Temporary Resident Permits

Please read the following instructions carefully:

• Your application is subject to a NON-REFUNDABLE processing fee.
• If your application is refused, the fee will not be refunded.
• The Immigration Section offers service in both of Canada's official languages, English and French. Documents in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Important Information

Offences involving operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs where five years have not elapsed since the termination of the sentence will, with very rare exceptions, render persons criminally inadmissible to Canada - and therefore in need of a Temporary Resident Permit to enter Canada for any purpose and any length of time.

If five years have not passed since the end of the sentence imposed and/or you have urgent and compelling reasons for entry to Canada within the next 6 months, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Permit to enter Canada.

There must be compelling reasons for an officer to issue a Temporary Resident Permit to allow a person who does not meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to enter or remain in Canada.

If a personal interview is required, you will be notified in writing of the date and time of the interview.

Documents required for medically inadmissible applicants:

Fully completed application form, Application for Temporary Resident Permit PDF* (113 kB) and all requested supporting documents. Do not leave questions unanswered. The form must be completed in block letters or typed.

Photocopies of the identification page(s) of your passport

Two passport size photographs taken within the last six months.

Documents required for criminally inadmissible applicants :

Fully completed application form, Application for Temporary Resident Permit PDF* (113 kB) and all requested supporting documents. Do not leave questions unanswered. The form must be completed in block letters or typed.

Photocopies of the identification page(s) of your passport Two passport size photographs taken within the last six months.

A criminal clearance certificate from the National police authorities in all countries where you have resided at least six months since reaching the age of 18, including an FBI certificate for the United States and (if appropriate) an RCMP certificate for Canada.

This clearance must be based on a fingerprint check. See our Police Certificate Instructions.

State police certificates and local police certificates from all the locations, in the United States, where you have resided at least six months since reaching the age of 18. Communicate with State and local authorities regarding instructions for the obtainment of such documents.

Three letters of reference from responsible citizens (parole board, public officials, respectable private citizens, clergymen).

A copy of the conviction certificate or court docket showing the sentence imposed.

A copy of the statute(s) under which you were convicted.

Your description of the events giving rise to the offence (and any extenuating circumstances).

A letter from your employer including a brief job description, length of service and current salary.

If your driver's licence was suspended as a result of your conviction, official proof of restoration of full privileges and of the date of restoration.

You must also provide, as applicable, official proof of payment of fines, discharge from probation, and/or satisfaction of community service.

Documents required for Family Class applicants (those who have been officially sponsored by family members in Canada):

Fully completed application form, Application for Temporary Resident Permit PDF* (113 kB) and all requested supporting documents. Do not leave questions unanswered. The form must be completed in block letters or typed.

Photocopies of the identification page(s) of your passport.

Two passport size photographs taken within the last six months.

Proof that the sponsorship has been submitted.

A brief history of your relationship with the sponsor.

Marriage/birth certificates supporting your relationship.

Fees

The fee for processing an application for a Temporary Resident Permit must be submitted with your application. See our Fee Schedule available on the Can-Am site.

Payment may be made by money order, bank draft or certified cheque, payable to the "Canadian Consulate General". Payment may be made by cash (only when applying in person), Please do not send cash in the mail.

How to apply

You may submit your complete application by mail or in person - each receives the same priority. You will NOT receive immediate consideration of your application. We will contact you when your application has reached our review stage. Processing times may be lengthy.

Submit your application to one of these offices:

Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section
3000 HSBC Center
Buffalo, New York 14203-2884
USA

Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section
Suite 1100
600 Renaissance Center
Detroit, Michigan 48243-1798
USA

Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section
550 South Hope Street, 9th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90071-2627
USA

Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section
1251 Avenue of the Americas
Concourse Level
New York, New York 10020-1175
USA

Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section
Suite 600
1501 4th Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101-4328
USA

The Canadian Embassy
Immigration Section
501 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
USA

* If you require a plug-in or a third-party software to view this file, please visit the alternative formats section of our help page.