Visas and permits i.e. Study or Work may seem similar in many ways, but there are key differences between them. Understanding these distinctions is important for anyone planning to travel or work in Canada.
A visa is a document stamped in your passport once the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) approves your application. In contrast, permits are issued at the border when you enter Canada.
Any application made outside of Canada for a permit or permanent residency will automatically be issued a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) or PRTD (Permanent Resident Travel Document). Both are stamped in your passport. Below is an image for reference showing how these documents look.
Once you arrive in Canada, an officer will review your application and issue the appropriate permit at the border. This could be a study permit, work permit if you are entering as temporary resident or a confirmation of permanent residency if you are entering as a permanent resident. Below is image sample of permit:
Here’s something important to note: If you apply for a permit within Canada, such as an extension of a work permit, Post Graduation Work Permit, study permit, a visitor permit, or a short-term permit, the IRCC will not automatically stamp your passport as you’re already in Canada. However, if you do need a stamp, you must apply for another new Application called Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) through the IRCC online portal. This application is separate from the permit application. This can only be submitted once you’ve received your permit application approved or if there’s enough time left on your existing permit before it expires to allow for travel into Canada.
IRCC Clear states follow statement in their website:
A work permit or study permit is not a visa.
- We won’t automatically issue you a visitor visa if you extend your work or study permit.
- If you need a new visitor visa, you will need to submit a separate application.
To access this application of temporary resident visa after approval of permit within Canada, you need to provide their answer in the online questionnaire.
Here are few Quick FAQ to be Consider :
Can I travel with an expired visa but a valid permit back and forth to my home country?
No, you cannot. If your visa (stamp) in your passport expires, you will not be allowed to re-enter Canada, even if your permit (such as a study or work permit) is still valid. This rule applies to all types of permits.
My visa has expired, but my permit is still valid. Can I apply for a new visa with my existing permit?
Yes, you can apply for a new visa using your existing permit. However, make sure your permit still hasn’t expired and sufficient validity to convince the immigration officer to grant you a new visa. Typically, they may issue a visa for 5 to 10 years, or until your passport expires, depending on their satisfaction with your application.
I have applied for a new permit as old permit expired. Can I apply for a separate TRV application for urgent travel?
No, you cannot. The officer will not be able to finalize your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application until your permit application has been finalized.
Can I stay in Canada if my visa stamp or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) has expired, but my permit is still valid?
Yes, you can stay in Canada as long as your permit is valid, and you continue to meet all the eligibility conditions outlined in your permit.
