Visitor Visa (TRV)

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly known as a Visitor Visa, is a document issued by IRCC that allows foreign nationals from visa-required countries to travel to Canada for tourism, family visits, business activities, or short-term studies (up to 6 months). A TRV does not guarantee entry—final authority rests with CBSA at the port of entry—but a well-prepared application significantly increases the chances of approval. Because TRV refusal rates in many regions are high, a TRV application must be strategically crafted with strong evidence, financial proof, ties to the home country, clear purpose of travel, and full compliance with IRPA and IRPR.

Let's have a detailed, lawyer-level analysis of TRVs: eligibility, documentation, refusal patterns, dual intent principles, travel history impact, sponsorship considerations, business visitor rules, extensions inside Canada, restoration of status, PFL strategy, and Federal Court litigation.

Legal Framework

TRVs are governed under:

• IRPA s.20(1)(b) – requirement to leave Canada at the end of stay,
• IRPR s.179(b) – core TRV approval test,
• IRPR s.183 – conditions for temporary residents,
• IRPA s.22(2) – dual intent (temporary + PR intent allowed).

Under IRPR 179(b), the visa officer must be satisfied that the applicant will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. This requirement drives most refusal decisions.

Who Needs a TRV?

• Nationals from visa-required countries,
• Visitors transiting through Canadian airports without a transit program exemption,
• Accompanying family members of workers/students needing entry visas.

Types of TRVs

• Single-entry TRV – one entry only.
• Multiple-entry TRV – valid for up to passport validity.
• Visitor visas for dependants (spouse/children).

IRCC normally issues multiple-entry TRVs by default.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• clear temporary intent,
• strong ties to home country (employment, property, family),
• adequate financial capacity,
• credible purpose of travel,
• clean immigration history,
• no criminal or medical inadmissibility.

Purpose of Travel Documentation

Tourism

• travel itinerary,
• proof of accommodation reservations,
• tour packages,
• prior international travel history.

Family Visit

• invitation letter,
• proof of relationship,
• host’s status in Canada (PR card, citizenship certificate),
• host’s employment and financial support documents (if applicable).

Business Visit (Not Work)

Business visitors must show activities that do not enter the Canadian labour market:

• meetings, consultations, training, negotiations,
• after-sales service (if qualifying),
• attendance at conferences.

Short Courses (≤6 months)

Proof of course enrollment or training schedule is required.

Financial Capacity Requirements

IRCC must be convinced the applicant can pay for:

• airfare,
• accommodation,
• food and daily expenses,
• funds for accompanying family members.

Acceptable Financial Evidence

• bank statements (6–12 months),
• salary slips,
• income tax returns,
• proof of business income (if self-employed),
• property ownership documents,
• sponsor’s bank statements and affidavit (if sponsoring).

Ties to Home Country

Ties are the strongest factor in TRV approvals. Officers commonly assess:

• current employment or business ownership,
• ongoing studies,
• property ownership,
• dependent family members,
• financial obligations.

Weak ties lead to the majority of TRV refusals.

Travel History

Positive travel history—especially to the U.S., UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or South Korea—increases credibility. Lack of travel history does not guarantee refusal, but suspicious immigration patterns do.

TRV Refusal Reasons

Common refusal grounds include:

• insufficient ties to home country,
• insufficient financial proof,
• purpose of travel not credible,
• poor travel history,
• previous immigration violations,
• inadmissibility concerns (medical, criminal, misrepresentation),
• concerns of overstaying,
• inconsistent/weak documentation.

A refusal does not prevent reapplication but requires strategic correction.

Dual Intent and TRVs

Applicants may have future plans to apply for study permits, work permits, or PR. IRPA s.22(2) allows dual intent, but the TRV application must still show clear temporary purpose and compliance readiness.

TRV for Family of Students or Workers

Spouses and children often apply for TRVs to accompany or visit. Officers evaluate:

• family unity,
• financial support,
• temporary intent,
• ties to home country.

TRV Inside Canada (Visa Issuance Rule)

Visitors cannot apply for a TRV from inside Canada unless they:

• hold valid student/work status, or
• are approved for PR but still need a visa in passport.

Visitors must apply for TRVs outside Canada, typically by online submission processed abroad.

Visitor Status Extensions (Inside Canada)

A Visitor Record grants legal status beyond the TRV’s authorized stay but does not permit re-entry into Canada. Requirements:

• apply before status expiry,
• show sufficient funds,
• explain reason for extended stay.

Restoration of Status

If status expires, applicants have 90 days to apply for restoration. During restoration:

• no work or study is permitted,
• travel outside Canada voids the restoration,
• a full explanation is required.

Procedural Fairness Letters (PFL)

A PFL may be issued for:

• suspected fake documents,
• financial inconsistencies,
• misrepresentation concerns,
• inadmissibility checks,
• overstay history.

A detailed legal response with evidence is required to avoid refusal and long-term consequences.

Judicial Review in Federal Court

TRV refusals may be challenged if the officer:

• ignored critical evidence,
• misapplied the law (IRPR 179),
• used unreasonable credibility findings,
• violated procedural fairness.

Strategies for TRV Approval

• Provide a clear, credible purpose of travel.
• Show strong evidence of ties to home country.
• Include 6–12 months of bank statements.
• Avoid large, unexplained deposits.
• Provide employment confirmation with approved leave.
• Include host documents for family visits.
• Maintain consistency across all forms and evidence.

Role of Skilled Counsel

Experienced counsel ensures:

• complete and credible documentation,
• strong legal arguments supporting temporary intent,
• correction of refusal issues,
• resubmission strategies,
• PFL responses where needed,
• Federal Court litigation in high-merit cases.

A well-prepared TRV application significantly improves approval chances and protects long-term immigration pathways.