Apply Online for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Holding a TRV does not guarantee entry to Canada or give you legal status. Your study/work permit is what gives you legal status in Canada.

Foreign nationals from visa-required countries need a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) to show they have met the requirements for entry to Canada as a temporary resident.

• A TRV is an official counterfoil document (a special type of sticker) issued by a visa office and is placed in your passport
• Most TRVs allow for multiple entries into Canada and are usually valid for the same length of time as your study permit
• You do not need to apply for a TRV separately when you apply for an initial study permit or Post - Graduation Work Permit from outside Canada

Foreign nationals from visa-required countries need a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) to show they have met the requirements for re-entry to Canada as a temporary resident.

Important: If your current TRV has already expired, we recommend that you do not travel until you get a new TRV. See our International Student Guide for more information about travelling outside of Canada.

If you already left Canada and need to apply for a new TRV so that you can return, contact us for assistance.

You can only apply for a TRV from inside Canada if you meet all the following criteria:

• already are in Canada
• hold a valid study or work permit
• want to leave and return to Canada in the near future, and
• have an existing TRV that’s expired, or is about to expire, or that was valid for only 1 entry

We recommend that you always have a valid TRV in case of an emergency/unexpected trip that requires you to travel outside of Canada. Ideally, you'll apply for a new TRV at least 2 - 3 months before you plan to leave Canada.

• If you extended your study permit from inside Canada, you can apply for a new TRV as soon as IRCC approves your application. You do not have to wait until you receive your new study permit in the mail to apply.
  • If you apply for the TRV before you have your physical permit, you'll need to provide proof that IRCC approved your study permit extension application, such as a screenshot of the approval message in your IRCC Secure Account.
     
• IRCC processing times do not include the time it takes to mail your passport to and from the visa office, so plan accordingly.

Tip: If you know that your passport will expire before you would complete your studies in Canada, you may be able to renew your passport from inside Canada at your consulate or embassy. You should renew your passport well in advance (at least six months), as your study permit and TRV validity will not extend beyond your passport’s expiry date.

Study permit and work permit holders will apply online through the IRCC Secure Account for a new TRV from inside Canada.

When applying through the IRCC Secure Account, you will complete a questionnaire and generate a "document checklist" that lists the required documents you need to upload and submit with your application.

Note: The supporting documents you'll need to include in your TRV application will depend on whether you hold a valid study permit or a valid work permit.

• The application form can be downloaded from your document checklist once you have completed the questionnaire in your IRCC Secure Account.

Official Transcripts

• Official transcripts can be requested by visiting the Registrar’s Office (SU140) or requested via the Bridge and downloaded from MyCreds. If you have an outstanding balance owing and a Cash Hold on your account, please contact your International Student Advisors. ​

Verification of Enrolment for International Students

• Request by emailing the Registrar’s Office at regoffice@uleth.ca from your uLethbridge email.
• Be sure to include your ID number and let them know you need the document to apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV).
• Warning: The Verification of Enrolment found in your Bridge account is not sufficient for the TRV application.

Scanned copy of your current Study Permit

• Include the front and back of your valid study permit
• If you apply for the TRV before you have your new study permit, you'll need to provide proof that IRCC approved your extension application, such as a screenshot of the approval message in your IRCC Secure Account.
• Note: All images must be consolidated into one file​

Proof of Financial Support (include whichever documents apply)

• This should include your own bank statements (4 months)
• Pay stubs if you are currently working (3 most recent)
• A letter of support from anyone helping to pay your expenses, plus their own bank statements and pay stubs
• Funding schedule and/or scholarships
• Note: Combine all of these documents, save as one PDF document and include a cover page if including multiple documents in this section.​

​A scan or clear photos of your Passport

• This should include the biodata page, as well as any other pages with markings, stamps or visas
• If you have recently received a new passport, include both your new passport (first) and your old passport, both clearly labelled
• Note: All pages/photos will need to be compiled and saved as one PDF document

​Digital Photo

• Colour photo and must show full front view of head, face in the middle and include the top of the shoulders against a white backdrop
• Note: This photo does not need to be an official passport photo. IRCC has some examples of acceptable photos.

