What is a Temporary Resident Permit and when can I use it?

A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a federal authorization that allows an individual who is otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter or remain temporarily for a compelling reason. It is issued under IRPA by IRCC or, at ports of entry, by Canada Border Services Agency officers. A TRP is discretionary — there is no right to one, and it is only granted when the benefit of allowing entry outweighs the associated risk.

TRPs are most commonly sought by people who are criminally inadmissible due to a past conviction and who need to enter Canada for a legitimate purpose — such as a business trip, a family emergency, or attendance at an event. They are also used in certain humanitarian situations where a person cannot easily depart Canada. A TRP does not resolve the underlying inadmissibility; it provides a temporary exception.

TRPs can be issued for varying periods depending on the reason. They can be single-entry or multiple-entry. To apply for a TRP, you must provide a compelling justification, explain the circumstances of the inadmissibility, and demonstrate that your reasons for entering or remaining outweigh the public interest concerns. Applications should be well-documented and persuasive. A lawyer can help you prepare a TRP application and assess whether other remedies — such as applying for rehabilitation — should be pursued at the same time.