December 6, 2025
Can a TRP Save Your Status in Canada? Immigration Experts Explain the Truth
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) in Canada: Can It Really Solve Non-Compliance Issues?
By Poonam Thakur, RCIC-IRB – Career Wings Immigration Consulting Services | September 23, 2025
Falling out of status in Canada or violating your permit conditions can be stressful. You may have heard that applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) could help you stay in Canada legally. While TRPs can provide a solution, it’s important to understand that approval is highly discretionary—it depends entirely on how an immigration officer views your situation.
Let’s break it down in simple, practical terms.
What Is a TRP?
A Temporary Resident Permit allows someone who is inadmissible or non-compliant with Canadian immigration rules to remain in Canada temporarily, if the officer believes it’s justified.
TRPs are designed to offer flexibility and compassion in special cases, such as:
- Strong humanitarian reasons
- Family ties in Canada
- Evidence that the person’s presence serves a meaningful purpose, like contributing to the workforce or caring for family
Important: A TRP is not guaranteed. Approval is completely at the officer’s discretion and can be difficult to obtain.
What the Courts Say About TRPs
Recent Federal Court decisions—including Howlader (2025 FC 274), Ogbonna (2024 FC 1467), and Singh (2025 FC 1520)—have clarified how TRPs are assessed:
- Flexibility and humanity: Officers can consider compassion and fairness when rigid rules might be too strict.
- Case-by-case assessment: Each application is unique; officers are not required to see “extraordinary” reasons but must be convinced that granting a TRP is reasonable.
- Discretion rules: Even with valid reasons, a TRP can still be refused, especially if another solution exists, like leaving Canada and reapplying from abroad.
The Singh Case: When TRP Was Denied
In Singh v. Canada (2025 FC 1520), an international student stopped studying, worked without authorization, and overstayed his permit. He later applied for a TRP and work permit, citing pandemic-related study disruptions and family support responsibilities.
The TRP was refused. The officer noted that Singh could return to India and reapply legally, and there was no evidence that leaving Canada would cause genuine hardship. The Court upheld the refusal, stating:
“A TRP is not meant to reward non-compliance when there are other legal ways to fix status.”
This case shows that a TRP is a last resort, not a shortcut for unauthorized stay.
Key Takeaways for Applicants
If you’ve fallen out of status or violated your permit, here’s what you need to know:
✅ TRPs are possible, but challenging. You must show strong, well-documented reasons for temporary relief.
✅ Demonstrate real hardship. Officers must see that leaving Canada and reapplying would cause genuine problems, not just minor inconvenience.
✅ Honesty is crucial. Be truthful and provide evidence for every claim you make.
✅ Explore all options. Sometimes restoration, voluntary departure, or Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) applications may be better suited than a TRP.
How Career Wings Immigration Can Help
Applying for a TRP or other remedies for non-compliance can be complex. At Career Wings Immigration Consulting Services, we help you:
- Assess the best legal strategy
- Prepare strong, persuasive applications
- Understand all options to regain legal status in Canada
Don’t risk a refusal by applying on your own. Each case requires careful planning and expert representation.
📞 Contact Career Wings Immigration
Poonam Thakur, RCIC-IRB
📱 WhatsApp: +1-778-881-6000
🌐 Website: www.careerwingsimmigration.com
📧 Email: info@careerwingsimmigration.com
📸 Instagram: @careerwingsimmigration
Serving clients across Canada and internationally