To start the application process, you'll need create an IRCC Secure Account, if you don't already have one. You'll have the option to create either a GC Key or Sign-in Partner - we recommend creating a GCKey.

• If you are creating an account, click the "Register" button at the bottom of the page and enter a username, password, and some security questions.
  • We suggest that you make note of your security questions and answers so that you'll be able to access your account if you forget your password.

• Once logged in to your account, under “Start an application” near the bottom of the page, click “Apply to come to Canada”
  
• Under “I do not have a Personal Reference Code”, click “Visitor, study and/or work permit”
  

To get the correct application package, provide these answers in the online questionnaire:

• When asked “What would you like to do in Canada?” select,
  • “Study” if you have a valid study permit
    
• When asked “What is your current country/territory of residence?”, select “Canada”.

Answer the remaining questions until you see the “Your results” page. When given the option, select “Temporary Resident Visa”.

• When asked “Which of the following best describes your situation?”, select
  • “I have a study permit for a specific institution or level of education” if you have a valid study permit

Once you've completed the questionnaire, you will have the chance to review your answers and make any modifications if needed. Click “Continue” until you arrive at your document checklist.

Important Note: The application form listed in your document checklist will be called “Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Made Outside of Canada (IMM 5257)”. This is the form you need to fill out, even when you apply for a TRV from inside Canada.

IMM 5257: Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Made Outside of Canada

In the document checklist, click on “Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Made Outside of Canada” to download the latest version of the application form. When you click on this link, you may see a "Please Wait..." message on a white page. From here, use the download button in your browser to download the PDF document. If you do not have Adobe Reader, follow the instructions on the "Please Wait..." page to download it. Open the downloaded IMM 5257 file in Adobe Reader, from the saved location on your computer.
 

Here are some important tips for completing the IMM 5257 application form:

• Use IRCC's step by step instructions to help you complete the form.
   
• UCI stands for “Unique Client Identifier” and is also known as Client ID. It is an eight or ten-digit number found on your study permit. On the application form, enter your UCI number without spaces or dashes. 
   
• Visa requested: Select “Visitor Visa” from the drop-down menu.
   
• Personal Details
  • Current country or territory of residence: If you are inside Canada, you will select “Canada”.
  • Status: Select “Student” if you have a valid study permit
  • From and To dates: Enter the “From” date as the issue date of your first, initial study permit. Enter the “To” date as the expiry date listed on your current study permit.
     
• Passport: Even if you applied to renew your passport from within Canada, enter the country that issued your passport (this will likely be your home country).
   
• Contact Information:
  • If you live in a house, “Street no.” means the house number.
  • If you live in an apartment, enter your apartment number in the “Apt/Unit” field and enter the building number in the “Street no.” field.
  • Example: #200, 123 Fictional Boulevard South 200 is the Apt/Unit number; 123 is the Street no.; Fictional Boulevard is the Street name.
     
• Details of Visit to Canada
  • Purpose of my visit: 
    • Select “Returning Student” if you are a valid study permit holder continuing your studies.
       
  • Indicate how long you plan to stay:
    • ​Enter the "from" date as the date you are submitting the application (i.e., today’s date) Note: this date must be greater than or equal to *today's date*
    • Enter the “To” date as the expiry date listed on your current study permit.
       
  • Funds available for my stay (CAD):
    • You need to enter the amount of money you have available (in Canadian dollars) to support yourself and any accompanying dependents during your stay in Canada. It’s a good idea to at least have enough money available to be able to purchase a return flight ticket(s) if you needed to leave Canada urgently for whatever reason.
    • Note: Make sure that the number you enter on the form is accurate and can be supported by the documentary evidence you'll provide as part of this application. 
       
