Temporary Resident Permits (TRP): Entering or Staying in Canada When Inadmissible

What the law says

Section 24(1) of the Act says a foreign national who, in the opinion of an officer, is inadmissible or does not meet the requirements of the Act becomes a temporary resident if an officer is of the opinion that it is justified in the circumstances and issues a TRP, which may be cancelled at any time. Section 24(3) says the officer must follow any instructions the Minister makes, and IRCC publishes guidance on how officers assess requests.

Section 24(2) says a person who is issued a TRP outside Canada does not become a temporary resident until they have been examined on arrival in Canada. In other words, the permit is not a guarantee of entry, and a border officer will still examine you.

What IRCC says about a TRP

• A TRP grants temporary resident status to a foreign national in Canada.
• It is issued for a limited time.
• It may be cancelled at any time.
• It does not permanently overcome inadmissibility and does not meet a requirement of the Act.
• IRCC lists the fee for an initial or new TRP as starting from $246.25 (July 2026). Some applicants, such as victims of human trafficking or family violence, do not pay the fee. Fees change, so check IRCC.

When a TRP may be considered

A TRP is most often considered where the reason for inadmissibility is criminal or medical, or where a person has an important reason to come to Canada and cannot yet use a permanent solution. Examples include:

• A person with a past conviction who needs to travel for work, family or an emergency before rehabilitation can be approved.
• A person with a medical concern who needs to enter for a limited, justified purpose.
• A person who is inadmissible for a reason that has no practical permanent fix in the short term.

TRPs are not available in every case. For example, section 24(4) says a foreign national whose refugee claim has not been allowed may not request a TRP if less than 12 months have passed since the claim was rejected or determined withdrawn or abandoned, with details set out in the section.

TRP versus rehabilitation and record suspension

A TRP and rehabilitation solve different problems. A TRP is temporary and discretionary. Criminal rehabilitation, deemed rehabilitation and a Canadian record suspension can address criminal inadmissibility more permanently, but they have waiting periods and take time. Where there is a deadline, a TRP may help in the meantime. See criminal inadmissibility for the options and waiting periods.

What an application usually includes

• A clear explanation of the inadmissibility problem, with court or medical documents.
• The reason you need to enter or remain in Canada, and why it is justified, with supporting evidence such as an employment letter, family documents or medical records.
• Information about the risk to Canadian society and why it is low, such as proof of behaviour since the offence.
• Identity, travel and any police certificates.
• The length of stay you are requesting.

Officers weigh the applicant's need to enter or stay against any risk to Canadians. The application should address both.

Extending, cancelling and when the TRP ends

A TRP states an expiry date. If you want to stay longer, you generally need to apply to extend it before it expires, and extension depends on the reasons for inadmissibility and the officer's assessment. Because the permit may be cancelled at any time, you should comply with every condition on it. Overstaying or breaching conditions can create new problems, including loss of status and more inadmissibility.

Applying at a visa office, with an application, or at the border

Where you apply depends on your situation. Some people apply together with a visa application at a visa application centre. Others apply from inside Canada, or ask for a TRP at a port of entry. Applying at the border can be risky if the officer refuses, because you may be turned away. If you can plan ahead, preparing a full application in advance is usually safer.

How we can help

We assess whether a TRP is the right tool, gather and organise the evidence, prepare the request and cover letter, and advise on longer-term solutions such as rehabilitation or a record suspension. We meet clients in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. We cannot promise that an officer will issue a permit.