Information about a Temporary Resident Visa

What is a Temporary Resident Visa

The temporary resident visa, as known as visitor visa, is an official entry document that is stamped in your passport. Having a temporary resident visa means you meet the requirements needed to travel to Canada. More specifically, a temporary resident visa allows foreign nationals to remain in Canada for up to six months. Unfortunately, a temporary resident visa does not allow foreign nationals to work in Canada or to study for programs of 6 months or more. In this blog, you will learn information about what a temporary resident visa is and how to apply for one.

Types of Temporary Resident Visa

There are two types of temporary resident visa that can be issued: single-entry and multi-entry.

The type of visa you intend to obtain can be selected on the application form. The application fees for both types of visa are different; multiple entry visas are more expensive.

Single Entry Visas

A single entry visa, as its name suggests, allows you to enter Canada one time. A single entry visa can be issued up to 6 months before the date of travel. Depending on the officer who is reviewing your application, you can potentially receive a visa that is valid for less than 6 months.

Multi-Entry Visas

A multi-entry visa allows you to enter Canada multiple times from your home country. Multi-entry visas can be issued for up to 5 years. However, if the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada does not issue you a multi-entry visa, it will not issue a single entry visa as a compromise – it will simply refuse your application.

How to Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa

In order to successfully apply for a temporary resident visa, applicants must show the immigration officer that they meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and that they will leave Canada towards the end of their authorized stay. You can show the officer that you have strong ties to your home country, so you are guaranteed to leave Canada once your temporary status expires. Strong ties include, your employment, family, obligations, and property.

Apart from the commitment to leave at the end of your stay, you also need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada, and you can afford your own travel itinerary for the return to your home country. Staying with your family or friends in Canada will aid your application, as you probably will not need as much money to support your stay. Be sure to have an invitation letter from your Canadian host, stating you will be staying with them, and they will provide support for your basic needs (food, shelter, etc.).

In order to prove to the immigration officer that you will not pose any threat to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, you may be asked to provide results of your medical exam and criminal background check. Having health conditions that may require high medical demands, or having criminal record will make you inadmissible to Canada.

Last but not least, you have to keep in mind that your purpose of entering Canada is solely for a temporary visit. That being said, you must not intend to work or study in Canada unless authorized to do so.

What Happens During the Review of Your Application

When an immigration officer is reviewing your application, he or she will check for every required document. If there is any missing document, your application will be returned without processing. It is therefore important for you to seek professional guidance when it comes to document collection. If you have provided every required document, then the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada will send you a letter specifying instructions for biometrics.

In some cases, the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada will ask you to go to an interview with our officials in your country. Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to get a medical exam and/or get a police certificate.

If your application is approved, you will get the visa stamped in your passport. Please note, having a temporary resident visa does not necessarily mean you can enter Canada. Upon your arrival, the officer will check your identity to make sure that you are the same person who was authorized to come to Canada. After you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the officer will stamp your passport or let you know how long you are allowed to remain in Canada. Typically, you are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.

If your application is refused, the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada will send you a letter stating the reason for the refusal.

Contact Akrami and Associates

It is important for you to fully understand what the Canadian immigration officers processing cases are looking for and to avoid submitting a weak or incomplete application. As previously mentioned, if you do not provide every required document, your application will be returned without processing. This is why we recommend that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Akrami & Associates work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients enter Canada as Temporary Residents for tourism or other purposes. Please feel free to contact Akrami and Associates at 416-477-2545 for more information, or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advise.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!