November 11, 2026
Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs): Getting Over the Wall of Inadmissibility
A criminal conviction, certain medical conditions, or a finding of misrepresentation can make you inadmissible to Canada. But, as with many areas of law, there is an exception: an immigration officer has the discretion to allow an inadmissible person to enter or stay in Canada where there are strong and compelling reasons to do so.
That discretion is exercised through an application for a Temporary Resident Permit (“TRP”).
What Is a TRP?
A TRP is temporary relief from the otherwise stringent and far-reaching consequences of being inadmissible to Canada or of not meeting the requirements of Canadian immigration law. It does not erase the underlying inadmissibility. It only overcomes it for a limited time.
TRPs are governed by section 24 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which allows an officer to authorize a foreign national to enter or stay in Canada when the officer considers it justified in the circumstances. A TRP has three defining features:
- It is Discretionary. No one can claim a TRP as a matter of right, and even a strong application can be refused.;
- It is Temporary. A TRP is issued for a specific period tied to the purpose of the stay. The officer also decides whether the permit is single-entry or multiple-entry.; and,
- It is Revocable. Even after a TRP is issued, the officer can cancel it at any time, including if new concerns arise after issuance.
Who May Need a TRP?
You may need a TRP if you are inadmissible to Canada for any reason, or if you otherwise do not meet the requirements of the Act, and you have compelling reasons to enter or stay in Canada. Common situations include:
- Criminal inadmissibility (s. 36). Convictions in Canada or abroad, including offences people often underestimate, such as impaired driving, which can amount to serious criminality since the December 2018 amendments.
- Misrepresentation (s. 40). People serving the five-year inadmissibility bar period for misrepresenting a material fact and who have a compelling reason to come to or stay in Canada before the five-year bar ends.
- Medical inadmissibility (s. 38). Based on the severity of the medical condition(s) and in limited cases where the circumstances justify an exception.
- Non-compliance with the Act or regulations (s. 41). For example, arriving without a required visa or valid passport, or with other documentary gaps.
- Security and organized criminality (ss. 34 and 37). These grounds are far more difficult to overcome, but they are not automatically excluded.
How Do Officers Decide?
The essential question is whether the reasons for your presence in Canada outweigh the risks that presence may pose. Put simply, the officer weighs need against risk: how compelling your reasons are for coming to or staying in Canada, against the nature and seriousness of the inadmissibility and any risk to Canadian society.
Can a TRP Be Extended?
A TRP cannot be extended. If you need to stay in Canada beyond the period initially authorised, you must apply for a new TRP before your current one expires. Because a new application is a fresh request for discretionary relief, holding a previous TRP does not guarantee that a subsequent application will be approved.
IRCC’s guidance also says a TRP is not meant to provide continuous status over long periods, especially where the inadmissibility can be resolved.
Is TRP the Right Solution?
Because a TRP does not remove the underlying inadmissibility, it must be viewed as a bridge rather than a destination. Depending on your situation, other long-term options such as criminal rehabilitation or a humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) application may be viable.
The right strategy will depend on your facts and circumstances. Our team at Bellissimo Immigration Law Group PC can assess your situation and help you in exploring options that align with your immediate and long-term objectives.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Early legal advice can help identify concerns and strengthen your preparation. To discuss your options, contact Bellissimo Immigration Law Group PC and book a consultation.
Kiertivaan Singh Bhogal
Kiertivaan is a dual-licensed lawyer, having been called to the Bar in India in 2019 and the Ontario Bar in 2025. He brings hands-on experience across a broad range of immigration matters, including Express Entry, Start-Up Visa applications, work permits under various programs and trade agreements, Applications for Leave and Judicial Review, and refugee claims before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD). Prior to his call to the Ontario Bar, he completed his articles in immigration law at a boutique immigration law firm, where he developed a strong foundation in various aspects of Canadian immigration law.
Kiertivaan holds a Bachelor of Laws (B.A.LL.B) from Panjab University and a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) from Humber College. He is fluent in Punjabi, Hindi, and spoken Urdu, allowing him to serve a diverse clientele. Kiertivaan is committed to ensuring that every client understands their options, trusts the process, and feels supported throughout their immigration journey.