Understanding Temporary Resident Visa Terminology
When discussing temporary resident visas, there are many terms thrown around and it can get confusing. So what’s a visitor visa? A visitor permit? A visitor record? Find out below.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - an electronic document for visa-exempt travellers which is linked to the passport. The eTA is valid for 5 years or the validity of the passport. Having an eTA DOES NOT guarantee entry to Canada. eTAs are required to enter Canada via air only.
Implied Status - the term used to describe the status of an individual awaiting approval on an application for an extension of their stay which has been submitted from WITHIN Canada, while remaining physically IN Canada, BEFORE their original status expires.
Restoration - the process of requesting status be reinstated after the status expired. This application must be submitted from WITHIN Canada and the requestor must REMAIN in Canada until a decision is made.
Super Visa - aka Parent and Grandparent Extended Stay Temporary Resident Visa - a special temporary resident visa available to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The Super Visa grants the holder entry to Canada for up to 2 years at a time.
Temporary Resident Status - a visitor is determined to have temporary resident status once they have been admitted to Canada.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) - a counterfoil document affixed to the visa-required traveller’s passport. This document is provided by the visa officer. Being approved for a TRV and having a TRV DOES NOT guarantee entry to Canada.
Transit Visa - an official document affixed to the holder’s document granting permission to transit through Canada within a 48-hour window.
Visa-exempt Countries - a specific list of countries that require an eTA to enter Canada on a temporary basis. There are a few exceptions to this rule.
Visa-required Countries - a specific list of countries that require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada on a temporary basis.
Visitor Permit - see Temporary Resident Visa
Visitor Record - a document issued either at the Port of Entry by CBSA or by an IRCC officer change or implement specific conditions on the passport holder. For example, a successful restoration application.
Visitor Visa - see Temporary Resident Visa
