Who is eligible to sponsor a spouse in Canada?

To sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Canadian Indian Act. You must be at least 18 years old, not be receiving social assistance except for disability, be able to provide for the basic needs of the person you are sponsoring, and have finalized any previous divorces. If you are a permanent resident, you must currently reside in Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must demonstrate your intention to return once your spouse becomes a permanent resident. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval. IRCC assesses eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

What documents are required for spousal sponsorship?

Required documents include proof of your relationship such as a marriage certificate, photos together, and communication logs. You will also need identification documents including passports and birth certificates for both the sponsor and the applicant, financial documents such as employment letters, tax returns, and bank statements, and supporting evidence such as joint accounts, insurance beneficiaries, and utility bills. Additional documentation may be required based on your specific situation and your partner's country of residence. IRCC publishes country-specific document checklists for each application.

Can my spouse work in Canada during application processing?

If you apply under the Inland sponsorship category, your spouse may be eligible to apply for an open work permit while your application is in process. An open work permit allows your spouse to work for most Canadian employers. Eligibility depends on your specific circumstances and IRCC's current processing policies. This option is not available for Outland applications under the Family Class.

Can I sponsor my spouse if they are already in Canada on a temporary visa?

Yes, in most cases you can sponsor a spouse who is already in Canada on a valid visitor, student, or work permit. This generally qualifies as an Inland sponsorship application under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class. Your spouse may also be eligible to apply for an open work permit during processing. Confirm your specific situation with a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant before applying.

How do I prove my relationship is genuine to IRCC?

IRCC assesses relationship genuineness across four categories: financial interdependence such as joint accounts and shared expenses, social recognition such as photos together and affidavits from people who know your relationship, communication history including emails, messages, and call logs spanning your relationship timeline, and shared history covering how you met and evidence of visits or shared residence. No single piece of evidence is sufficient on its own. A strong application presents consistent evidence across all four categories.

What are common reasons for spousal sponsorship refusals?

Applications may be refused due to insufficient proof of a genuine relationship, incomplete or inaccurate forms and documentation, failure to meet sponsor eligibility requirements, inadmissibility of the sponsored person for criminal, medical, or security reasons, or misrepresentation. Inland applicants do not have the right to appeal a refusal. Outland applicants can appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division.

Does Canada recognize same-sex marriages and partnerships for spousal sponsorship?

Yes. Canada fully recognizes same-sex marriages and common-law partnerships for spousal sponsorship applications. All relationship types receive equal treatment under Canadian immigration law.

Can Canadian citizens living abroad sponsor their spouse?

Yes. Canadian citizens living outside Canada can sponsor their spouse, provided they demonstrate concrete plans to return to Canada once their spouse becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must be residing in Canada to be eligible sponsors.

Temporary Resident Permit Canada

Denied entry to Canada because of a criminal record, medical condition, or immigration violation? A Temporary Resident Permit may be a viable path to seek lawful entry to Canada even when other options are unavailable.

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A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is an IRCC official permit that allows an inadmissible person to enter or stay in Canada for a specific period. It is issued under section 24 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). A TRP is discretionary and the immigration officer reviewing your application decides whether the reason you provided to enter Canada outweighs the risk that your presence may pose. It does not magically erase your inadmissibility. It grants a temporary permission to enter Canada.

If you attempted to enter Canada previously and the CBSA officer told you at the port of entry that you are inadmissible to enter Canada because of your past criminal conviction, a TRP may be an option worth exploring. Continue reading to find out why. We help clients across Ontario and throughout Canada prepare persuasive TRP applications that demonstrate a compelling need to travel and minimize the risk of refusal.

Who Qualifies for a Temporary Resident Permit?

Criminal Inadmissibility

The most common reason individuals apply for a TRP is having a past criminal record. Under the IRPA, IRCC evaluates foreign convictions by equating them to their Canadian legal equivalents. Offences that would constitute a criminal offence in Canada including impaired driving (DUI/DWI), assault, theft, fraud, and drug-related charges can render you inadmissible. Since December 18, 2018, impaired driving is classified as serious criminality in Canada, carrying a maximum sentence of ten (10) years. This means that even a single DUI conviction can result in inadmissibility. A TRP is often the only option for individuals with recent convictions who are not yet eligible for Criminal Rehabilitation, which requires at least five (5) years to have passed since the completion of all sentence terms.

Medical Inadmissibility

Foreign nationals may also be inadmissible on medical grounds if their health condition is likely to be a danger to public health, a danger to public safety, or would cause excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare or social services. A TRP may be issued when the visit is time-bound and the medical concern does not pose an active public health threat during the proposed stay.

