Temporary Resident Visas and Electronic Travel Authorizations

A temporary resident visa (TRV) is an official counterfoil document issued by a visa office that is placed in a person’s passport to demonstrate that they have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (student). To find out if you require a temporary resident visa, complete this short questionnaire: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp.

International students who require a temporary resident visa (TRV) will automatically be issued one when their study permit is approved. When you receive your approval for your study permit, you will also receive a passport request letter. This letter will provide instructions for how to send your passport to the visa office to have your temporary resident visa (TRV) added to it.

Duration: A temporary resident visa (TRV) is usually (but not always) issued for the same duration as your study permit.

There are 2 types of temporary resident visas (TRV): single-entry and multiple-entry TRVs.

• A single-entry TRV allows its bearer to enter Canada only once. If you leave Canada, other than to the United States and St. Pierre and Miquelon, you will need a new visa to enter the country.
• A multiple-entry TRV (more common for international students) lets you leave and re-enter Canada repeatedly for the length of its validity.

You can apply for a new temporary resident visa from inside Canada, after extending your valid temporary resident status (i.e. receiving a study permit extension). Visit this link for more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-new-temporary-resident-visa-within-canada.html.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for students who do not require a temporary resident visa (TRV). An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. To find out if you require an electronic travel authorization (eTA), complete this short questionnaire: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp.

International students who require an electronic travel authorization (eTA) will automatically be issued one when their study permit is approved. You will receive a notification with the duration of your eTA and the number associated with the eTA. There is no physical document associated with the eTA.

Duration: An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.  If you get a new passport, you need to apply for a new eTA.