Temporary Resident Visa vs Permanent Resident Visa - Free CELPIP Practice Tests & Mock Exams

Many people dream of leaving their home country to start a new life in a safer, more stable, and opportunity-rich country. Canada remains one of the top destinations for newcomers because it offers temporary and permanent immigration pathways for different goals.

Canada provides excellent opportunities in education, employment, and long-term settlement. The first step in planning your move is understanding whether you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa.

This guide explains the key differences between TRV and PR, the types of visas available, eligibility requirements, and the latest updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Important IRCC Updates for 2025

IRCC is introducing new measures to manage immigration levels:

Canada’s PR target for 2025 has been reduced to 395,000 admissions
Stricter screening of TRV applications to prevent misuse of visitor visas
Greater focus on genuine temporary intent
Language proficiency is becoming more important across PR pathways

Platforms like celpip.biz help applicants prepare for CELPIP, a key English test required for many PR programs.

What Is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly known as a Visitor Visa, allows foreign nationals to stay in Canada for a short period.

TRV Allows:

Tourism
Family visits
Short business trips

TRV Does NOT Allow:

Long-term work
Long-term study

Most travelers need a TRV, except citizens of visa-exempt countries, who instead require an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

TRV Validity and Stay Duration

TRV validity: Up to 10 years or until passport expiry
Maximum stay per visit: 6 months
Final length of stay is decided by a border services officer

Visitors cannot work or study long-term while on a TRV.

Types of Temporary Resident Visas (TRV)

Entry-Based TRVs

1. Single-Entry Visa

Allows one entry only
Must reapply after leaving Canada
Less flexible for frequent travelers

2. Multiple-Entry Visa

Allows unlimited entries while valid
Each visit up to 6 months
Valid up to 10 years
Most commonly issued TRV

Common Types of Temporary Resident Visas

Tourist Visa

For vacations or family visits
No work or long-term study allowed
From 2025, IRCC requires stronger proof of genuine tourism

Business Visitor Visa

For meetings, conferences, or short training
No employment in Canada
Usually requires invitation letters

Super Visa

For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs
Valid up to 10 years
Allows stays of up to 5 years per visit
Requires:
- Host income meeting LICO + 30%
- Medical insurance of CAD 100,000

Transit Visa

For travelers passing through Canada
Valid for 48 hours
Usually free of charge

Diplomatic or Official Visa

For diplomats and government officials
No processing fee
Faster processing time

Birth Tourism Visa

For those traveling to Canada to give birth
Requires proof of:
- Medical funds
- Intent to return home after delivery

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) – Important Note

Not a visa
Issued to otherwise inadmissible individuals
Used in exceptional cases (e.g., criminal inadmissibility)

What Is a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa?

A Permanent Resident Visa allows individuals to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely.

Once approved, applicants receive:

Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
PR status upon landing in Canada

Benefits of Permanent Residency

Live and work anywhere in Canada
Access to public healthcare
Eligibility for social benefits
Apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years of residency

PR Residency Obligation

To maintain PR status:

Must live in Canada at least 730 days within every 5-year period

Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency

There is no single PR visa. Instead, Canada offers multiple immigration programs, grouped under:

Economic Immigration
Family Sponsorship
Humanitarian Programs

Express Entry System

Express Entry is Canada’s points-based system for skilled workers.

Main Express Entry Programs

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

For skilled workers with foreign experience
Minimum 67 points required
Factors include:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language proficiency (CELPIP accepted)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For individuals with at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

For skilled tradespeople
Requires:
- Job offer, or
- Trade certification

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each Canadian province and territory operates its own PNP to meet local labor needs.

Examples:

Ontario – Human Capital Priorities Stream
Alberta – Opportunity Stream

Most PNPs require:

A job offer, or
Strong ties to the province

Temporary Resident Visa vs Permanent Resident Visa

Family sponsorship programs allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their close family members to Canada. These programs focus on long-term family reunification and stability.

Spousal, Partner, and Child Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor:
- Spouses
- Common-law partners
- Dependent children
Sponsors must provide financial documents to prove they can support the sponsored family member.
Sponsored family members can live, work, and study in Canada as permanent residents.

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

Allows citizens and PR holders to sponsor parents or grandparents.
Applications are selected through a random lottery system each year.
Sponsors must sign a 20-year financial undertaking to support the sponsored parents or grandparents.
Due to limited spots, many families also consider the Super Visa as a temporary option.

Business Immigration Programs

Business immigration programs are designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals who can contribute to Canada’s economy.

Start-up Visa Program

For innovative entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada.
Requires support from a designated organization such as:
- Angel investor groups
- Venture capital funds
- Business incubators
Successful applicants receive permanent residence.

Self-Employed Persons Program

For individuals with experience in:
- Cultural activities
- Sports
- Farm management
Applicants must prove they can make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural or economic life.

Caregiver Programs

Caregiver programs provide pathways to permanent residency for people working in home care roles.

Eligible occupations include:
- Home Child-Care Providers
- Home Support Workers
Applicants must complete two years of qualifying work experience.
Pilot programs such as the Home Child Care Provider Pilot allow caregivers to apply for PR after meeting work requirements.

Humanitarian and Other Immigration Pathways

Humanitarian programs support refugees and people in vulnerable situations while meeting labor market needs.

Canada will introduce new pathways in 2025 for:
- Skilled refugees
- Displaced individuals
- French-speaking applicants outside Quebec
These programs balance protection with economic integration.

Regional Immigration Programs

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Both programs:

Require a valid job offer.
Support smaller communities facing labor shortages.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) vs Permanent Resident (PR) Visa

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Valid for up to 10 years
Maximum stay of 6 months per visit
Used for:
- Tourism
- Business visits
- Family visits
No work or long-term study rights
No direct path to citizenship
Stricter intent checks starting in 2025
Extensions possible in some cases

Permanent Resident (PR) Visa

Grants lifelong PR status (with residency obligations)
Issued with a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Allows living, working, and studying anywhere in Canada
Access to healthcare and social benefits
Eligible for citizenship after 3 years
PR card renewed every 5 years
New PR streams and lower admission targets in 2025

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Apply for a TRV

Applicants must show:

Strong ties to their home country
Sufficient financial resources
Clear travel purpose
Good health and clean criminal record

Additional Super Visa requirements:

Private health insurance
Proof of sponsor’s income

Who Can Apply for Permanent Residency

Eligibility depends on the program, but generally requires:

Language test results (e.g., CELPIP, supported by celpip.biz)
Relevant education and work experience
Proof of settlement funds
Competitive CRS score for Express Entry
Job offer or provincial connection for PNPs
Canadian work experience for students via PGWP

How to Apply

How to Apply for a TRV

Apply online or through a Visa Application Center
Required documents:
- Valid passport
- Photos
- Proof of funds
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
Fees:
- CAD 100 (visa)
- CAD 85 (biometrics)
Processing time: 2–4 weeks (varies by country)

How to Apply for PR

Create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Submit supporting documents:
- Police clearance
- Medical exams
- Proof of funds
Application fee: CAD 1,365 per adult
Processing time: 6–12 months or longer
Other routes include PNPs, sponsorships, and humanitarian programs

Pros and Cons

Temporary Resident Visa – Pros & Cons

Pros

Easier and faster to obtain
Ideal for short-term travel

Cons

No work or study rights
Requires strong proof of temporary intent

Permanent Residency – Pros & Cons