TRV in Canada After PGWP & Permit Extensions
Welcome to Globexa Immigration! I’m Jitendra Grover, and today we’re diving into an essential topic for anyone looking to visit Canada: The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Whether you’re planning a short-term stay for tourism, business, or to visit family, understanding the TRV process is crucial for a smooth and successful application. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a TRV and ensure you’re fully prepared for your journey to Canada. Let’s get started!
When you’re outside Canada or returning to Canada after a trip abroad, you will need a TRV. This is a visa stamp in your passport that grants you entry into Canada from another country. If you’re already in Canada and travel outside, you will also need a TRV to return. Whether you are traveling to Canada for the first time or re-entering after a trip, you require this type of visa stamp.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of visas you might need for Canada, including the TRV, study visa, or visitor visa, as they all serve similar functions when it comes to travel to and from Canada.
If you do not have any visa sticker in your passport, you could face significant issues when trying to return to Canada. So, understanding how to apply for a TRV is crucial for a smooth travel experience. I’ll walk you through the essential steps to apply for a TRV from outside Canada in this blog, so make sure to watch until the end.
At Globexa Immigration, we specialize in helping clients with their immigration needs. If you need assistance with your TRV application or any other immigration services, feel free to reach out.
In today’s blog, we will be discussing TRVs (Temporary Resident Visas) and how they differ from permits. Before diving into the details of TRVs, it’s important to understand the difference between a TRV and a permit.
1.1 What is a Permit?
When you first land in Canada, you are issued a paper document, typically an A4-sized sheet, at the border or airport. This document is called a permit. There are different types of permits, such as study permits, work permits, or visitor records, depending on your purpose of stay in Canada.
A permit is required for you to stay inside Canada legally. It includes important details such as your personal information, the start and expiry dates, and specific conditions related to your stay. You will receive a permit after entering Canada, and it allows you to stay in the country as per the conditions mentioned on it.
1.2 What is a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa)?
A TRV, on the other hand, is a sticker visa in your passport. This visa is required when you are traveling to Canada for the first time or when you are traveling back to Canada after being abroad. When you apply for a TRV, you may receive a visitor visa, work visa, or study visa, depending on your situation.
1.3 Key Difference Between a Visa and a Permit
While a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) is required for traveling to Canada, a permit is required once you’re inside Canada. After landing, you may be issued a study permit, work permit, or visitor record, depending on your immigration status. These permits have specific conditions related to your stay in Canada.
Understanding the difference between a TRV and a permit is crucial for your Canada immigration journey. If you’re planning to travel to Canada for the first time or return after being outside Canada, make sure you have the correct TRV. Once inside the country, you will receive a permit that allows you to stay and work, study, or visit as per your immigration status.
In today’s write up, we’re discussing visa stickers in passports, particularly the TRV (Temporary Resident Visa). Before we dive into why a TRV is essential, let’s first understand what a visa is and how it works.
1.4 What is a Visa?
A visa is a sticker placed in your passport that allows you to travel to a specific country. For Canada, the visa process begins after you receive a Passport Request (PPR). Once you receive the PPR, you send your passport to a Visa Application Centre (VFS). After processing, you get a visa sticker, which is affixed to your passport.
Depending on the type of visa you applied for, your visa will be categorized as follows:
- Study Visa: Starts with “S”
- Visitor Visa: Starts with “V”
- Work Visa: Starts with “W”
These are the broad categories, and the sticker visa allows you to travel to Canada. The visa must be valid at the time of your travel, and you can travel any time before the expiry date mentioned on your visa.
1.5 TRV – Temporary Resident Visa
A TRV is essentially a visitor visa for those wishing to travel to Canada. If you’re outside Canada, you need a TRV to board your flight and land in Canada. Without this sticker visa, you will not be able to travel to Canada. This is true whether you’re traveling to Canada for the first time or re-entering the country after a trip abroad.
For example, if you apply for a study visa, you will receive a study visa sticker, and it will be affixed to your passport. Once you land in Canada, you will receive a permit (such as a study permit, work permit, or visitor record) to stay in the country legally.
1.6 Applying for a TRV Inside Canada
If you are already in Canada and wish to travel abroad, you can apply for a TRV while you’re inside Canada. This is also known as a visitor visa, and it can be issued for up to 10 years. The validity of your TRV will either be for 10 years or the validity of your current permit, whichever is shorter.
