Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) generally does not allow you to transfer a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) counterfoil from one passport to another. If you are a dual citizen and wish to travel on your second passport, you must apply for a brand new TRV and pay the $100 CAD application fee again.
Navigating international travel as a dual citizen can sometimes create unexpected administrative hurdles. If you recently applied for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) using one passport, but now wish to travel using your second nationality’s passport, you might assume you can simply move the approved visa over. Unfortunately, the Canadian immigration system is highly rigid when it comes to travel documents and identity verification.
Generally, Canadian immigration law tightly links your visa approval to the specific passport you used during the application process. The physical sticker (counterfoil) placed inside your passport contains security features and data directly tied to that specific document number and nationality. 📍 Attempting to peel off a visa sticker will destroy it and render it void. To avoid being turned away at the airport, we highly recommend consulting a licensed immigration lawyer from our directory to help you submit a new application correctly.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada: Traveling on a Second Passport
If you hold passports from two different countries (for example, India and Brazil) and want to switch which one you use to enter Canada, the process is straightforward but requires a completely new application. Here is how you handle it.
Step 1: Understand IRCC Policy on TRV Transfers
IRCC explicitly states that visas cannot be transferred between passports of different nationalities. The visa officer approved your entry based on the risk profile, travel history, and country conditions of the passport you originally submitted. Switching nationalities changes that profile entirely, requiring a fresh security and background assessment.
Step 2: Check for eTA Eligibility
Before applying for a new TRV, check if your second passport is from a visa-exempt country. For example, if your first passport is from the Philippines (requires a TRV) but your second passport is from Australia, you do not need to transfer the visa. You simply apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) on your Australian passport, which is faster and cheaper.
Step 3: Submit a New TRV Application
If your second passport also requires a visa, you must create a new application in your IRCC secure portal. You will fill out all the forms again, this time entering the details of your second passport. 💻 You should include a letter of explanation stating that you already hold a valid TRV in your other passport but prefer to travel on the new one, providing copies of both.
Step 4: Pay Fees and Provide Biometrics (If Needed)
You will need to pay the standard application fee again. However, if you provided biometrics (fingerprints and photo) within the last 10 years for your first TRV, they are still valid. You do not need to pay the biometrics fee or visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) again for the new application.
Step 5: Mail the Second Passport for Stamping
Once IRCC approves the new application, you will receive a passport request letter. You must then mail your second passport to the nearest VAC to have the new TRV counterfoil physically glued onto a blank page.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Because you are essentially submitting a brand new application, you must budget for the standard federal processing costs in Canadian dollars (CAD).
- TRV Application Fee: IRCC charges $100 CAD for a visitor visa application.
- Biometrics Fee (If Applicable): If your biometrics are expired, the fee is $85 CAD. (Usually, this is not required if done recently).
- VAC Transmission and Courier Fees: Mailing your passport to the VAC and having it returned typically costs between $30 and $70 CAD, depending on your location.
- eTA Fee (Alternative): If your second passport is visa-exempt, an eTA costs only $7 CAD.
Traveling with Two Passports: Same Nationality vs. Dual Citizen
| Situation | Can I Travel with Both Passports? | IRCC Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Old Expired Passport + New Valid Passport (Same Country) | Yes. | Must carry both passports. The TRV in the old passport remains valid. |
| Dual Citizen (Visa in Passport A, want to use Passport B) | No. | Must apply for a new TRV or eTA on Passport B. |
| IRCC printed the wrong passport number on the visa | No. The airline will deny boarding. | Must request a “Request to Amend” from IRCC to fix the clerical error. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Because you are filing a new application, you are subject to current IRCC processing times, which vary heavily depending on the country you are applying from. A new TRV can take anywhere from 14 days to 4 months to process. Mailing your passport to the VAC for the physical stamp usually adds an additional 2 to 4 weeks to your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does having a TRV on my first passport guarantee approval for my second?
Generally, yes. Having a previously approved TRV shows that you have already passed IRCC’s security and financial checks. However, it is never 100% guaranteed, as officers assess every application on its current merits.
Can I just travel with both passports and show the border officer?
If the passports are from two different countries, no. The airline uses the passport you present at check-in to verify your visa status electronically. If the visa is not linked to the passport you are using to fly, you will be denied boarding.
What if my old passport is full, but the TRV is still valid?
If you renewed your passport from the same country because the old one ran out of blank pages, you do not need a new visa. You can travel to Canada by presenting both your old cancelled passport (containing the valid TRV) and your new valid passport together.
Can I peel the visa sticker off and tape it into my new passport?
Absolutely not. TRV counterfoils are designed with security features that destroy the sticker if tampered with. Doing this will invalidate your visa and could result in you being banned from Canada for misrepresentation or document fraud.
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