Due to the high demand for immigrants migrating to Canada, the standards for the visas are set high with complicated regulations. Many short-term entries struggle to navigate through the complex procedures. People around the world travel to Canada for tourism purposes or to visit their relatives or friends. For their travel, both a Temporary Resident visa and a tourist visa are required to facilitate the travel, which are often misunderstood. Although both are used interchangeably, they have different purposes and tailor services to numerous types of applicants.
The applicant must choose the right visa type to serve their purpose of travel and ensure smooth entry to Canada. When you apply for a visa for a different purpose may lead to delays, denials, or restrictions on future travel. It is important to get the guidance from experts who have in-depth knowledge of the visa and provide you with personalised support.
What is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?
Definition and Overview
A Temporary Resident Visa Canada is a pathway that allows foreign nationals to travel to Canada and stay there temporarily. To facilitate travel, visas are issued to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. They have to apply for the visa to legally enter Canada for various short-term purposes.
If you are thinking about how to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa to Canada, the process for the visa application begins by analysing the profile of the candidate. The clear purpose of the travel must be stated; it may be for leisure, study, work, or family reunification. The citizen of countries those does not comes under visa-exempt must affix the visa to the passport and must present it to the official upon arrival in Canada.
Types of TRVs
Canada provides various kinds of visas to travellers based on their purpose under the Canada Temporary Resident Visa.
- Visitor Visa: For tourism, visiting family or friends, or short business visits.
- Student Visa (Study Permit holders): Students travelling to Canada for the purpose of study abroad must obtain a TRV if they come from a non-exempt country.
- Work Visa: Skilled Professionals must acquire a work visa to work in Canada temporarily.
To process the visas, each visa requires specific documentation requirements, eligibility rules, and permitted stay durations.
Validity and Entry Type
- Single-entry: Through this entry, the individual is allowed to travel to Canada only once.
- Multiple-entry: By obtaining a multiple-entry visa, the individual can have multiple entries until the visa’s validity period.
The decision to provide a single-entry or multiple-entry visa is made by the visa official based on the applicant’s profile and their purpose of visit. Other factors, like financial stability to support the travel and return ties to the home country, also play a major role in determining the visa.
What is a Tourist Visa?
Definition and Purpose
A Tourist visa is a subtype of the Temporary Resident Visa Canada. This visa is provided for individuals who wish to travel to Canada for leisure, tourism purposes, like exploring cities, for visiting loved ones. While TRVs allow individuals to take up work or pursue their studies abroad, a Tourist visa is provided solely for tourism purposes.
Duration and Restrictions
A tourist visa is usually provided with the validity to stay in Canada for six months. The tourist visa holders are not allowed to study or work in Canada during their stay, while they can engage in tourism and recreational activities. The individuals must furnish their funds to support their stay in Canada, and they must demonstrate their return to their home country.
Key Differences Between TRV and Tourist Visa
A Canada Temporary Resident Visa agent will assist you in choosing the visa type for your travel plans and the purpose of your visit.
Who Should Apply for Which Visa?
Scenarios for Tourist Visa
The applicant can apply for the Tourist Visa if they are planning a vacation or a sightseeing tour.
And also. If the applicant wants to visit family or friends without engaging in any business activities, work, or study. They will be given a visa with a validity of typically under six months.
Scenarios for Other TRVs
Let's see about the other types of Temporary Resident Visa Canada:
- A study visa is provided to immigrants who have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution.
- A work visa is provided to skilled professionals who are travelling to Canada to attend business meetings, conferences, or client visits.
- Temporary Resident Visa Canada for Spouse - This visa is issued to the spouse or dependent of someone who has a work or study permit and is staying in Canada to serve their purpose.
- And also, the TRV is issued to individuals who are willing to take up short-term employment.
Application Process for Each Visa
What documents are required for Canada Temporary Resident Visa
Documents Required
For TRV - Study Visa or Work Visa:
- A letter of acceptance from the educational institution or an employment offer from the Company
- Financial proof
- Travel history
- Police certificates
- Medical clearance documents
For Tourist Visa:
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of funds
- A letter of invitation for visiting family or loved ones
- Return flight booking tickets
Application Procedure
Applicants must:
- The applicant must complete the relevant application form for the visa they are travelling on through the official IRCC portal or a nearby Canadian Visa Consulate. They can also seek guidance from Immigration experts.
- The next step will be the payment of the processing fee.
- They have to organise all the needed documents to support their profile and should upload supporting documents.
- After all the procedures, the applicant must provide biometrics.
Processing Time Overview
Temporary Resident Visa Canada Processing Time differs based on the applicant’s country and can range from a few weeks to several months. Sometimes the factors like rising demands and IRCC backlogs may also affect the processing time of the application. Further, delays are caused by the applicant’s missing documents or incomplete applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misunderstanding visa categories: Many applicants apply for the tourist visa to work or study in Canada. The Tourist visa serves only the purpose of leisure and exploration, or vacation.
- Submitting incomplete documentation: When the applicant has submitted any single document with arrere or has not furnished accurate details may result in delays or rejections.
- Assuming visa approval guarantees entry, though the visa is approved, the final entry is determined at the border by an immigration officer.
A Canada Temporary Resident Visa agent helps to correct all the mistakes and make the application process smoother by organising all the documentation and processes for the visa to prevent these pitfalls.
FAQs
Is a TRV the same as a visitor visa in Canada?
A visitor visa is a type of Temporary Resident Visa Canada. TRV is the umbrella term, while a visitor or tourist visa is a specific subtype of the TRV obtained for leisure travel.
Can I extend my tourist visa in Canada?
Yes, but you must apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. The approval for the visa depends on your reasons and the supporting documents provided.
What is the processing time for a TRV?
Temporary Resident Visa Canada Processing Time varies by location, but the average time taken is 2–8 weeks.
Can I work in Canada with a TRV?
Yes, you can work in Canada by acquiring a TRV, but not unless you have a TRV issued under the work visa category. A standard Tourist Visa does not permit employment.