Non-Compliance with IRPA

You may require a TRP if you previously violated the terms of your stay in Canada. This can include but is not limited to overstaying in Canada, working or studying without the appropriate authorization, failing to appear for an immigration examination, or entering Canada without a valid travel document (passport). In each case, IRCC must be satisfied that you now understand your obligations and that the purpose of your visit justifies your temporary entry.

Victims of Human Trafficking, Family Violence, and Former Crown Wards

IRCC also issues TRPs to victims of human trafficking, victims of family violence, and foreign nationals who were previously in state care (Crown wards). These applicants are exempt from the government processing fee, biometrics fee, and work or study permit fees. If the TRP is issued for at least six months, they may also apply for a work or study permit at no additional cost.

How to Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit in Canada

Step 1: Determine Your Inadmissibility Ground and Strategy

Before preparing any paperwork, you must identify the specific provision of IRPA that renders you inadmissible. Criminal convictions must be equated to their Canadian legal equivalents, which requires familiarity with both foreign and the Canadian Criminal Code. At Mirzoyan Immigration we first assess your inadmissibility and your entry timeline to advise you whether a TRP, Criminal Rehabilitation, or a combined strategy would be more appropriate for your situation.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documentation

TRP applications require extensive supporting evidence. At a minimum, you should expect to compile court records of every arrest (not only convictions), Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), proof of completion and discharge of any sentence terms including probation and fines, a valid passport or travel document, evidence supporting your reason for travel (such as a business invitation, family event confirmation, or medical referral), and proof of ties to your home country demonstrating intent to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. We prepare a customized document checklist for each client to ensure no critical item is omitted.

Step 3: Prepare the Written Submission

This is the most important part. This is where most applicants fail when they try to DIY. A well written narrative submission letter from you representative will tie together all the facts and the evidence of your case to support your application, resulting in a successful outcome. You must persuade the IRCC officer that your need to enter Canada outweighs any risk you may pose to Canadian society. This requires a detailed written submission that explains the nature of your inadmissibility, the steps you have taken toward rehabilitation, and the specific, compelling reason you must travel to Canada. Applications are often 50 or more pages once supporting documents are included. We draft the full written submission, ensuring every foreign offence is properly documented and equated to Canadian law and every claim is substantiated with evidence and documentation.

Step 4: Submit the Application and Pay Fees

If you are outside Canada, you submit your TRP request online through the IRCC portal as part of a temporary residence application (visitor visa, study permit, or work permit). There is no standalone TRP application form for applicants outside the country. The TRP processing fee of CAD $246.25 must be paid separately from other application fees. If you are already inside Canada, you must submit a complete paper application and courier it along with supporting documents and the processing to the appropriate IRCC office. We submit the complete application package as your authorized representative, which means IRCC communicates directly with our office throughout the process.

Step 5: Await the Decision

Processing times vary depending on how and where you apply. Applications typically take six (6) to twelve (12) months to process, though timelines can extend during periods of high volume. Port-of-entry applications receive a same-day decision but carry a higher risk for a refusal. If your application is approved, the officer will issue a TRP specifying the validity period and any conditions on your stay.

Not sure if you need a TRP or something else entirely?

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Trusted Toronto Immigration Consultants

Trusted Toronto immigration team helping individuals and families with spousal sponsorships, work permits, visitor visas, and permanent residence.

Narek Mirzoyan

Narek Mirzoyan is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC#R1005184) in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants and a Licensed Paralegal (P12490) with the Law Society of Ontario and the founder of Mirzoyan Canadian Immigration Services Inc. in Toronto.

As an immigrant to Canada himself, Narek understands firsthand the hopes and hurdles newcomers face and channels that lived experience into a clear, practical guidance for every client he serves.

Narek has built a reputation of integrity, attention to detail, and client-focused service. In addition to his immigration practice, Narek also runs Mirzoyan Legal, a successful notary public business that has proudly served the community since 2022 years and earned more than 250 five-star reviews on Google.

Whether clients need help with Visitor Visas, Study or Work Permits, Family Sponsorship, Permanent Residence, or Citizenship applications, Narek is committed to delivering a smooth, transparent, and ethical experience every step of the way. Narek is also fluent in Russian and Armenian.

Vahe Mirzoyan

Vahe Mirzoyan is a seasoned Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC#R514223) with over a decade of dedicated experience working with individuals, corporations, and institutions on the full spectrum of Canadian immigration law. With a career built on precision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to client success, Vahe has established himself as a trusted authority in Canadian immigration.

