TRV for Students Inside Canada

Overview

A temporary resident visa (TRV), also called a visitor visa, is the sticker/counterfoil many students need in their passport to travel to Canada. Your study permit is separate. Students who stay for years often discover—too close to a flight—that the TRV expired even though the study permit is still valid.

This guide covers IRCC’s inside Canada TRV pathway for study permit holders.

Common situations

Study permit valid, TRV expired, trip booked

Apply online from inside Canada if you meet IRCC’s criteria. Try not to leave until the new visa is issued.

Study permit extension just approved

You can apply for a TRV immediately after approval using proof from your IRCC account—even before the physical study permit arrives.

Single-entry visa used on first arrival

You may need a new multiple-entry (or new) visa before the next trip. Confirm what was issued in your passport.

Visa-exempt student

You may need an eTA instead of a TRV for air travel. Do not file a TRV application if you only need an eTA—check IRCC’s entry-requirements tool.

Who can apply from inside Canada

IRCC says you can apply from inside Canada only if you meet all of these:

• you are already in Canada
• you hold a valid study or work permit
• you want to leave and return to Canada in the near future
• your existing visitor visa is expired, about to expire, or was valid for only one entry

If you already left Canada, use the outside Canada visitor visa process instead.

Timing

IRCC recommends applying at least 2 months before you plan to leave, and not leaving until you get the new visitor visa when possible.

If you leave before the visa is issued, you may face extra requirements (biometrics/medical), longer processing, and delayed return—with no guarantee of approval.

If you must leave for exceptional reasons, use IRCC’s web form to update the application before departure.

How to apply (IRCC account)

1. Sign in to your IRCC secure account.
2. Choose Apply to Come to Canada.
3. In the questionnaire:
   • “What would you like to do in Canada?” → Study (if you hold a study permit)
   • Current country of residence → Canada
   • When offered a choice, select Temporary Resident Visa (not only a study permit extension)
4. Complete IMM 5257 as listed in your checklist (even from inside Canada).
5. Pay fees and track status in your account.

Paper filing is limited to IRCC-listed exceptions (for example disability or certain exceptional situations).

Proof after a study permit extension approval

If your study permit extension was approved online, include proof such as:

• screenshot of the approval message
• application number
• other documents showing an approved extension

Relationship to travel and study

• A new TRV does not extend your study permit.
• A study permit extension does not create a TRV.
• For re-entry risks while an extension is pending, see Travel Outside Canada.

When to get help

Seek help if you hold implied/maintained status only, your passport is nearly expired, you had a prior visa refusal, or you already left Canada and cannot return for classes.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a study permit renewal includes a new TRV
• Selecting “extend study permit” instead of “Temporary Resident Visa” in the questionnaire
• Leaving Canada while the TRV application is unfinished
• Applying from outside Canada using the inside-Canada instructions
• Confusing eTA and TRV requirements

Related guides

• Travel Outside Canada as an International Student
• Study Permit Extension in Canada
• Study Permit Requirements

This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply or travel.

Before you apply

• Confirmed you need a TRV (visa-required nationality) rather than only an eTA
• Confirmed you hold a valid study permit and are physically in Canada
• Confirmed existing TRV is expired, expiring, or single-entry
• Gathered passport bio page and study permit copies for upload
• Used questionnaire answers: Study + residence Canada + Temporary Resident Visa
• Avoided leaving Canada before the new TRV is issued when possible

Frequently asked questions

Can every student apply for a TRV from inside Canada?

No. IRCC limits the inside-Canada TRV pathway to people who are already in Canada, hold a valid study or work permit, want to leave and return soon, and have a visitor visa that is expired, about to expire, or was valid for only one entry.

I extended my study permit—do I get a new TRV automatically?

No. IRCC states it will not automatically issue a visitor visa when you extend a study or work permit. Submit a separate TRV application.

When can I apply for a TRV after my study permit extension is approved?

As soon as IRCC approves the extension, you may apply for the visitor visa—even before the new permit arrives by mail—if you provide proof of approval (for example a screenshot of the approval message and application number).

What form do I use?

The checklist typically lists IMM 5257 (Application for Visitor Visa Made Outside of Canada). IRCC says this is the correct form even when applying from inside Canada.

What if I already left Canada without a valid TRV?

You generally must use the outside-Canada visitor visa process, which can involve different requirements and longer delays before you can return.

Is this legal advice?

No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.

See also

• Travel Outside Canada as an International Student
• Study Permit Requirements

References

1. Visitor visas for workers and students: How to apply from inside Canada
2. Guide 5552 — student extension (TRV notes)
3. Find out if you need a visa or eTA
4. Application for visitor visa (IMM 5257)

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.