• Name, address, and relationship of any person(s) or institutions I will visit:
  • If you are a current uLethbridge student, you will enter the University of Lethbridge’s information into the required fields.
  • Note: uLethbridge’s address is 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4
     
• Education
  • Enter the details of your highest level of completed post-secondary education.
    • If you are a continuing student at uLethbridge and have not previously completed any post-secondary studies, you can select “No”.
       
• Employment
  • Enter the details of your employment for the past 10 years, with NO gaps in time.
    • For continuing students on a study permit with no employment history, enter "Student" into the #1 “Current Activity/Occupation” field and enter the University of Lethbridge’s information. Leave #2 and #3 blank.
    • For continuing students on a study permit who do have employment history, enter "Student" into the #1 “Current Activity/Occupation” fields and enter your employment information starting in #2 “Previous Activity/Occupation”, working backwards for the past 10 years.
    • Note: If you have more employment information to enter and run out of room on the IMM 5257 form, you'll need to add the additional information on a Word document and upload this document in the "Client Information" section under the "Optional documents" section of your online document checklist.
       
• Signature: an electronic signature will occur prior to payment so no physical signature is necessary for IMM 5257. DO NOT print and scan this form.
   
• Validate & Upload: When you have completed the application form, click the blue “Validate” button at the end of the form. If you have made mistakes or missed any fields, these sections will be highlighted red and you will need to complete these areas prior to attempting to validate again. Once you have successfully validated, a page of black bar codes will be generated as the final page of the document. Save the validated form on your computer and then upload this form in the IRCC account.

Study permit holders will need to upload the following into the corresponding field in the document checklist::

• IMM 5257e: Application to For a Visitor Visa – TRV
  • Make sure that the information entered on this application form is up-to-date and that you have validated the form. 
     
• Official Transcripts
  • Official transcripts can be requested by visiting the Registrar’s Office (SU140) or requested via the Bridge and downloaded from MyCreds. 
    ​​
• Verification of Enrolment for International Students
  • Upload the International Student Verification of Enrollment Letter from the Registrar into the field labelled "Letter of Acceptance/Proof of next term's enrollment" in your document checklist. 
     
• Scanned copy of your current Study Permit
  • Include the front and back of your valid study permit OR
  • If you are applying for a new TRV before you have your new study permit, provide proof that IRCC approved your extension application, such as a screenshot of the approval message in your IRCC Secure Account.
  • Note: All images must be consolidated into one file
     
• Proof of Financial Support 
  • Any documents not in English or French should be accompanied by a certified translation
  • Note: All pages/images must be consolidated into one file
     
• A scan or clear photos of your Passport
  • This should include the biodata page, as well as any other pages with markings, stamps or visas.
  • If you have recently received a new passport, include both your new passport (first) and your old passport, both clearly labelled.
  • Note: All pages/photos will need to be compiled and saved as one PDF document. 
    ​
• ​Digital Photo
  • ​Ensure your photo meets the IRCC temporary resident photo specifications.

Optional Documents:

• Client Information
  • Use this space to upload a letter of explanation if your situation is unusual
  • You can also use this space to upload additional information/documentation to help the processing officer understand your application better. 
     
• Schedule 1: Application for Temporary Residence (IMM5257b)
  • This document is required with your application only if you have answered "Yes" to any of the Background Information questions 3 through 6 on the IMM5709 form.
  • Please contact the International Student Advisor for guidance.

After uploading the completed application form(s) and all supporting documents, you will click “Continue” at the bottom of the page. On the next page you will provide your electronic signature by typing in your full name as it appears on your passport. Once you’ve signed, you will be taken to the payment page.

• The fee for the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is $100 CAD. Payment will be made by credit card.
  
• Take screenshots of any confirmation numbers regarding payment and application submission. If you need to leave the application and return at a later time, your application will be saved in your GCKey account for 60 days from the time that you first complete the questionnaire to create the application.
  
• You will be able to follow the processing of your application via your IRCC Secure Account. If IRCC requests any additional documents for your application, you will upload and submit them them via your online GCKey account. You must provide any documents requested by the deadline given by IRCC, or your application will be refused. If your email has a strong junk mail filter, consider logging in to your GCKey account at least once a week to check for messages.