Vahe's expertise spans the entire continuum of Canadian immigration matters, encompassing Visitor Visas, Study Permits, Work Permits, Intra-company Transfers, Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), other Permanent Residence, and Citizenship applications.

Throughout his career, Vahe has held progressively senior roles at some of Canada's most respected legal and professional services firms. Specifically, at Green and Spiegel LLP, one of North America's leading immigration law firms.

An entrepreneurial professional at heart, Vahe is distinguished not only by his technical mastery but by his ability to architect and strategically plan complex immigration journeys for both individual and corporate clients. Vahe is deeply attuned to the human dimensions of immigration — the aspirations, uncertainties, and life-altering decisions that clients bring to each consultation. He approaches every matter with discretion, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine commitment to achieving outcomes that align with the clients' personal and professional goals. Vahe brings the same level of diligence and care to each file. Coming from a multicultural background, Vahe is also fluent in Russian and Armenian.

Temporary Resident Permit Processing Times, Costs, and Required Documents

$246.25 CAD
$85 CAD
6 to 12 months or more
Same-day decision
3 years
Our fees start from $3250 CAD. Contact us for a quote tailored to your immigration matter.

Why Choose Mirzoyan Immigration for Your Temporary Resident Permit

SPEAK WITH A CONSULTANT

Inadmissibility is our core practice area.

We handle TRP applications regularly, which means our team understands how IRCC officers evaluate risk, what constitutes a compelling reason for travel, and how to equate foreign criminal offences to the Canadian Criminal Code with precision. This is not a service we offer occasionally; it is an integral part of what we do.

We prepare the written narrative that IRCC officers actually read.

The success of a TRP application depends heavily on the quality of the written submission. We draft detailed, evidence-based narratives that address the officer’s risk assessment directly, rather than relying on generic templates that fail to distinguish your circumstances from any other applicant.

We submit as your IRCC authorized representative.

As Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), we are authorized to submit applications directly to IRCC and receive all correspondence on your behalf. This means faster communication, fewer errors in processing, and professional oversight at every step of the way.

We advise on the full picture, not just the TRP.

A Temporary Resident Permit is a temporary solution. Where applicable, we advise our clients and provide additional guidance and strategies such as Criminal Rehabilitation, deemed rehabilitation assessments, or humanitarian and compassionate application considerations, so that your short-term travel needs and long-term immigration goals are aligned right from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

TRP processing times depend on where and how you apply. Both online (outside Canada) and paper (inside Canada) applications typically take six (6) to twelve (12) months, though processing can extend even more during periods of high volume. Applications submitted directly at a Canadian port of entry may receive a same-day decision. However, a port-of-entry application carries a higher refusal risk. If denied at the border, you must return home at your own expense. Applying in advance is generally the safer approach.
The IRCC government processing fee is CAD $246.25 as of 2026, the biometrics fees of CAD $85 per person may also apply if you have not given biometrics within the past 10 years. The government fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. Professional consulting fees vary depending on case complexity.
A TRP by itself does not authorize you to work or study. However, if your permit is issued with a validity period of at least six months, you become eligible to apply for a separate work permit or study permit. Each carries its own fees and processing timelines.
A TRP refusal does not come with a formal right of appeal. You may reapply at any time with a stronger application that addresses the officer’s concerns. If you applied at a port of entry and were refused, you will be denied entry and required to return home immediately. This is one of the primary reasons why we recommend applying ahead of time.
Criminal Rehabilitation permanently resolves criminal inadmissibility, but you must wait at least five (5) years after completing all sentence terms before you are eligible to apply. A TRP allows entry for a specific purpose and a period, up to a maximum of three (3) years. If you need to travel to Canada before you qualify for Criminal Rehabilitation, a TRP may be your only option.
Yes, however this only applies to foreign nationals who do not require a visa or an eTA to enter Canada. You can submit a TRP application at any Canadian port of entry, and border officers process these applications on the spot. The advantage is speed and decisions are typically made within hours. The disadvantage is uncertainty. A refusal means immediate return at your own expense. Border applications are generally recommended only in urgent or emergency situations.
The most frequent errors include failing to demonstrate a compelling need for travel, submitting incomplete documentation, incorrectly equating foreign convictions to their Canadian legal equivalents, and providing a weak or generic written narrative. Every arrest in your past and not only convictions must be addressed.
The maximum validity of a single TRP is three (3) years. Most permits are issued for shorter periods that correspond to the specific reason for travel. TRPs cannot be renewed; you must submit an entirely new application each time. If you leave Canada while holding a TRP, the permit generally becomes invalid unless the officer specifically authorized re-entry in the “remarks” section.

Temporary Resident Permit Canada