For example, after receiving my study permit in Canada, I applied for a TRV, which allowed me to travel abroad and return to Canada. Once I extended my study permit, I applied for an extended TRV to reflect the new duration of my permit.
Whenever you extend a permit in Canada, such as a study permit, work permit, or visitor record, you can then apply for a TRV. This ensures that you have a valid visa sticker on your passport, allowing you to travel outside Canada and return without issues.
1.7 Why TRV is Important
If you are outside Canada, you require a TRV to board your flight to Canada. Without it, you cannot land in Canada.
A TRV is necessary for anyone re-entering Canada after traveling abroad.
If you’re extending a permit or changing your status, applying for a TRV is important to ensure you can travel internationally without complications.
In this blog, I will share a personal example to explain the importance of having a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) for your travel plans. After I landed in Canada and extended my study permit, I applied for a TRV. I received this TRV for a 10-year period, but it can be issued for a shorter duration depending on the validity of your permit. The TRV’s validity is determined by the visa officer, not us, but it is an essential document for anyone planning to travel outside Canada.
1.8 The Importance of Having a TRV
Why is having a TRV so important? Imagine an emergency situation: you need to travel outside Canada to your home country. Whether it’s due to a family emergency, such as a loved one falling ill, or for a significant event like a wedding, many people find themselves in trouble if they don’t have a TRV available when they need it most.
Without this visa sticker in your passport, you might face significant challenges when trying to board a flight back to Canada, especially after traveling outside the country. Many individuals are unaware of the potential complications that can arise if the TRV is not in place. That’s why it is critical to apply for a TRV and ensure that it’s valid before making any international travel plans.
1.9 Why is TRV Necessary After Extension?
You might be wondering, why is a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) required after extending your stay in Canada? Let’s break it down.
When you first apply for a study visa or any type of visa to enter Canada, you receive a sticker visa in your passport. This is not an issue when you’re traveling to Canada for the first time, as you already have the visa and can travel with ease. Once you land in Canada, you are issued a permit (study permit, work permit, visitor record, etc.), which allows you to stay in the country for the duration specified.
However, when you extend your stay in Canada, whether it’s for a study permit extension, work permit extension, or any other type of permit extension, things change. The issue arises because after you extend your permit, you no longer have a valid visa sticker on your passport. The new permit issued to you only provides information about your extended status, but it doesn’t include a visa sticker for travel.
1.10 Why Do You Need a TRV After Extension?
In this situation, you need to apply for a TRV. Regardless of the type of extension you have, whether it’s a PG work permit, study permit extension, work permit extension, or visitor record extension, you must apply for a TRV from inside Canada.
So, even if you’re already on a study permit or other permit inside Canada, after an extension, you will need to apply for a visitor visa, which is essentially a TRV. This visitor visa allows you to travel internationally and return to Canada without any issues.
The process works as follows:
- When you first arrive in Canada, you get the visa sticker in your passport (e.g., study visa, work visa).
- After extending your permit, you will no longer have a visa sticker for international travel, which is why you need to apply for a TRV.
- The TRV is issued as a visitor visa that you can use for re-entry to Canada.
1.11 Why You Should Apply for a TRV After Getting Your Extension
Many people assume that once they extend their permit in Canada, they no longer need a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) and can simply stay inside the country with their new permit. While it’s true that you only need a permit to stay in Canada, the real issue arises if you need to travel outside Canada during your permit extension.
In case of an emergency, such as a family crisis or another urgent situation, if you don’t have the TRV (visa sticker) in your passport, you won’t be able to board a flight back to Canada. This can result in significant complications, and you could be stuck outside the country, unable to return. This is why it’s essential to apply for a TRV extension (visa sticker) after your permit extension.
1.12 The Cost of the TRV Extension
Many people assume that once they extend their permit in Canada, they no longer need a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) and can simply stay inside the country with their new permit. While it’s true that you only need a permit to stay in Canada, the real issue arises if you need to travel outside Canada during your permit extension.
In case of an emergency, such as a family crisis or another urgent situation, if you don’t have the TRV (visa sticker) in your passport, you won’t be able to board a flight back to Canada. This can result in significant complications, and you could be stuck outside the country, unable to return. This is why it’s essential to apply for a TRV extension (visa sticker) after your permit extension.
