How to Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) from Within Canada 

If you are already in Canada as a temporary resident and want to travel outside the country, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to return to Canada. A TRV is commonly called a visitor visa. It is placed inside your passport and allows you to travel to Canada. However, it is important to remember that a TRV is not the same as your study permit or work permit. Your permit allows you to stay and study or work in Canada, while the TRV is mainly used for travel and entry into Canada. If your TRV has expired but your study or work permit is still valid, you may need to apply for a new TRV before travelling outside Canada. 

Who Can Apply from Inside Canada?

You can apply for a new TRV from within Canada only if you meet all of these conditions: 

• You are currently physically present in Canada 

• You hold a valid study permit or work permit 

• You are applying to extend or restore your temporary resident status  

• Your existing TRV has expired, is about to expire, or was valid for only a single entry 

If you are no longer in Canada, you will need to apply for a TRV from outside Canada through the regular application process. The requirements and processing timelines may be different.  

When Should You Apply?

The IRCC recommends that you apply at least 2 months before your planned departure from Canada. There are a few existing institutions that suggest applying 3 months before to be on the safe side. Do not leave Canada until you receive the new visa in your passport. If you leave without it, you may face delays or extra steps (like biometrics or a medical exam) when you try to come back.  

If your study or work permit extension was just approved, you can apply for the TRV immediately. You just need to upload proof of the approval (such as a screenshot of the IRCC message and your application number). 

How to Apply for TRV

1. Create or log into your IRCC Secure Account

Visit the official IRCC website and sign in with your GCKey or Sign-In Partner. Use the Secure Account (not the IRCC Portal) if you already hold a study or work permit. 

2. Start the application and answer the questionnaire carefully

Select “Apply to come to Canada” and then “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit.” Answer the questions carefully to generate the correct document checklist: 

• For “What would you like to do in Canada?”, select “Study” if you have a study permit or “Work” if you have a work permit. Do not select “Visit.” 

• For current country/territory of residence, select “Canada.” 

• Continue answering questions about your studies or work. When given the choice, select “Temporary Resident Visa” (not a permit extension). 

This should produce the form titled Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Made Outside of Canada (IMM 5257). Use this form even though you are applying from inside Canada. 

3. Complete the IMM 5257 form

Fill it out carefully. Make sure all information matches your passport and current permit. Save and validate the form after any changes. 

4. Gather and upload your documents

Common required documents include: 

• Copy of your valid passport (bio-data page and any pages with stamps or visas) 
• Copy of your current study permit or work permit 
• Passport-style digital photo 
• Proof of financial support 
• Letter of enrolment or confirmation of enrolment (for students) 
• Proof of Employment
• Proof of your permit extension approval (if applicable) 

Upload clear, colour scans. Combine multiple pages into single PDF files where required. 

5. Pay the fees

The processing fee is $100 CAD per person. If biometrics are required and not already on file (valid for 10 years), there is an additional $85 CAD fee. Pay online with a credit or debit card. 

6. Submit the application

Review everything carefully, then submit. Save the confirmation and payment receipt. 

Processing Time and Next Steps

Processing times for visitor visas from inside Canada are currently about 3 weeks. Check the official IRCC tool for the latest update, as times can change. 

Once approved, IRCC will ask for your passport. Only then should you mail it securely (e.g., Canada Post Xpresspost with a prepaid return envelope). Never send it before they request it. After the visa is stamped, your passport will be returned. 

Important Tips

• Apply early. Do not book non-refundable travel until you have the new TRV. 

• Keep copies of everything you submit. 

• Monitor your IRCC account regularly for messages. 

• If you must leave Canada for an emergency before the visa is issued, contact IRCC through their web form before departing. 

• Family members usually need separate applications. 

Conclusion

Applying for a TRV from within Canada is quite simple if you follow the official steps carefully and answer the online questionnaire correctly. The most common mistakes are selecting “visit” instead of “study” or “work,” using the wrong form, or leaving Canada too early. 

Always rely on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most up-to-date information, forms, and processing times, as rules and requirements can change. If your situation is complex, consider speaking with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), who knows how to expertly handle visa processes. So stop wasting time and contact CWC Immigration Solutions today!