If you are an international student in Canada and you want to travel outside the country, you may need to renew your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before you leave. A TRV is a document that allows you to enter or re-enter Canada as a visitor. It is different from your study permit, which allows you to stay and study in Canada.
In this blog post, I will explain what a TRV is, who needs it, when to renew it, and how to renew it. I will also share some tips and resources to help you with the process. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of how to renew your TRV as an international student.
What is a TRV, and who needs it?
A TRV is a sticker that is placed in your passport by the Canadian government. It shows that you have met the requirements to enter Canada as a visitor. A TRV can be either single-entry or multiple-entry. A single-entry TRV allows you to enter Canada only once, while a multiple-entry TRV allows you to enter Canada multiple times until it expires.
You need a TRV if you are from a visa-required country, which means that you need a visa to travel to Canada. You can check if your country is visa-required or visa-exempt on the Government of Canada website. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you do not need a TRV, but you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada. If you are from the United States or a lawful permanent resident of the US, you do not need a TRV or an eTA.
When do I need to renew my Temporary Resident Visa?
You need to renew your TRV if it is expired or will expire soon and you plan to travel outside Canada and return. You do not need a valid TRV to stay in Canada or to leave Canada, but you need one to enter or re-enter Canada. Your TRV should be valid for the entire duration of your trip.
You should also check the expiry date of your passport and your study permit before you travel. Your TRV cannot be valid longer than your passport or your study permit. If any of these documents are expiring soon, you should renew them first before applying for a new TRV.
How do I renew my Temporary Resident Visa?
There are two steps to renew your TRV in Canada: first, you submit an online application through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, then you mail your passport to the visa office in Ottawa. The process may take several weeks, so you should apply well in advance of your travel plans.
To apply online, you need to create an account on the IRCC website using GCKey or Sign-in Partner. You will also need to upload some documents, such as:
A copy of your passport
A copy of your study permit
A copy of your proof of enrolment
A copy of your proof of financial support
A digital photo
A valid credit card or debit card
You may also need to provide biometrics, which are your fingerprints and photo. You can check if you need biometrics on the IRCC website. If you do, you will receive an instruction letter after you submit your online application. You will need to visit a designated service point to give your biometrics within 30 days of receiving the letter.
After you submit your online application and pay the fees, you will receive an email confirmation with a document checklist and instructions on how to mail your passport. You will need to send your passport and any other required documents to the visa office in Ottawa using a secure courier service. You should keep the tracking number of your package for reference.
Once the visa office receives your passport, they will process your application and return your passport with a new TRV sticker inside. You should check the validity and accuracy of your new TRV before you travel.
Tips and resources for renewing your TRV
Here are some tips and resources to help you with renewing your TRV:
Check the processing times for TRV applications on the IRCC website5. The processing times vary depending on where you apply and how busy the visa office is. You should apply as early as possible to avoid delays and complications.
Keep copies of all your documents and receipts for future reference. You may need them if there are any issues with your application or if you lose your passport or TRV.
Check the status of your application online using your account on the IRCC website6. You can also sign up for email or text notifications to receive updates on your application.
Contact Ansari Immigration if you need any assistance or advice with renewing your TRV or any other immigration matters. Ansari Immigration is a professional immigration consulting firm that specializes in helping international students and workers with their immigration needs. They have a team of experienced and licensed immigration consultants who can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Read the other blog posts on Ansari Immigration’s website to learn more about immigration topics that may interest you, such as study permits, work permits, permanent residency, and citizenship. You can also subscribe to their newsletter to receive the latest news and updates on immigration.
Conclusion
Renewing your TRV as an international student is an important step to ensure that you can travel outside Canada and return without any problems. You should be aware of the requirements, the process, and the timeline for renewing your TRV and plan accordingly. You should also use the available resources and seek professional help if you need it.
I hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below or contact Ansari Immigration directly. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
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