When individuals apply for a study permit, work permit, or visitor visa, they are often issued a
TRV to allow entry into Canada. There are two types of TRVs: Single-Entry, which permits
only one entry into Canada, and Multiple-Entry, which allows multiple entries and exits during
the validity period.
Typically, a TRV is issued for the same duration as a study or work permit and may sometimes
include an additional three to four months to provide applicants time to apply for an extension or
restoration of status. In some cases, TRVs have been issued for six months or even up to the
validity of the passport. However, it is important to understand that these TRVs are tied to the
underlying permit application (study or work) and do not grant visitor status once the permit
expires or the restoration period has passed.
For example, I recently met an individual who was issued a TRV valid for six months beyond the
expiry of her work permit. She did not apply for a work permit extension before its expiry, nor
did she submit a restoration application within the 90-day grace period. Believing that her valid
TRV allowed her to remain in Canada as a visitor, she stayed. Before her TRV expired, she
applied for a new work permit; however, her application was refused. Immigration, Refugees and
Citizenship Canada (IRCC) clarified that she should have applied for an extension before her
work permit expired or for restoration within 90 days. Not only was her application denied, but
IRCC also noted that she had been residing in Canada without legal status for six months and
stated that she must leave the country.
This case highlights a critical point: if you are issued a TRV that extends beyond the validity of
your study or work permit, it does not automatically allow you to remain in Canada as a visitor.
Maintaining a valid status requires timely extensions or restoration applications.