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 The Canadian Government has two main types of immigration documents: permits and visas. 

A study permit is required for anyone that wants to study in Canada for 6 months or more.  A temporary resident (entry) visa is required by citizens of some countries to enter Canada.  Permanent residency is the official term for what many people understand as immigrating.

• Study Permits (Studying in Canada)

• Temporary Resident (Entry) Visas
  

• Work Permits (Working in Canada)

• Permanent Residency
  

• Further Questions?

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 Temporary Resident (Entry) Visas

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a visa that is required by citizens of some countries to come to Canada.  The TRV must be valid on the date that you enter Canada but can expire any time after that.

Note: If you successfully apply for a first (initial) study permit through a visa office outside of Canada, a TRV will automatically be issued (if required).  Therefore, the following information applies if you already have a study permit but your TRV has expired or if you do not require a study permit (because you will study for no more than 6 months).

My citizenship requires me to have a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to come to Canada, when should I apply?
A TRV application can take from one day to a few months to be processed.  It is a good idea to apply well in advance of your planned trip to Canada.

Consult the Canadian Visa Office serving your country or region of residence for a more detailed estimate on how long your application may take to be processed.  You can find information about past processing times through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

 NEW!  How do I apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?
You have two options:

1. Submit a printed application by mail/post or in person, or;
2. Submit an application online (and mail/post only your passport to the appropriate visa office only after you are instructed to do so by Citizenship and Immigration Canada officals.

Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to determine the appropriate application process for you.  If you choose the paper application process you can access the application form, an application guide and further instructions on how to apply.  If you choose to apply online, you will be required to answer a series of questions to determine your eligibility, and the supporting documents you will need to include.

If you are applying by mail/post, or in person, you must also consult the Canadian Visa Office serving your country or region of residence as each office may have it's own requirements.  You may be asked to attend an interview, regardless of how you apply.

Note: If you submit a successful application for an initial (first) study permit outside of Canada and your citizenship requires you to have a Temporary Resident Visa, the visa will be issued with your letter of introduction.  It is not necessary to submit a separate application.

Where should I apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?
Apply to the Canadian Visa Office serving your country or region of residence.

How much does it cost to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?
A single-entry TRV application costs $75 CAN (or local equivalent).  A multiple-entry TRV application costs $150 CAN (or local equivalent).  You must follow the payment instructions of the Canadian Visa Office that you are applying to.

I am already in Canada but want to apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to allow me to return to Canada after a trip abroad.  How is my case different?
Students and scholars that are already in Canada have a choice when applying for a TRV.  They can apply before they leave Canada or apply while they are abroad.  If you choose to apply while you are abroad then you must follow the instructions provided above.  If you choose to apply while in Canada then you now have the option to apply to a Canadian Visa Office in the United States OR to a new office in Ottawa.

• If you hold a valid Study Permit or Work Permit, are currently in Canada, and have an expired TRV you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa through the Case Processing Pilot office – Ottawa.  There is a special checklist of supporting documents, specifically for applying to this office.  CIC notes processing times for a new TRV through this office. 
  
  

I am already in Canada and have friends/family who would like to visit me but need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).  What can I do to help them?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada invites you to send them a letter of invitation to include with their Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application.  Remember, you are inviting them, not Queen's.  That means any supporting documents you get from Queen's will only refer to you, not to your family or friends.

What happens after my Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application has been processed?
If your application is successful, your passport will be returned to you with a valid TRV on one page.  You must enter Canada while the TRV is valid so it is very important to check the expiry date of the visa when you receive it.

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Permanent Residency

Permanent residency offers the right to stay in Canada permanently.  Applying for permanent residency can take a long time.  The International Student Advisors at the Queen's University International Centre can answer some questions about the process but do not focus on permanent residency.

Please begin your research with QUIC's "After Queen's" page.

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Further Questions?

If you have further questions, after reviewing the information above, advising is available (without an appointment) from the International Student Advisors at the Queen's University International Centre from Monday to Friday between 1:00pm and 4:30pm.