Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) – Canada Immigration Guide
What is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)—often called a Visitor Visa—is an official counterfoil document issued by IRCC that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for purposes such as:
- Tourism (visiting family/friends)
- Business visits
- Attending events or meetings
- Short-term courses (under 6 months)
Note: A TRV is not a work or study permit. You cannot legally work or study long-term with only a TRV.
Who Needs a TRV?
You need a TRV if you are from a visa-required country (e.g., Philippines, India, Pakistan, Nigeria). Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g., UK, Germany) usually need only an eTA instead.
How to Apply for a TRV
1. Determine Eligibility
You must:
- Have a valid passport
- Be in good health
- Show ties to your home country (employment, property, family)
- Prove you’ll leave Canada at the end of your stay
- Have sufficient funds
2. Prepare Required Documents
- Passport & ID
- Digital photo
- Travel itinerary (if available)
- Purpose of travel letter
- Proof of financial support
- Evidence of ties to home country
- Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
- Proof of relationship (if applicable)
3. Apply Online or on Paper
Most applicants apply online via the IRCC portal.
4. Biometrics Appointment
You’ll be asked to provide biometrics (photo + fingerprints).
5. Wait for Decision
Once approved, a visa counterfoil is affixed to your passport.
Processing Times (As of 2025)
| Applicant Location | Approximate Processing Time |
|---|---|
| India | 2–4 weeks |
| Philippines | 3–6 weeks |
| Pakistan | 6–10 weeks |
| Nigeria | 6–9 weeks |
| Inside Canada | 2–4 weeks (extension/change) |
| Global Average | 3–8 weeks |
Costs Breakdown
Government Fees (IRCC)
| Fee Type | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| TRV Application (per person) | $100 |
| Biometrics Fee (per person) | $85 |
| Total per applicant | $185 |
Family applications (e.g. 5 people) can cap at $500 total.
Optional Costs
- Medical exam (if requested): ~$200–$300
- Police clearance: Varies by country
Immigration Consultant Agency Fees (Typical in 2025)
| Service Type | Fee Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Basic Application Review | $250 – $400 |
| Full Application Preparation & Filing | $500 – $1,000 |
| Complex Case (refusals, reapplication) | $750 – $1,500 |
At Lawseph & Associates Inc., a common offer might include:
- $250–$500 non-refundable administration fee
- Flat $800–$1,200 for full-service TRV processing
- Installment plans may be available
Why Hire an Immigration Consultant?
- Increases chance of approval
- Avoids errors or incomplete documentation
- Support with refusal reapplications
- Access to custom letters of explanation
- Professional document checklists
TRV + H&C Strategy
For clients planning to enter Canada on a TRV and then apply for Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) grounds:
- TRV approval is essential for initial entry
- The application must be strategically prepared to avoid misrepresentation
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
