Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) are issued in exceptional circumstances to allow individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter or remain in the country. While TRPs are temporary by nature, some permit holders may eventually become eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR) under a specific pathway known as the Permit Holder Class.

This post outlines the key eligibility requirements for permanent residence as a TRP holder and clarifies how the law applies in these cases.

Understanding the Permit Holder Class

Temporary Resident Permit holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residence as members of the permit holder class, provided they meet all statutory and regulatory requirements. This pathway is governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).

Eligibility is not discretionary. If an applicant meets the requirements of the permit holder class, permanent residence must be granted.

Continued Admissibility Is Required

One of the core requirements for eligibility is that the TRP holder must not have become inadmissible on any grounds other than those for which the original TRP was issued.

In practical terms, this means the applicant’s circumstances must not have changed in a way that creates new grounds of inadmissibility. Any additional inadmissibility beyond the original reason for the TRP can result in ineligibility for permanent residence under this class.

A Valid TRP Is Essential

At the time of application, the individual must currently hold a valid Temporary Resident Permit. Lapsed or expired permits do not meet this requirement.

Maintaining valid status as a TRP holder is therefore critical throughout the period leading up to a permanent residence application.

Continuous Residence in Canada

Eligibility for permanent residence under the permit holder class also depends on continuous residence in Canada as a TRP holder.

Applicants must have resided continuously in Canada for three to five years, depending on the nature of their original inadmissibility. The required length of residence is assessed based on the specific circumstances that led to the issuance of the TRP.

Meeting All Legislative Requirements

In addition to the criteria outlined above, applicants must meet all other requirements set out in the Act and Regulations. This includes compliance with any applicable statutory conditions that govern permanent residence applications under the permit holder class.

No Discretion Once Requirements Are Met

A defining feature of this pathway is the absence of discretion. There is no discretion involved in granting permanent resident status to a member of the permit holder class who meets all applicable requirements.

If the eligibility criteria are satisfied, permanent residence must be granted in accordance with the legislation.

Key Takeaway

Permanent residence is possible for some Temporary Resident Permit holders, but only where strict legal conditions are met. Continuous residence, valid status, unchanged admissibility, and full compliance with the Act and Regulations are all essential.

For practitioners, understanding the permit holder class is critical when advising long-term TRP holders on their options and assessing whether a transition from TRP to PR may be available under Canadian immigration law.

Taken from our TRP course held in November 2025: https://lpen.ca/when-and-how-to-apply-trps/