1.13 Real-Life Case: TRV Refusal After Work Permit Extension
Recently, at Globexa we handled a case where the applicant was on a work permit in Canada. He had completed one year of studies and received a PG work permit valid for just one year. However, he needed to travel outside Canada while on the PG work permit. Now, he is in India and trying to apply for his TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), but his visitor visa application from outside Canada was refused.
The refusal rate for visitor visa applications (TRVs) from outside Canada is typically high. This is because when you apply from outside the country, the application is not considered as an inland application. When applying from within Canada, having a valid permit makes the process much smoother. But applying from outside Canada is more complicated.
1.14 The Complications of Missing a TRV
If you need to leave Canada in an emergency and don’t have a valid TRV (sticker visa) in your passport, you may not be able to return to Canada. In this case, the applicant, who had one year left on his PG work permit, had already used half of his permit. If he does not receive his visitor visa (TRV) approval in the next two to three months, he could face serious problems.
Without a valid TRV, he won’t be able to re-enter Canada, and if he doesn’t get the visitor visa in time, he might need to reapply for a study permit or explore other options to return to Canada. However, if he decides to take another study program, he won’t be able to apply for a PG work permit again because a PG work permit can only be applied for once in a lifetime. This makes the situation much more complicated since he doesn’t have a sticker visa to return to Canada.
1.15 What Happens Next? The LMIA Route
In this scenario, the next option is for him to apply for an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), which would involve an online, remote application process. He would then need to apply for a new work permit through this process. However, this step makes the case far more complex compared to simply having a valid TRV.
1.16 The Cost of Missing a TRV
This case illustrates a key point: by missing one small but critical document, the TRV, the applicant faces a much more complicated and costly process. The TRV only costs $100, a relatively small expense that could prevent many complications in the future. If you travel outside Canada without this document, you could find yourself in a difficult situation.
1.17 Why You Should Apply for a TRV After a Permit Extension
Once your permit is extended inside Canada, apply for your TRV immediately. This small step can prevent potential problems if you need to leave Canada in an emergency. Failing to apply for a TRV can lead to a variety of issues, including being stuck outside Canada and facing the need for a more complicated work permit application process.
To sum up, applying for a TRV after a permit extension is essential. Even though it may seem like an additional step, having this visa ensures you can travel freely and return to Canada without complications. Missing a TRV can lead to significant challenges, including the need for a new LMIA and work permit, which can be a complicated and expensive process. To avoid these issues, apply for your TRV as soon as you extend your permit.
1.18 Issues When Applying for TRV from Outside Canada
- The Risk of Getting Stuck Outside Canada
One of the biggest issues when applying for a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) from outside Canada is that you may end up stuck outside. If you don’t have a valid sticker visa (TRV) to return to Canada, you can’t travel back. Without a valid TRV, you won’t be able to re-enter Canada, and you’ll be stuck abroad, unable to work or return to Canada. If your permit has expired or is nearing expiration, this issue can last the entire duration of your permit, which is exactly the situation I’ve encountered with a client recently.
- High Refusal Rate for Visitor Visa Applications
Another major issue when applying for a visitor visa (TRV) from outside Canada is the high refusal rate. When you apply for a TRV from outside, the visa officer will consider your application as a regular visitor visa application. If your profile doesn’t seem strong enough (for example, if you’re young, unemployed, or don’t have sufficient funds), the chances of refusal increase.
In contrast, applying for a TRV from within Canada is much easier. When you apply from inside, you have a valid permit, which significantly improves the likelihood of approval. You only need to submit basic documents, and often, a Statement of Purpose (SOP) is sufficient. In this case, getting the TRV is usually straightforward.
However, when applying from outside Canada, your profile is scrutinized more closely. Even though you may have a permit to return to Canada, the visa officer might not always consider this, leading to unnecessary refusals. In many cases, if the officer doesn’t recognize that you already have a permit, the decision-making process becomes automated, and the application could be refused.
- Delays in Application Processing
Another challenge of applying for a TRV from outside Canada is the delayed processing time. Typically, applying from inside Canada takes about two months for approval, but when applying from outside, it can take anywhere from three to five months, depending on the location and other factors. This delay can be frustrating and problematic, especially if you need to travel back urgently.