If you applied from inside Canada and your application is approved, IRCC will notify you through your IRCC Secure Account and provide instructions on where to send your passport to have your new TRV added.

• The approval letter from IRCC will likely list two different addresses where you can send your passport depending on the mailing service you choose (via Canada post or private courier service)

• Check processing times: Select: “Temporary Residence” > “Visitor Visa (from inside Canada)"

Note: Posted processing times do not include the time it takes to mail your passport away and have it returned to you. Mailing time will depend on the type of mailing service you use.

To have the new TRV added to your passport, IRCC recommends sending your passport to the Case Processing Centre via Canada Post’s “Xpresspost” or “Priority Post”

To send your passport via Canada Post, you will need to visit a Canada Post office in your area and purchase 2 prepaid “National envelopes”.

• 1 envelope will be for you to send IRCC your passport: Letter-size envelope (318 x 241 mm)
• 1 envelope will be for IRCC to send your passport back: Standard-size envelope (260 x 159 mm)

Important: Write down the tracking number for each envelope so you can track them:

• Use the tracking number for the letter-size envelope to find out when IRCC receives your passport.
• Use the tracking number for the standard-size envelope to find out when IRCC will mail your passport back to you.

Preparing the package:

1. On the standard sized (return) envelope, write your full mailing address in the “Deliver to” field.
   
2. In the letter-size envelope being sent to IRCC, you will put:

• your passport
• a copy of your passport request letter from IRCC showing your unique client identifier (UCI) and application numbers
• the standard sized (return) envelope that IRCC will use to send your passport back

Choose the correct mailing address:

• If you are sending your passport via Canada Post, use the following address:
  Temporary Resident Visa Section
  CPC-Ottawa (e-Application)
  PO Box 9640
  Ottawa, Ontario
  K1G 6T2
  
• If you are sending your passport via private courier service, use the following address:
  Temporary Resident Visa Section
  CPC-Ottawa (e-Application)
  365 Laurier Avenue West
  Ottawa, Ontario
  K1A 1L1

• The application form can be downloaded from your document checklist once you have completed the questionnaire in your IRCC Secure Account.

Scanned copy of your work permit

• Include the front and back of your work permit
• Note: All images must be consolidated into one file​​

​A scan or clear photos of your Passport

• This should include the biodata page, as well as any other pages with markings, stamps or visas.
• If you have recently received a new passport, include both your new passport (first) and your old passport, both clearly labelled.
• Note: All pages/photos will need to be compiled and saved as one PDF document.

​Digital Photo

• Colour photo and must show full front view of head, face in the middle and include the top of the shoulders against a white backdrop.
• Note: This photo does not need to be an official passport photo. IRCC has some examples of acceptable photos.

To start the application process, you'll need create an IRCC Secure Account, if you don't already have one. You'll have the option to create either a GC Key or Sign-in Partner - we recommend creating a GCKey.

• If you are creating an account, click the "Register" button at the bottom of the page and enter a username, password, and some security questions.
  • We suggest that you make note of your security questions and answers so that you'll be able to access your account if you forget your password.

• Once logged in to your account, under “Start an application” near the bottom of the page, click “Apply to come to Canada”
  
• Under “I do not have a Personal Reference Code”, click “Visitor, study and/or work permit”
  

To get the correct application package, provide these answers in the online questionnaire:

• When asked “What would you like to do in Canada?” select,
  • “Work” if you have a valid work permit
    
• When asked “What is your current country/territory of residence?”, select “Canada”.

Answer the remaining questions until you see the “Your results” page. When given the option, select “Temporary Resident Visa”.

• When asked “Which of the following best describes your situation?”, select
  • “I have an open work permit” if you have a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

Once you've completed the questionnaire, you will have the chance to review your answers and make any modifications if needed. Click “Continue” until you arrive at your document checklist.

Important Note: The application form listed in your document checklist will be called “Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Made Outside of Canada (IMM 5257)”. This is the form you need to fill out, even when you apply for a TRV from inside Canada.

