Canadian Immigration | Practical Guide

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) → Work → Permanent Residency in Canada

A clear, low-risk pathway with professional RCIC guidance — crafted for leads who discovered us via Google.

By Radmila Lim, RCIC (R414423) — Lawseph & Associates Inc.



Your interested in Immigrating to Canada through a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) with a plan to secure employment and ultimately obtaining Permanent Residency (PR). That goal is realistic with the right strategy and careful compliance. A TRV lets you enter Canada temporarily (you cannot work on a TRV), and the next steps involve obtaining a valid work permit and then applying for PR through the option that best fits your profile.


Summary: Your Phased Pathway

  • Phase 1 — TRV Approval: Enter Canada lawfully to visit, explore, attend interviews/meetings, or short courses where eligible.
  • Phase 2 — Work Authorization: Secure an employer offer and apply for a work permit (LMIA-supported or an eligible LMIA-exempt category). You must hold an approved work permit before starting any job.
  • Phase 3 — Permanent Residency: Transition to PR via Express Entry (CEC/FSW) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), leveraging Canadian experience to strengthen your case.

Eligibility Snapshot — TRV (Visitor Visa)

You’ll generally need to show

  • Valid passport & travel history
  • Clear purpose of travel & itinerary
  • Financial sufficiency for your stay
  • Ties to home country (employment, property, family)
  • Biometrics (most applicants)
  • No criminality/medical inadmissibility

Associated Government Fees (Typical)

Item Who Pays Current Fee (CAD) Notes
Visitor Visa (TRV) application Applicant $100 Per person; family max $500 when applying together
Biometrics Applicant $85 Family max $170 when applying together
Work Permit processing Applicant $155 + $100 only for open work permit holders
LMIA fee (if required) Employer $1,000 Per position; employer-paid
Employer Compliance (IMP, LMIA-exempt) Employer $230 Employer Portal offer of employment
eTA (if visa-exempt, not TRV) Applicant $7 For air travel by visa-exempt nationals
Medical exam (IME) Applicant Varies Paid to panel physician; pricing differs by clinic

Lawseph RCIC Service Packages (Typical)

Service Scope Professional Fee (CAD)
TRV Full Service Strategy, document build, RCIC submissions, portal filing, biometrics guidance $750–$1,200
Work Permit (LMIA-supported or IMP) Employer and worker guidance, forms & submissions, checklists, POE prep $1,500–$2,400
Express Entry PR (CEC/FSW) Profile, documents, e-APR, completeness & quality control, RCIC rep $2,500–$3,200
PNP (if applicable) Stream selection, nomination application, PR coordination $2,000–$3,500

*Professional fees are indicative and finalized in a written retainer after a conflict check and case review. Government fees and third-party costs are separate.

Processing Times — What to Expect

  • TRV & Work Permits: vary by country/stream and fluctuate. Always check the live IRCC tool.
  • Express Entry PR: IRCC’s service standard is to process most complete applications in ~6 months from submission.

Further Reading (Official)

  • Visitor visa (TRV) overview & eligibility — Government of Canada
  • TRV application guide & biometrics
  • Fee list (TRV, biometrics, work permits) & online fee portal
  • Work permit: who can apply (visitors generally not eligible from inside Canada)
  • Business visitors (what you can do without a work permit)
  • LMIA fee (ESDC) & Employer Compliance fee (IMP)
  • Check IRCC processing times
  • Express Entry processing standard

Steps We Manage End-to-End

  1. Eligibility & Strategy Consult: Confirm TRV intent and ties, map a compliant dual-intent narrative, and select your PR pathway (Express Entry or PNP).
  2. TRV File Preparation: Purpose-of-travel letter, forms, financials, itinerary/invitations, proof of ties, and risk-screening to pre-empt refusal triggers.
  3. Submission & Tracking: Lodge a complete application, monitor status, respond to IRCC requests, and maintain document validity.
  4. Job & Permit Plan: Employer outreach guidance, LMIA/IMP category fit, and work-permit application when you qualify.
  5. PR Readiness: Language testing and ECA planning (if needed), CRS optimization, document assembly, and PR submission when eligible.

Key Takeaways

  • TRV ≠ Work Authorization: You must obtain an approved work permit before starting employment.
  • Dual Intent is Allowed: You can plan for PR while demonstrating genuine temporary intent for the TRV — your file must explain this clearly.
  • Start Early: Processing queues and job markets change; a timely, complete file reduces delays.
  • Documentation Quality Drives Outcomes: Inconsistent or incomplete submissions are a top reason for refusals.
  • Professional Representation Reduces Risk: A licensed RCIC ensures accuracy, compliance, and strategic positioning at every step.

FAQs

Can I work on a TRV?

No. A TRV authorizes visiting only. You need an approved work permit before you start paid work. Limited business-visitor activities are possible if you do not enter the Canadian labour market.

Can I apply for a job-supported work permit from inside Canada as a visitor?

Generally no—the temporary policy that allowed this ended on Aug 28, 2024. Most visitors must apply from outside Canada (or at a port of entry if specifically eligible).

What is dual intent?

You may plan for PR later while applying to visit now, as long as you satisfy the officer you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay if PR is not approved.

How does Lawseph reduce risk?

We align your case theory with IRCC rules, prepare persuasive RCIC submissions, quality-control every form and document, and anticipate officer concerns that commonly cause refusals or delays.


Why Choose Lawseph & Associates Inc. (RCIC)

  • 25+ Years of Practice: Deep experience with TRV → work-permit → PR transitions.
  • Refusal-Risk Reduction: We run pre-submission audits, form accuracy checks, and completeness reviews to avoid preventable refusals and delays.
  • Tailored Strategy: We design a route for your profile: LMIA or LMIA-exempt options, Express Entry/PNP fit, and CRS optimization.
  • End-to-End Management: One team, one plan — from first consult to landing as a permanent resident.
  • Downtown Toronto Office: Responsive, transparent communication and accountable local representation.

Immigration is a life-changing decision — don’t leave it to chance. With Lawseph & Associates Inc., your application is
professionally prepared, fully compliant, and positioned for success. Beginning now helps you benefit from current opportunities and avoid future bottlenecks.


FAQ

Can I work in Canada on a TRV?

No. A TRV is for temporary entry. You must secure an approved work permit (employer-specific or eligible LMIA-exempt) before starting any employment.

What is “dual intent” and why does it matter?

Dual intent means you can plan for PR while visiting temporarily. Your TRV file must still prove you will respect temporary conditions if PR is not yet approved.

How long does processing take?

Timelines vary by country and program volume. Starting early with a complete, accurate file helps avoid avoidable delays.


Apply for Your TRV with Expert Guidance

Best regards,

Lawseph & Associates Inc.
Licensed RCIC Immigration Consultants
432-100 Richmond St. W., Toronto, ON, M5H-3K6
📞 416-962-3334 | 🌐 lawsephandassociates.com