Most Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) are issued for a single entry, meaning the permit becomes permanently invalid the moment you leave Canada. To travel back and forth freely, you must explicitly request and be granted a multiple-entry TRP by IRCC or the CBSA.
Navigating cross-border travel with a criminal record is a highly stressful experience. If you successfully apply for and receive a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), you might breathe a sigh of relief, thinking your border troubles are temporarily over.
However, failing to read the fine print on your physical permit can lead to disastrous consequences. Whether you are driving between Seattle and Vancouver or flying out of Montreal for a weekend trip, leaving Canadian soil triggers strict rules. If you leave on a single-entry TRP, you cannot use it to get back in. Generally, consulting a Canadian immigration law firm ensures you apply for the correct type of permit for your specific travel needs. 🚨
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Securing the ability to come and go from Canada requires strategic planning. The government does not issue multiple-entry permits to individuals with criminal records without overwhelmingly strong justification. Here is how the process generally works.
Step 1: Check Your Current Document Conditions
Look closely at the physical TRP document stapled in your passport. It will clearly state whether it is valid for a single entry or multiple entries. It will also list the exact expiry date. If it says single entry, your authorization to enter Canada ends the second you cross the border back to your home country. 🔍
Step 2: Justifying the Need for Multiple Entries
If you need to travel frequently, you must proactively apply for a multiple-entry TRP. To get this, your lawyer must draft a compelling submission to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You must prove that continuous, ongoing travel is essential. Common valid reasons include being a cross-border truck driver, a pilot, or an executive who manages operations in both countries.
Step 3: Navigating the CBSA Checkpoint
Even if you hold a valid multiple-entry TRP, you must present yourself to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer every single time you enter the country. The TRP does not guarantee automatic entry; the border officer will verify your document, ask about your current trip, and ensure you have not committed any new offences since the permit was issued.
Step 4: Transitioning to Criminal Rehabilitation
A multiple-entry TRP is still just a temporary band-aid. To truly freely leave and re-enter Canada long-term, you should apply for Criminal Rehabilitation as soon as you are legally eligible (usually 5 years after the completion of your sentence). Once Rehabilitation is granted, your inadmissibility is permanently erased. 📝
Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry TRPs
| Feature | Single-Entry TRP | Multiple-Entry TRP |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving Canada | Cancels the permit immediately upon departure. | Permit remains valid for re-entry until the expiry date. |
| Typical Use Case | Attending a one-time conference, a wedding, or a funeral. | Ongoing cross-border business, transport jobs, or shared custody. |
| Difficulty to Obtain | Standard difficulty; requires basic proof of need. | High difficulty; requires overwhelming proof of necessity. |
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Whether you apply for a single-entry or a multiple-entry permit, the federal processing fees are generally identical. As of June 2026, the costs are:
- IRCC Application Fee: The government fee is $246.25 CAD.
- Biometrics Fee: If required, this adds $85 CAD to the total.
- Law Firm Fees: Retaining a specialized immigration lawyer to draft the extensive justification for a multiple-entry permit typically ranges from $3,000 CAD to $5,500 CAD.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Applying for a TRP via a Canadian consulate or visa office usually takes 4 to 8 months. While you can technically request a TRP at the Port of Entry for urgent situations (provided you are a visa-exempt foreign national, such as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident), CBSA officers are incredibly reluctant to issue multiple-entry TRPs at the border on the spot. Visa-required foreign nationals are not permitted to apply for a TRP at a Port of Entry and must apply in advance. It is almost always better to apply in advance through a consulate. ⌛
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I accidentally leave on a single-entry TRP?
If you leave Canada for even a few hours (for example, crossing into the USA for a shopping trip), your single-entry TRP is voided. You will be denied re-entry into Canada unless you submit a brand new TRP application and pay the fees again.
Can I switch my single-entry TRP to a multiple-entry one?
You cannot simply upgrade an existing document. You must submit a formal application for a new multiple-entry TRP, providing all the new evidence explaining why your travel circumstances have changed.
Do I still need an eTA or a Visa with my TRP?
If your nationality requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Visitor Visa to fly to Canada, you generally still need that document in addition to your TRP to board a commercial flight.
Can the border officer cancel my multiple-entry TRP?
Yes. A CBSA officer retains ultimate authority. If they discover you lied on your application, or if you have been arrested for a new offence (like a new summary conviction or indictable offence), they will revoke your TRP on the spot.
Do not risk being stranded at the border because you misunderstood the terms of your permit. If you have a criminal record and anticipate needing to travel back and forth to Canada, we highly recommend browsing our directory to connect with a knowledgeable Canadian immigration lawyer today.
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