Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs): A Short-Term Solution for Canada Inadmissibility

For individuals who are inadmissible to Canada due to criminal history, prior immigration violations, or other statutory grounds under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may allow entry for a specific purpose and limited period of time.

A TRP does not remove inadmissibility. However, it can authorize temporary entry when the applicant’s reason for travel outweighs the potential risk to Canadian society.

Applications are assessed on a discretionary basis by officers of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

What Is a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)?

A TRP is a discretionary authorization issued to a person who is otherwise inadmissible to Canada. It permits entry or temporary status despite that inadmissibility.

Officers assess whether:

• The purpose of travel is justified, and

• The need to enter Canada outweighs any risk posed to Canadians or Canadian interests.

TRPs are commonly requested for:

• Business travel

• Work assignments

• Family events (weddings, funerals, reunification)

• Humanitarian or emergency situations

Each case is evaluated individually.

How Long Is a TRP Valid?

TRPs may be issued for:

• A single entry,

• Multiple entries,

• A validity period ranging from one day up to three years.

The duration granted depends on:

• The purpose of travel,

• The seriousness of the inadmissibility,

• The applicant’s compliance history,

• Officer discretion.

There is no automatic entitlement to a TRP.

TRP vs. Criminal Rehabilitation

Many applicants confuse a TRP with Criminal Rehabilitation. The two serve different purposes.

In many cases, a TRP is used as an interim solution while waiting to become eligible for Criminal Rehabilitation, which permanently resolves certain types of criminal inadmissibility.

Key Factors Officers Consider

TRPs are discretionary and not guaranteed. Officers carefully review:

• The urgency and purpose of travel,

• The seriousness of the offence or inadmissibility,

• Evidence of rehabilitation or reform,

• Risk to Canadian society,

• Past compliance with immigration laws,

• Strength and completeness of supporting documentation.

Well-prepared applications clearly address both the legal inadmissibility and the justification for entry.

Common Grounds of Inadmissibility

TRPs may be sought for inadmissibility arising from:

• Criminal convictions (including DUI or impaired driving offences),

• Prior overstays or immigration violations,

• Misrepresentation findings,

• Medical inadmissibility (in limited contexts),

• Security-related concerns (case-specific and complex).

The strategy for a TRP depends heavily on the specific ground of inadmissibility.

How Visaserve Immigration Law P.C. Can Assist

At Visaserve Immigration Law P.C., we assist individuals, executives, and cross-border travelers with:

• TRP eligibility assessments,

• Preparation of detailed legal submissions,

• Purpose-driven documentation packages,

• Risk mitigation analysis,

• Long-term planning toward Criminal Rehabilitation.

Strategic preparation significantly improves the likelihood of approval.

Final Takeaway

A Temporary Resident Permit can provide lawful short-term access to Canada when no other option is immediately available. However, it is discretionary, evidence-driven, and requires careful planning.

Understanding whether a TRP — or permanent Criminal Rehabilitation — is the appropriate solution is critical before applying.