Applying for a TRV after you have arrived in Canada

Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) are often issued for the same length of time as a study permit. You do not need a valid TRV while inside Canada, but it is a good idea to keep a valid one in case of sudden trips abroad. You need a TRV if:

  1. you will present yourself at the Canadian border (port of entry); and
  2. you are a citizen of a country whose citizens require a TRV.  To review this list of countries, visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

Exception:  If your only destination outside of Canada is the United States, you do not need to have a valid TRV to return to Canada.  A valid study or work permit or a visitor stamp/record and UBC proof of enrollment letter will be sufficient.

You can only apply for a TRV from a Canadian visa office outside of Canada. If you are currently in Canada, you can apply for a new TRV by mail through a Canadian visa office in the United States.  If you are outside of Canada, you can apply from the nearest Canadian visa office.

Important Notice 

Effective May 7th, 2012, in-person applications are no longer accepted at the Detroit and Buffalo visa offices.  Effective June 1st, 2012, in-person applications are no longer accepted at the Seattle visa office and documents will not be returned by courier.  If you have concers about the safety of your passport and other documents being returned, you may choose to submit an application to the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo or Detroit as both have mailboxes in Canada and accept pre-paid return Canada Post Xpresspost envelopes.

Tip

You may download the I. House tutorial for step-by-step instructions on preparing your TRV student application package or TRV worker application package (currently not available - check back soon.)

Bring your prepared TRV application forms as well as supporting documentation and meet with an Advisor at I. House before mailing out your application.  I. House Advising drop-in hours are Monday through Friday from 1-4pm.

Documents

If you hold a study permit, include the following documents with your application:

1. Document checklist (IMM 5484)
2. Consulate-specific checklist
3. Application form (IMM 5257)
4. Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
5. Schedule 1 (only if applicable) 
6. Original Passport
7. Photocopy of study permit
8. Original of most recent official transcripts
9. Two photographs
10. UBC Letter of Enrollment

  • If you are an undergraduate student between year 1 and 4, you may download your official UBC enrolment letter from SSC (www.students.ubc.ca/ssc). 
  • If you are an undergraduate student who may need more than 4 years to complete your degree requirements, of if you are in a diploma or certificate program (for example DAP, DAH, etc), you may ask for a letter from your faculty advisor or program office. This letter must confirm your current enrolment in the program and expected date of completion. 
  • If you are a graduate student, you may ask for a letter from your department (graduate secretary.) This letter must confirm your current enrolment in the program and expected date of completion. If you have another source of income such as a scholarship or hold a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant position, you may also ask to include your scholarship or employment and salary information. 

11. Proof of Funds

  • If you are staying for one year or more, the minimum required amount is $10,000 for yourself, plus $4,000 for a spouse/partner plus $3,000 for each additional family member. 
  • If staying for less than one year, indicate the total amount of funds available to you for that length of time. 
  • Proof of financial support can be a combination of the following: certificate of balance (bank statement), proof of scholarship or employment, letter of financial support from a family member including their official bank statements etc.

12. Fee: $75 for single entry; $150 for multiple entry; $400 for familiies.

  • You can pay in US or Canadian dollars, with a bank draft or money order.  To find out who to make it payable to, check the website for the consulate you are sending your application to, as each consulate has a different process. 

If you hold a post-graduation work permit, include the following documents with your application: 

1. Document checklist (IMM 5484)
2. Consulate-specific checklist
3. Application form (IMM 5257)
4. Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
5. Schedule 1 (only if applicable) 
6. Original Passport
7. Photocopy of post-graduation work permit
8. Two photographs
9. Proof of Funds

  • If you are staying for one year or more, the minimum required amount is $10,000 for yourself, plus $4,000 for a spouse/partner plus $3,000 for each additional family member. 
  • If staying for less than one year, indicate the total amount of funds available to you for that length of time. 
  • Proof of financial support can be a combination of the following: certificate of balance (bank statement), proof of scholarship or current employment (on letterhead, stating your position, salary and dates of employment), letter of financial support from a family member including their official bank statements etc.

10. Proof of Current Employment

  • A letter or employment OR
  • Proof of your job hunt: If you do not currently have a job, you must satisfy the officer that you are conducting a job search.  Provide a copy of your resume/CV as well as cover letters or emails showing that you have applied for jobs. 

11. Fee: $75 for single entry; $150 for multiple entry; $400 for familiies.

  • You can pay in US or Canadian dollars, with a bank draft or money order.  To find out who to make it payable to, check the website for the consulate you are sending your application to, as each consulate has a different process. 

 

 

 

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