TRV vs eTA vs TRP — What’s the Difference?

If you’re planning to come to Canada — even just for a short visit — you’ve probably seen terms like TRV, eTA, and TRP.
They sound similar, but they are very different, and choosing the wrong one can lead to delays, refusals, or even being denied entry at the border.

Let’s break it down in plain English.

First Things First: Temporary Residence in Canada

All three documents — TRV, eTA, and TRP — fall under the umbrella of temporary residence in Canada.
This means they allow a foreign national to enter or stay in Canada for a limited period, but they do not give permanent residence.

However, they serve very different purposes.

What Is a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa)?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is the most common document people think of when they hear “visitor visa.”

You need a TRV (Visitor Visa) if:

• You are from a visa-required country
• You are admissible to Canada
• You want to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, or short business trips

Important to know:

• A TRV allows you to travel to Canada
• It does not automatically give you legal status inside Canada
• Your actual stay is decided by the border officer (usually up to 6 months)

A TRV is for people who meet all entry requirements and have no inadmissibility issues.

What Is an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)?

An eTA is not a visa — it’s a pre-travel authorization.

You need an eTA if:

• You are from a visa-exempt country
• You are flying to Canada
• You are visiting temporarily

Important to know:

• An eTA is linked electronically to your passport
• It allows you to board a flight to Canada
• It does not confer temporary resident status

Just like a TRV, an eTA allows you to travel — not to stay. Your status is decided at the border.

What Is a TRP (Temporary Resident Permit)?

A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is very different from both a TRV and an eTA.

A TRP is designed for people who are inadmissible to Canada but have a valid reason to enter or stay.

You may need a TRP if you:

• Have a past criminal conviction (including DUI)
• Have previous immigration violations
• Are medically inadmissible
• Are otherwise not allowed to enter Canada

Key differences:

• A TRP overrides inadmissibility
• It is discretionary
• It allows temporary residence in Canada despite the issue
• It is issued for a specific purpose and time

A TRP is not a shortcut — it’s an exception.

TRV vs eTA vs TRP — Quick Comparison

Category	Who this applies to	Typical countries (examples)	What document is required	Key purpose
Admissible visitors from visa-required countries	People who meet all entry rules but are from countries that require a visa	India, China, Pakistan, Philippines, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Ukraine	Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)	Allows travel to Canada after prior screening
Admissible visitors from visa-exempt countries	People who meet entry rules and are from low-risk countries	UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Australia, UAE	eTA (for air travel)	Allows boarding a flight to Canada
Inadmissible individuals with strong justification	People who are not admissible due to criminal, medical, or immigration issues	Any nationality	Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)	Allows entry or stay despite inadmissibility

Which One Do You Need?

That depends on:

• Your nationality
• Your immigration history
• Whether you are admissible
• Where you are applying from
• Why you want to enter Canada

Many people apply for a TRV or eTA when they actually need a TRP, which leads to refusal.

A Common (Costly) Mistake

One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming that:

“If I just apply for a visitor visa, it will work.”

If there is any inadmissibility issue, a TRV or eTA will likely be refused — and the refusal stays on your record.

Understanding the right document before applying can save you time, money, and stress.

How I Can Help

As a regulated Canadian immigration consultant, I help clients:

• Determine whether they need a TRV, eTA, or TRP
• Understand their admissibility
• Avoid unnecessary refusals
• Choose the safest strategy for temporary residence in Canada

If you’re unsure which document applies to your situation, it’s always better to ask before applying.

Final Thoughts

TRV, eTA, and TRP may all fall under temporary residence in Canada — but they are not interchangeable.
Knowing the difference can be the difference between a smooth entry and a refusal.

If you’d like help figuring out the right option for you, feel free to reach out.
Getting it right the first time matters.