IMM 5257: Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Made Outside of Canada

In the document checklist, click on “Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Made Outside of Canada” to download the latest version of the application form. When you click on this link, you may see a "Please Wait..." message on a white page. From here, use the download button in your browser to download the PDF document. If you do not have Adobe Reader, follow the instructions on the "Please Wait..." page to download it. Open the downloaded IMM 5257 file in Adobe Reader, from the saved location on your computer.
 

Here are some important tips for completing the IMM 5257 application form:

• Use IRCC's step by step instructions to help you complete the form.
   
• UCI stands for “Unique Client Identifier” and is also known as Client ID. It is an eight or ten-digit number found on your study permit. On the application form, enter your UCI number without spaces or dashes. 
   
• Visa requested: Select “Visitor Visa” from the drop-down menu.
   
• Personal Details
  • Current country or territory of residence: If you are inside Canada, you will select “Canada”.
  • Status: Select “Worker” if you have a valid work permit.
  • From and To dates: Enter the “From” date as the issue date of your work permit. Enter the “To” date as the expiry date listed on your current work permit.
     
• Passport: Even if you applied to renew your passport from within Canada, enter the country that issued your passport (this will likely be your home country).
   
• Contact Information:
  • If you live in a house, “Street no.” means the house number.
  • If you live in an apartment, enter your apartment number in the “Apt/Unit” field and enter the building number in the “Street no.” field.
  • Example: #200, 123 Fictional Boulevard South 200 is the Apt/Unit number; 123 is the Street no.; Fictional Boulevard is the Street name.
     
• Details of Visit to Canada
  • Purpose of my visit: 
    • Select “Returning Worker” if you are a valid work permit holder.
       
  • Indicate how long you plan to stay:
    • ​Enter the "from" date as the date you are submitting the application (i.e., today’s date) Note: this date must be greater than or equal to *today's date*
    • Enter the “To” date as the expiry date listed on your current work permit.
       
  • Funds available for my stay (CAD):
    • You need to enter the amount of money you have available (in Canadian dollars) to support yourself and any accompanying dependants during your stay in Canada. It’s a good idea to at least have enough money available to be able to purchase a return flight ticket(s) if you needed to leave Canada urgently for whatever reason.
    • Note: Make sure that the number you enter on the form is accurate and can be supported by the documentary evidence you'll provide as part of this application. 
       
• Name, address, and relationship of any person(s) or institutions I will visit:
  • If you have found employment, please enter your employer's details into this section.
  • If you have not found employment, you'll still need to enter something in part 1 so that the form can be validated. 
     
• Education
  • Enter the details of your highest level of completed post-secondary education.
    • If you are a PGWP holder and recently completed your post-secondary studies at uLethbridge, you will select “Yes” and will enter the details of your completed post-secondary program.
       
• Employment
  • Enter the details of your employment for the past 10 years, with NO gaps in time.
    • For PGWP holders who are in the process of finding employment, enter details of what you are currently doing (retired, not working, going to school, etc.), into the #1 “Current Activity/Occupation” required fields
    • For PGWP holders who are employed, enter your employment information into the #1 “Current Activity/Occupation” required fields and enter the rest of your employment history starting in #2 “Previous Activity/Occupation”, working backwards for the past 10 years.
    • Note: If you have more employment information to enter and run out of room on the IMM 5257 form, you'll need to add the additional information on a Word document and upload this document in the "Client Information" section under the "Optional documents" section of your online document checklist.
       
• Signature: an electronic signature will occur prior to payment so no physical signature is necessary for IMM 5257. DO NOT print and scan this form.
   
• Validate & Upload: When you have completed the application form, click the blue “Validate” button at the end of the form. If you have made mistakes or missed any fields, these sections will be highlighted red and you will need to complete these areas prior to attempting to validate again. Once you have successfully validated, a page of black bar codes will be generated as the final page of the document. Save the validated form on your computer and then upload this form in the IRCC account.

