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Temporary Residence in Canada

Temporary residence in Canada allows foreign nationals to stay for a limited period as a visitor, student, or worker. Whether you are coming to Canada to explore, study, or gain work experience, there is a pathway designed for you.

Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an official document placed in your passport that shows you meet the requirements to enter Canada. You may need a visitor visa to visit Canada as a tourist, to visit family or friends, or for business purposes.

• Single-entry or multiple-entry options available
• Typically valid for up to 10 years or passport expiry
• Allows stays of up to 6 months per visit

Visitor Record

A Visitor Record is a document issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes a foreign national to remain in Canada as a visitor for a specified period. It is not a travel document and does not allow re-entry to Canada — it only extends or changes the conditions of your stay inside Canada.

You may need a Visitor Record if you are already in Canada and wish to extend your stay beyond the initial authorized period, or if you want to change your visitor status (for example, from a worker or student to a visitor).

• Apply online or on paper before your current status expires
• You may remain in Canada while your extension application is pending (maintained status)
• Does not replace or renew your visitor visa for re-entry purposes
• Typically extends your stay for up to 6 months at a time

Super Visa

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike a regular visitor visa, it allows holders to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit and remains valid for up to 10 years.

To be eligible, the Canadian child or grandchild must meet a minimum income threshold and provide a letter of invitation. The applicant must also obtain Canadian medical insurance coverage of at least $100,000 for a minimum of one year.

• Allows stays of up to 5 years per entry (vs. 6 months for a regular visitor visa)
• Valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries
• Requires proof of Canadian medical insurance of at least $100,000
• Sponsoring child or grandchild must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) threshold
• A letter of invitation from the Canadian host is required

Study Permit

A study permit allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Most people who want to study in Canada need a study permit before they arrive. A study permit is not a visa, and you may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

• Required for programs longer than 6 months
• May allow on- and off-campus work
• Can lead to post-graduation work permits (PGWP)

Work Permit

A work permit allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific employer or in a specific occupation. There are two main types: employer-specific (closed) work permits and open work permits.

• Employer-specific work permits tied to one employer
• Open work permits allow work for any eligible employer
• LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt categories available

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. The eTA is linked electronically to your passport and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Transit Visa (Temporary Resident Permit for Transit)

A Transit Visa is required for certain foreign nationals who are passing through a Canadian airport on their way to another country. Even if you are not entering Canada, you may need a transit visa to connect through a Canadian international airport depending on your nationality.

There are two types of transit situations: an airside transit (you remain in the international transit area and do not pass through Canadian customs) and a land or sea transit (you pass through Canadian customs and border services).

• Required for nationals of visa-required countries transiting through Canadian airports
• Single-transit visa allows one transit through Canada
• Double-transit visa allows two transits through Canada
• Transit stays are typically limited to 48 hours
• Citizens of visa-exempt countries generally do not need a transit visa but may need an eTA