A Temporary Resident Permit allows a foreign national who is otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter or remain for a specific purpose and period — when their need to be in Canada outweighs the health or safety risk they pose to Canadian society. A TRP does not remove the underlying inadmissibility; it is a bridge, not a solution. For a permanent resolution to criminal inadmissibility, see criminal rehabilitation.
Officers issuing TRPs must be satisfied on both parts of a two-part test. If either fails, the TRP is refused regardless of how sympathetic the circumstances are.
Part 1: Compelling Reason
The applicant must have a purpose that requires physical presence in Canada — one that cannot be addressed by video conference, proxy, or rescheduling. Officers have wide discretion. A business meeting held remotely is not compelling.
Part 2: Need Outweighs Risk
The officer must be satisfied that allowing entry is justified given the nature of the inadmissibility. Serious criminality creates a higher threshold — minor administrative violations face a lower bar.
What Constitutes a Compelling Reason
Signing a contract critical to a Canadian company, attending a board meeting, providing expert testimony in a commercial dispute
Attending a funeral of an immediate family member, providing care for a hospitalized relative
Receiving treatment unavailable in country of origin (documented), accompanying a family member for Canadian medical care
Required to appear in Canadian court, participating as a witness in legal proceedings
Quick Facts
- Application fee:$200
- Validity:1 day – 3 years
- Permanent solution?No
- Where to apply:IRCC / CBSA / Visa office
- PR pathway:Yes (after 3 years)
Amer Rehman, RCIC #R515343, assesses TRP eligibility and prepares complete applications for both inland and overseas submissions.
Schedule your consultationA consultation is required for case-specific advice.