- The Need to Show Proof of Funds
When applying for a visitor visa (TRV) from outside Canada, you’ll often be required to show proof of sufficient funds, along with other documents. This is an additional hurdle that you don’t face when applying for a TRV from inside Canada. Inside Canada, the process is generally more straightforward, and you don’t need to prove your financial status.
1.19 The Importance of Being Prepared for Emergencies
Many people think they won’t need to leave Canada anytime soon, perhaps because they’re not planning to visit their home country or relatives. However, emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Whether it’s a family member falling ill, an urgent situation at home, or another unforeseen event, you might need to leave Canada at a moment’s notice.
In such emergencies, not having a TRV can result in complications. If you’re unable to get the visa quickly, it can disrupt your entire permit timeline, potentially causing a loss of valuable time on your permit and creating other issues for your future immigration plans.
Spending just $100 for a TRV can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Missing this small step could cost you more if you’re unable to travel back to Canada in an emergency. In some cases, missing a TRV can even mean that you may need to apply for a completely new study or work permit. Therefore, the cost of missing this step far outweighs the investment in securing the visa in the first place.
1.20 Example Scenario: What Happens if You Don't Have a TRV After Your Work Permit Extension
Let me give you an example scenario to help you understand the importance of having a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), especially after applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
You entered Canada on a study visa, which was valid until August 2024. In August, you applied for your PGWP, and you were granted a work permit valid from January 25 to January 28, lasting for 3 years. However, you didn’t apply for your TRV at the same time.
Now, during the processing of your PGWP, you face an emergency and need to travel to India. Unfortunately, you don’t have a TRV because your study visa was valid only until August 2024 and you never applied for the TRV to match the new PGWP.
Even though you have a valid PG work permit, you still need a TRV to re-enter Canada. Without the TRV, you won’t be able to travel back to Canada. You apply for the TRV from outside Canada (since it’s a visitor visa application), but it’s not getting approved. Despite having a valid PG work permit for 3 years, without the TRV, you can’t return to Canada.
Imagine this situation: Even though you have a valid PG work permit, if you don’t get the TRV approval, it may take months before you can get the visa. Suppose it takes until May 2025 (after several attempts) for your TRV to be approved. In that case, 5 months of your valuable work permit are gone, and you’ll have lost significant time to work in Canada.
1.21 The Consequence of Not Having a TRV:
This example highlights the importance of getting a TRV. A small visa stamp on your passport is crucial to avoid being stuck outside Canada. Without it, even with a valid PG work permit, you won’t be able to return to Canada.
1.22 Preventive Measure:
Before traveling to India (or any country outside Canada), ensure that you will be able to re-enter Canada before your visa expires. If you don’t have a valid permit or TRV, you risk being stuck outside Canada with no way to return.
Even if you don’t have a permit, traveling outside is not a problem as long as you have the necessary TRV for re-entry. Therefore, always apply for your TRV before leaving Canada to avoid complications later.
For example, if you plan to travel to Canada after a year, you may not have a valid permit at that time, but if you have the TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) stamp, you can still travel to Canada. This is not an issue. However, after arriving at the Canadian border or airport, you will be issued a visitor permit or visitor record. This is standard procedure.
To clarify, the TRV is required for travel to Canada, but the visitor permit is provided upon arrival. The TRV is crucial for your entry into Canada, not the visitor record, which you will get once you reach Canada.
This TRV is an important document that you should apply for immediately after your permit is extended. Only after getting this document should you consider traveling outside Canada. Failing to do so can create significant problems, which is why I emphasize this point repeatedly.
I’ve noticed that many people ignore this crucial step, thinking that once their permit is approved, they can apply for their TRV from outside Canada. Let me tell you—this approach is not that simple. Do not make this mistake.
1.23 Need Help with TRV, Study Visa, PG Work Permit, or Spousal Open Work Permit?
If you find yourself in a similar situation and need help applying for your TRV, study visa, PG work permit, spousal open work permit (SOWP) extension, or any other Canadian visa application, whether inside or outside Canada, at Globexa Immigration, we can assist you through the entire process.
Many people face challenges with visa extensions, and if you’re one of them, we can guide you.
Thank you for reading till the end See you in the next blog.
