadmissible and require a TRP to enter or stay in Canada.
- Immigration Violations: If you have:
- Overstayed past visas in Canada,
- Worked in Canada without valid status,
- Committed misrepresentation on previous immigration applications,
- Or other violations
You may need to apply for a TRP due to your inadmissibility.
Individuals may not be eligible to apply for a TRP when:
- They are a failed refugee claimant (under specific conditions)
- They are subject to an ongoing removal order
- And more
The Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Application Process
The TRP application process can be complex and involve multiple steps depending on the type of inadmissibility you are facing. You may apply in several different ways, including:
- At a Canadian Port of Entry (Land Border or Airport): If you would like to apply for a TRP as you are entering Canada, you will need to bring all necessary documentation with you to verify with a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. They will make a decision on the spot as to whether you are eligible to receive a TRP. There is a risk that you may be denied and turned away from the border should you choose to go this route. It can be helpful to consult with a legal professional about your situation before you travel, as they can advise you about the strength of your case and the likelihood of your receiving a TRP at the border.
- Through an IRCC Visa Office: Individuals seeking TRPs can also submit their applications through a Canadian consulate in their place of residence. This route is often recommended if you are planning your travel to Canada in advance.
During the application process, general documentation you will need to gather to support your claim includes:
- Your proof of a compelling reason for entry (such as business meetings, family emergencies, study obligations, or medical treatment)
- Documentation of your criminal record or past convictions (if applicable)
- A police clearance certificate and court records from your home country and/or place of offence if it occurred outside your home country
- Proof that you are unlikely to re-offend or violate any relevant Canadian laws
- Proof of rehabilitation (such as counselling, treatment programs, and more).
- A letter of support from a third party, such as an employer, family or other authority
- Proof of financial resources
- And potentially further documentation, depending on your circumstances
How Can Our Vancouver Immigration Lawyers Help With Your Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)?
At Border Solutions Law Group, our immigration team is passionate about helping individuals explore their legal options when it comes to visiting, living, and working in Canada. If you have been deemed inadmissible during past immigration applications, a TRP can be a helpful solution that allows you access to Canada while you address the root cause of your inadmissibility.
Our Vancouver immigration lawyers can assist clients with:
- Assessing their eligibility for a TRP and crafting a strong application package
- Gathering evidence of rehabilitation for immigration authorities to review
- Preparing for potential interviews with border officers at ports of entry
- Advising on transitions from TRPs to work or study permits
- And more
Applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)? Contact Our Vancouver Immigration Lawyers Today
If you have been deemed inadmissible to Canada, our experienced immigration lawyers can navigate the TRP process by your side. Whether you need advice about the type of inadmissibility you are facing or you require assistance putting your TRP application together, we can help. Call our Vancouver office toll-free at 877-341-6761 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.