Looking back in my old post about applying as a caregiver to Canada, I mentioned the process of getting a temporary resident visa (TRV) while in the Philippines.
This time around, I’ll show how to renew temporary resident visa within Canada since some readers asked about it. So keep those questions coming.
But first let’s learn the definition and other terms related to TRV.
Who Needs a Temporary Resident Visa
A visitor visa (temporary resident visa) is inserted inside a passport. It is an official document that gives permission for you to come to Canada.
You can renew the TRV if:
- You are student or foreign worker with a Canadian residential address
- Your temporary resident status is still valid
- You plan to travel outside Canada and return in the near future
There are two types of temporary resident visa: multiple-entry and single-entry visa. Whichever you apply for, a multiple-entry will likely to be issued:
Starting on February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), all visa applicants will automatically be considered for a multiple entry visa. The visa officer reviewing your application may be able to give you this type of visa even if you applied for a single entry visa.
The multiple-entry visa is valid for up to 10 years.
Typically caregivers often has to renew temporary resident visa when they go on a vacation after two years, once they have submitted the application for open work permit and permanent residency.
So you might not be a caregiver or going for a vacation anytime soon, still don’t let your TRV expire.
Have I convinced you already to always have a valid TRV? OK then, let’s move on to the application process.
2 Ways to Renew Temporary Resident Visa in Canada
What about you? Pick what is best for your circumstances and after considering the advantages and disadvantages on the following process.
- Apply online. If you choose to apply online, make sure that you have time because it’s a lengthy Q & A process of checking the eligibility. You’ll also need the following: printer with scanner, valid documents, and credit card.
- Apply on paper. If you don’t want to scan documents and will have more confidence and security if you mail the application yourself then proceed to the requirements.
As for myself, I chose to submit my application through mail because it’s convenient and I have time. Regardless of what you choose submit a complete application to avoid delay of your application.
Note: It is not guaranteed that you’ll get a visa even if you send a complete application. Either way, the application fee is non-refundable.
How to Apply for Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) through Mail
For anyone who have decided to apply on paper the following information is summarized for you.
Requirements
For application through paper, download the following forms and carefully read the instructions:
- Instruction Guide [IMM 5256] – a must-read reference
- Document Checklist – Applicants in Canada [IMM 5721]
- Application for Temporary Resident Visa [IMM 5257]
- Family Information [IMM 5707]
- Visa application photograph specifications – a must-read reference
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] – optional
The updated documents list as part of the requirements is found in form IMM 5721 :
- Proof of payment
- Valid passport (click here for Philippine passport renewal)
- Two photos – check the photograph specification
- Photocopy of current immigration document (eg. study or work permit)
- Photocopy of Marriage License or Certificate (if applicable)
- Empty 24 x 32 cm Xpresspost (Canada Post) – use for returning the passport and other documents
- Proof of current studies (current letter or original transcript) – for student permit holder
- Proof of current employment (eg. letter from employer – for work permit holder. For this I sent my certificate of employment
Tip: Make sure that you have the latest version of Adobe Reader before downloading the forms. You DON’T have to download the optional offers. Uncheck the checkboxes for the optional offers before you click the “Install now” button.
Fill up and review the form before you click the “Validate” button. If you are not sure how to answer the question, you can save the form and edit it whenever you’re ready; when in doubt, always refer to the Instruction Guide [IMM 5256].
Where to Mail the Temporary Resident Visa Application within Canada
Always check this link for the updated mailing address. As of this writing this post the following are the mailing address for the TRV applications:
To submit a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application from within Canada, mail your application to (regular mail):
CPC – Ottawa
P. O. Box 9640
Ottawa, ON, K1G 6T2
If sent by private courier (eg. UPS etc):
CPC – Ottawa
Temporary Resident Visa Section
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
I submitted my application through UPS. The shipping fee cost less than $30.00 at that time. The advantage of choosing a private courier is that I get to check the location of the documents through the tracking number. Once the application is delivered, I received a “Proof of Delivery” email.
How to Pay
Whether you are applying online or on paper, you will need a credit card to pay online. There’s no other alternative to pay. Pay the fee a few days before mailing the application because some credit card companies require five business days to validate the payment.
If you are ready, click here and provide the following information:
Where are you paying from? Canada
What type of application are you submitting? Temporary residence
What are you paying for? Visitor visa
Click the “Get payment instructions” to proceed. The current visa fee is $100.00 which is non-refundable.
You have to print the Official Receipt which has a bar code. Print two copies; one for yourself and the other for the application. If you are applying online for temporary resident visa, the official receipt is uploaded along with the other requirements.
Processing Time
This is the question we’ve all been meaning to always ask: “How long does it take to receive the temporary resident visa?”
Here’s the answer from the CIC’s website:
We process applications in the order we get them. We have NOT yet set processing times for in-Canada applications. We will post updates on this website when they are available.
With that in mind, I hope you DON’T ask me about the processing time. For the curious crowd, I received my TRV after more than one month of submitting the application once. I didn’t get any email or call regarding the application which means I submitted a complete application.
What to Do Next
After you submitted the application make that you have provided the updated personal information
You can email CIC at CPC-CTD-Ottawa@cic.gc.ca if you have to update personal information such as marital status and birth or death in the family.
If there’s no changes at all, the best thing to do is to patiently wait and NOT worry.
Believe me worrying doesn’t do anything good just like the time when I was waiting for my open work permit after completing the Live-in Caregiver Program.
Share your experience in the comment. We would love to know how did you send temporary resident visa application.
For Online TRV application, the CIC website “allows” only for visitor category (6 mos. or more) and can be accessed easily. As for worker category, the site is always down temporarily (months now) and often offers options in the express entry stream, after all the Q&As which are inadequate or inappropriate or not at all applicable even to one who is already a current worker and just needs TRV to travel by air, in this case, paper application is the only option.