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Temporary resident visa

A temporary resident visa (TRV) allows you to enter and re-enter Canada while studying at tv.

Do I need a temporary resident visa?

Your valid temporary resident visa (TRV) allows you to enter (and re-enter) Canada. It is issued by a Canadian visa office and placed in your passport. It confirms that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. Pay attention to the TRV expiry date and make sure to renew it two to three months before the expiration date.

Only citizens of specific countries require a TRV to enter Canada. Check the  to see if you need a valid TRV to travel to Canada.

TRVs are often issued for the same length of time as the study permit. If you have a study permit, a TRV is not needed while you are inside Canada. However, if you travel outside of Canada during your studies, you will need a valid TRV to re-enter Canada.

How to receive a TRV
TRVs for family members
How to apply online

How to receive a TRV

Students who are applying for a study permit from outside Canada will automatically be assessed for a  at the same time. If you study permit application is approved, you will receive a TRV at the same time. No separate TRV application is required.

If you do not require a study permit because your program of study is 6 months or less, you must .

Once your TRV application has been processed (inside or outside Canada), IRCC will contact you through your online IRCC account with   about when, where, and how to send your passport to have the TRV counterfoil placed inside your passport. 

TRVs for family members

Depending on their country of citizenship, your family members may need to apply for a TRV that allows them to travel to Canada.

  • If your family members will accompany you to Canada, they can either apply at the same time as you or join you after you have arrived.
  • To ensure that any family members travelling without you are admitted to Canada as visitors for the length of your study permit, send them copies of your study permit, temporary resident visa (if you have one), and passport for them to include in their TRV application and to present to the authorities at the Canadian port of entry (airport or border crossing).
  • If your (or your family members’) TRV expires, you will need to apply for new TRVs to re-enter Canada. You can apply for a new one in your home country or at the .You can now apply for a TRV online. Do not send your passports until you are asked to do so by IRCC.

How to apply online

If you already have an IRCC online account, . If you are a new user, you must .

You will be asked to enter a personal reference code. If you do not already have a code, go to the section, "I do not have a personal reference code" and click on “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit.” Answer all the questions that follow.

  1. Complete the . Validate and save the form as an unsigned copy. If you cannot open the form, remove the pop-up blocker on your browser and update your Adobe Reader. We recommend using Firefox or Chrome as your browser.Check out our guide to completing the IMM5257 form for assistance. [PDF-234KB].
  2. Gather the following supporting documents:
    • Digital photo (420x540 pixels).
    • Passport pages (only pages with stamps, visas, photos).
    • Provincial attestation letter (PAL) exception request, if applicable. Refer to our sample template letter. [PDF-56KB].
    • Study permit (or post-graduation work permit, if applicable).
    • Official transcript (request via).
    • Proof of enrolment in the next academic term:
      • Undergraduate students can request a Confirmation of Enrolment Letter via DalOnline or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
      • Graduate students can request a letter from theFaculty of Graduate Studies.
    • Proof of means of financial support (e.g. bank statement, loan letter, sponsorship letter, etc.).
    • Once you have all the documents ready, save them electronically. Then upload the IMM 5257 form and supporting documents.

Important information:After you submit your application, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may contact you for additional documents. If you are contacted, make an appointment with a tv international student advisor to ensure you respond accurately and punctually to the IRCC request. 

Pay the TRV renewal fee online with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). Do not forget to print a receipt.

  • Save or print your confirmation of successful transmission for your records.
  • Once your application has been processed, IRCC will send you an email directing you to your IRCC online account. In the section for submitted applications, you should check your application for any IRCC letters requesting your passport.
  • Print the IRCC letter, then purchase two prepaid (32 x 24 cm and 26 x 16.5 cm) “Xpresspost—National” envelopes at any Canada Post retail outlet.
  • Enclose one envelope inside the other envelope along with your passport and IRCC letter. This second envelope will be used to return your passport and new TRV to you. We recommend that you enclose your passport and the IRCC letter in a regular envelope. Write your UCI, Application Number (found in your letter) and “TRV Application” on the envelope:

UCI: ######
Application: V######
TRV Application

  • If sending by mail (e.g. Canada Post), send your documents to the following address:

Temporary Resident Visa Section
Case Processing Centre – Ottawa
PO Box  8780 STN T CSC
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5A9

  • If sending by courier (e.g. FedEx, DHL, UPS), send your documents to the following address:

Temporary Resident Visa Section
Case Processing Centre – Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1L1