What is Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a document that allows people to enter Canada who for some reason are inadmissible according to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. To be eligible for a temporary resident permit TRP an individual who wants to enter or stay in Canada must have a justified reason for entering Canada and should able to convince the Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) Officer at the border; if coming from the US and is a US citizen or a permanent resident. If the national of a visa-exempt country; should apply for a TRP if Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is denied due to any inadmissibility. In case a national of a visa required country; should club together; the TRP application with the main application i.e. Study Permit, Visitor Visa, Work Permit, or with a Permanent Residence application. In either case, the applicant should be able to satisfy the visa officer that their entry to Canada at this point is crucial and they are in no way; a threat to public safety and security, regardless of how small the offense was. 

TRP application procedure with a cost:

A TRP is applied at the consulate or (for US citizens and permanent residents only) directly at the Canadian border. To be issued a temporary resident permit a non-refundable processing fee of $200 (Canadian dollars) has to be paid. The application is submitted along with supporting documents. The permit is issued according to the length of stay in Canada, usually up to 3 years, and can be extended from inside Canada.  After the expiry of the permit, a new one has to be issued. The permit is invalid once the individual leaves Canada unless specified to be allowed to re-enter after leaving. Note that the permit can be canceled at any time by the officer.

 Each country/region has its application procedure. Unlike US citizens or green card holders, nationals of other countries who require a temporary resident visa need to apply at their respective visa officers. If an individual falls in the eTA-required country category and is refused an eTA because of any inadmissibility reason, a TRP is required and may be issued depending upon the circumstances. Processing times vary according to when the application is submitted.

TRP Application at Border vs at Consulate

American citizens and Green Card holders may apply for TRP at the port of entry to Canada or a consulate. Both routes have their own merits or demerits. If there is a gap between their proposed date of travel to Canada they can apply through the consulate. Application processing time varies according to the nature and complexity of each application and the nature of the offense committed by the applicant. Remorse plays an important role in TRP applications as a visa officer or CBSA officer needed to be highly satisfied to issue a permit to the applicant. Application at the consulate has certain advantages as it may be applied well before the proposed time of traveling so you may have an outcome of your application before showing up to the border with uncertainty. It is also beneficial to avoid embarrassment in front of accompanying family members, friends, or colleagues who may be unaware of your offense; and in worst-case scenarios save your jobs if the offense is not disclosed to your employer. It is also possible you have the right to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation application instead of TRP if the sentencing against the offense has been served more than 05 years ago or if more than 10 years has been passed since you served the sentence then you may be Deemed Rehabilitated, but in either case, if you are eligible for criminal rehabilitation application or deemed rehabilitated; you have to apply through the consulate.

If the US Citizen or green cardholder has to travel urgently to Canada and cannot wait to apply through the consulate, they can apply for a TRP application at the border which is generally considered very quick and fast as compared to applying to the relevant consulate as it may take merely a few minutes. However, this depends upon the approval of the TRP application and the sole discretion of the CBSA officer. If the TRP application is denied; the applicant cannot enter Canada and is thus left with the only option to apply through the consulate.

Applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) at a Canadian Port of Entry
When you're inadmissible to Canada but need to enter for a specific, temporary reason, you can apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) at a Port of Entry (POE). Here's how to go about it:

1. Understanding the Purpose of a TRP

A TRP is designed for individuals who are inadmissible to Canada but have a compelling reason to enter. Such reasons might include:

• Attending business meetings or conferences
• Handling family emergencies
• Tourism (in exceptional cases)
• Pursuing study or work opportunities
• The TRP allows you to stay in Canada for a specific period, determined by the immigration officer based on your visit's purpose.

2. Assess Your Eligibility

Before attempting to apply for a TRP, ensure you meet these basic criteria:

• You have a legitimate reason for needing to enter Canada.
• The benefits of your visit must outweigh any risks posed by your presence.
• You are otherwise ineligible for entry due to reasons like criminal inadmissibility, health issues, or other barriers.

3. Prepare Your Documentation

Before arriving at the POE, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Personal Documents:
• Carrying a Valid Passport: You should have a valid passport or a travel document for the entire duration of your stay and in the case of a US citizen a birth certificate is also acceptable.
• Proof of Inadmissibility: Documents like court records or medical reports that explain why you're inadmissible.
• Letter of Explanation: A detailed letter outlining why you are inadmissible, your reason for visiting, and why you should be considered for a TRP.
• Supporting Documents:
• Purpose of Visit: Proof supporting your reason for entry, such as an invitation letter from a Canadian organization or evidence of a family emergency.
• Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements, pay slips, or other financial documents showing you can support yourself during your stay.
• Travel Itinerary: Details of your travel plans, including your return flight.
• Criminal Rehabilitation Documents: If applicable, any paperwork that shows steps you've taken toward criminal rehabilitation.

4. Arrive at the Port of Entry

When you reach the Canadian border, whether by air, land, or sea, head directly to the immigration checkpoint.

5. Notify the Border Services Officer (BSO)

Inform the Border Services Officer that you are inadmissible to Canada and would like to apply for a TRP. Provide them with all your prepared documentation.

6. Be Prepared for an Interview

The BSO may ask you questions to determine your eligibility and the reasons behind your visit. You should be ready to:

• Discuss your inadmissibility and the purpose of your trip.
• Show that the benefits of your entry outweigh any risks to Canadian society.
• Precisely but truthfully and honestly answer all questions and provide any additional documentation when asked or if requested.

7. Pay the Processing Fee

If the BSO decides to proceed with your TRP application, you'll need to pay a non-refundable processing fee:

CAD $200 for a Temporary Resident Permit (as per the current fee schedule).

Supporting documents for a TRP application:

Supporting documents may vary from application to application. There is a variety of documents one can attach to make the application stronger. However, there is a set of mandatory documents requisite. Firstly, and most importantly an original Police Clearance is required.  This document is a copy of the applicant’s criminal record. It is also referred to as a state clearance, police clearance certificate, or good conduct certificate. When applying for TRP a police clearance is required for every state/country the applicant has lived in for more than six months. Not necessarily consecutive six months. In cases where English or French is not the dominant language, the applicant may provide a police clearance in a different language along with an original copy of a translated certificate from a certified translator. Secondly, a clear copy of the applicant’s passport is mandatory.  Original FBI clearance is also required. This does not replace the police clearance. It is imperative to note that ONLY the original FBI clearance certificate will be accepted and NOT the copy. Other important documents include court documents in case of criminal convictions. Examples of documents the applicant could include are court records, documentation of the judge’s comments, probation or parole reports, a certificate of rehabilitation, and/or letters of recommendation from authorized individuals. Concerning the court documents, you will also need to provide a copy of the laws (foreign or Canadian) under which the applicant was charged/convicted. Lastly, evidence of payment of government fees is also required.

We can help you in filing your TRP application

Regardless you have an urgent need to travel to Canada for a meeting, business, personal, or leisure trip or want to come to Canada after some time, we can help you to apply for a TRP. Don't be hesitant if you have past convictions and criminal records and are hesitant and unsure of what will happen to you. Will your past conviction hinder your personal or business plans to Canada or not? Let us help you, we have worked with several cases and helped them file complete applications successfully.