Apply Online for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Foreign nationals from visa-required countries need a temporary resident visa (TRV) for entry to Canada. A TRV is an official counterfoil document (a special type of sticker) issued by a visa office that is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for entry to Canada as a temporary resident. Most TRVs allow for multiple entries into Canada and are usually valid for the same length of time as your study permit. 

Note: 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.

• If your initial study/work permit application from outside Canada is approved, IRCC will automatically issue a TRV - there is no separate fee or application required. IRCC will contact you to submit your passport to have the TRV added. 
  ​
• If you apply to extend your study permit OR apply for a post-graduation work permit and the application is approved, IRCC will not automatically issue you a new TRV. If your TRV has expired, you will need to submit a separate TRV application from inside Canada. 

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 visitor visa 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. If your current TRV is expiring soon or has already expired, be sure to review IRCC processing times and apply for a new TRV well in advance of your travel plans. 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 can 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. 

If you are inside Canada and applied to extend your study permit or applied for a post-graduation work permit, you can apply online for a TRV from inside Canada as soon as IRCC approves your application (even before you get your new study or work permit in the mail).

If you are applying for a new TRV before your study/work permit arrives in the mail, you must provide proof that IRCC approved your application, such as:

• a screenshot of the approval message we sent to your online account
• your application number
• any other document that proves you have a valid and approved study or work permit extension

If you are outside of Canada and already have a valid study or work permit, but need to apply for a new TRV to return to Canada, you must follow the process to apply for the TRV from outside Canada. If you are submitting your TRV application from outside of Canada, we recommend that you book an appointment to speak with an International Student Advisor before proceeding and/or submitting the application.

If you are a Study Permit holder, you’ll need the following documents for the TRV application:

• Official Transcripts
  • Transcripts can be requested by visiting the Registrar’s Office (SU140) or via the Bridge
    ​
• International Student Verification of Enrollment
  • Request the document at the Registrar’s Office (SU140) or by emailing: regoffice@uleth.ca . Indicate that you are an international student.
  • Warning: The “Verification of Enrollment” document from the Bridge is not sufficient for this application
    ​
• Scanned copy of your current Study Permit
  • Include the front and back of your study permit
  • All images must be consolidated into one file
    ​
• Proof of Financial Support (Include all that apply)
  • 4 months of bank statements from you and/or anyone helping pay your tuition
  • Letter of sponsorship in English from whomever is paying for your tuition
  • Funding schedule/scholarship letter (if applicable)
  • Pay stubs (last 3 paystubs if applicable)
  • All pages/images must be consolidated into one file
    ​
• ​Scanned copy of your Passport
  • Scan the biographical page of your passport, as well as all pages with stamps or visas
  • If you have a new passport, you should scan both your new passport, and the previous passport. The new passport should appear first in the document, with each page clearly labelled to indicate whether it belongs to the new passport or the old passport.
  • All images must be consolidated into one file
     
• ​Digital Photo
  • Colour photo; Image size at least 420 x 540 pixels. Frame size must be at least 35mm X 45mm. 
  • 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.
     
• IMM 5257e (Application to For a Visitor Visa –TRV)

If you are a Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holder, you’ll need the following documents for the TRV application:

• Scanned copy of your work permit
  • Include the front and back of your work permit
  • All images must be consolidated into one file
    ​​
• Scanned copy of your Passport
  • Scan the biographical page of your passport, as well as all pages with stamps or visas
  • If you have a new passport, you should scan both your new passport, and the previous passport. The new passport should appear first in the document, with each page clearly labelled to indicate whether it belongs to the new passport or the old passport.
  • All images must be consolidated into one file
    ​
• ​Digital Photo
  • Colour photo; Image size at least 420 x 540 pixels. Frame size must be at least 35mm X 45mm. 
  • 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.
    ​
• IMM 5257e (Application to For a Visitor Visa –TRV)

Create an online account through IRCC if you haven't already or if you account has expired. We recommend creating a GCKey. If you haven't already created an account, click the "Register" button at the bottom of the page and create a username, password, and security questions.

• Once logged in to your account, under “Start an application” near the bottom of the page, click “Apply to come to Canada” (even if you are already inside 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 or
  • “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 a study permit for a specific institution or level of education” if you have a valid study permit
  • “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.  Use Adobe Reader to open the downloaded IMM5257 file.

Use the Instruction Guide 5256 to help you complete the IMM 5257 application form.

Here are some important tips for completing the IMM 5257 application 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 or “Worker” if you have a valid work permit.
  • From and To dates: Enter the “From” date as the issue date of your first, initial study/work permit. Enter the “To” date as the expiry date listed on your current study/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 Student” if you are a valid study permit holder continuing your studies.
    • 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 study/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 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”.
    • 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 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. 
       
    • 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.

You will now need to upload your supporting documents into their corresponding section of your document checklist.

Study permit holders will need to upload the following:

• Official Transcripts
  • Transcripts can be requested by visiting the Registrar’s Office (SU140) or via the Bridge
    ​
• International Student Verification of Enrollment
  • Request the document at the Registrar’s Office (SU140) or by emailing: regoffice@uleth.ca . Indicate that you are an international student.
  • Warning: The “Verification of Enrollment” document from the Bridge is not sufficient for this application
    ​
• Scanned copy of your current Study Permit
  • Include the front and back of your study permit
  • All images must be consolidated into one file
    ​
• Proof of Financial Support (Include all that apply)
  • 4 months of bank statements from you and/or anyone helping pay your tuition
  • Letter of sponsorship in English from whomever is paying for your tuition
  • Funding schedule/scholarship letter (if applicable)
  • Pay stubs (last 3 paystubs if applicable)
  • All pages/images must be consolidated into one file
    ​
• ​Scanned copy of your Passport
  • Scan the biographical page of your passport, as well as all pages with stamps or visas
  • If you have a new passport, you should scan both your new passport, and the previous passport. The new passport should appear first in the document, with each page clearly labelled to indicate whether it belongs to the new passport or the old passport.
  • All images must be consolidated into one file
     
• ​Digital Photo
  • Colour photo; Image size at least 420 x 540 pixels. Frame size must be at least 35mm X 45mm. 
  • 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.
     

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders will need to upload the following: 

• Scanned copy of your work permit
  • Include the front and back of your work permit
  • All images must be consolidated into one file
    ​​
• Scanned copy of your Passport
  • Scan the biographical page of your passport, as well as all pages with stamps or visas
  • If you have a new passport, you should scan both your new passport, and the previous passport. The new passport should appear first in the document, with each page clearly labelled to indicate whether it belongs to the new passport or the old passport.
  • All images must be consolidated into one file
    ​
• ​Digital Photo
  • Colour photo; Image size at least 420 x 540 pixels. Frame size must be at least 35mm X 45mm. 
  • 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.
     

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.
   
• Take screenshots of any confirmation numbers regarding payment and ensure you have a screenshot of the “Acknowledgement of receipt” page after the application is submitted. If you need to leave the application and return at any time, your application will be saved in your GCKey account for 60 days from the date that you first started the application.
   
• You will be able to follow the processing of your application via your GCKey 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 within Canada and your application is approved, IRCC will notify you through your online 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