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders will need to upload the following into the corresponding field in the document checklist:

• IMM 5257e: Application to For a Visitor Visa – TRV
  • Make sure that the information entered on this application form is up-to-date and that you have validated the form. 
     
• Scanned copy of your work permit
  • Include the front and back of your work permit
  • Note: All images must be consolidated into one file
     
• A scan or clear photos of your Passport
  • This should include the biodata page, as well as any other pages with markings, stamps or visas.
  • If you have recently received a new passport, include both your new passport (first) and your old passport, both clearly labelled.
  • Note: All pages/photos will need to be compiled and saved as one PDF document. 
     
• Digital Photo
  • ​Ensure your photo meets the IRCC temporary resident photo specifications.

Optional Documents:

• Client Information
  • Use this space to upload a letter of explanation if your situation is unusual
  • You can also use this space to upload additional information/documentation to help the processing officer understand your application better. 
     
• Schedule 1: Application for Temporary Residence (IMM5257b)
  • This document is required with your application only if you have answered "Yes" to any of the Background Information questions 3 through 6 on the IMM5710 form.
  • Please contact the International Student Advisor for guidance.

After uploading the completed application form(s) and all supporting documents, you will click “Continue” at the bottom of the page. On the next page you will provide your electronic signature by typing in your full name as it appears on your passport. Once you’ve signed, you will be taken to the payment page.

• The fee for the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is $100 CAD. Payment will be made by credit card.
  
• Take screenshots of any confirmation numbers regarding payment and application submission. If you need to leave the application and return at a later time, your application will be saved in your GCKey account for 60 days from the time that you first complete the questionnaire to create the application.
  
• You will be able to follow the processing of your application via your IRCC Secure Account. If IRCC requests any additional documents for your application, you will upload and submit them them via your online GCKey account. You must provide any documents requested by the deadline given by IRCC, or your application will be refused. If your email has a strong junk mail filter, consider logging in to your GCKey account at least once a week to check for messages.

If you applied from inside Canada and your application is approved, IRCC will notify you through your IRCC Secure Account and provide instructions on where to send your passport to have your new TRV added.

• The approval letter from IRCC will likely list two different addresses where you can send your passport depending on the mailing service you choose (via Canada post or private courier service)

• Check processing times: Select: “Temporary Residence” > “Visitor Visa (from inside Canada)"

Note: Posted processing times do not include the time it takes to mail your passport away and have it returned to you. Mailing time will depend on the type of mailing service you use.

To have the new TRV added to your passport, IRCC recommends sending your passport to the Case Processing Centre via Canada Post’s “Xpresspost” or “Priority Post”

To send your passport via Canada Post, you will need to visit a Canada Post office in your area and purchase 2 prepaid “National envelopes”.

• 1 envelope will be for you to send IRCC your passport: Letter-size envelope (318 x 241 mm)
• 1 envelope will be for IRCC to send your passport back: Standard-size envelope (260 x 159 mm)

Important: Write down the tracking number for each envelope so you can track them:

• Use the tracking number for the letter-size envelope to find out when IRCC receives your passport.
• Use the tracking number for the standard-size envelope to find out when IRCC will mail your passport back to you.

Preparing the package:

1. On the standard sized (return) envelope, write your full mailing address in the “Deliver to” field.
   
2. In the letter-size envelope being sent to IRCC, you will put:

• your passport
• a copy of your passport request letter from IRCC showing your unique client identifier (UCI) and application numbers
• the standard sized (return) envelope that IRCC will use to send your passport back

Choose the correct mailing address:

• If you are sending your passport via Canada Post, use the following address:
  Temporary Resident Visa Section
  CPC-Ottawa (e-Application)
  PO Box 9640
  Ottawa, Ontario
  K1G 6T2
  
• If you are sending your passport via private courier service, use the following address:
  Temporary Resident Visa Section
  CPC-Ottawa (e-Application)
  365 Laurier Avenue West
  Ottawa, Ontario
  K1A 1L1