A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa, is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in a persons passport to show that they have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. A TRV is required for individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and are legally authorized to enter Canada for a temporary stay, such as visiting family, conducting business, or studying. A TRV does not guarantee entry to Canada, as the admission of foreign nationals into Canada as temporary residents is a privilege, not a right.

A TRV is usually issued for the same length of time as the individuals study or work permit, and it allows them to travel to Canada while a study permit allows them to stay and study inside Canada. A TRV is not an independent document and must be obtained before departure, as it cannot be obtained upon arrival in Canada.

To obtain a TRV, an individual must show the officer that they meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and that they will be in Canada for a temporary stay. They must also satisfy the officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their stay and provide evidence supporting the purpose of their entry, proof of funds/financial support, and medical requirements for foreign nationals.

If an individuals application for a TRV is approved, their passport and TRV will be returned to them, and they must carry these documents with them when they travel to Canada. It is important to note that a TRV is not the same as a visitor record, which is a document that a border services officer may issue to extend or restrict an individuals stay in Canada.