2. Gather documents to support your application

When you apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), you should include any documents you have that explain:

• why you're inadmissible to Canada or do not meet the requirements of Canada's immigration laws, and
• why you should be able to stay.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has a Document Checklist you can use to make sure that you include all of the important documents that are needed.

Why you want to stay in Canada

IRCC gives TRPs only in special circumstances.

You may want to stay in Canada to work or study, or because you applied to become a permanent resident and are waiting for a decision.

You need documents that prove why you need to stay in Canada. For example:

• documents that show you have work or studies in Canada that you want to continue
• documents that prove you had serious problems that caused you not to renew your study or work permit in time
• medical reports that show that you or a family member is sick or dying in Canada
• letters of support from anyone in Canada who would be greatly helped if you stay in Canada, such as an employer or family member

There are special rules for documents if you're:

• a victim of human trafficking, or
• a victim of family violence.

To make your application as strong as possible, it's important to get legal help.

Documents that describe your inadmissibility

When you apply for a TRP, you must include documents about your inadmissibility. Get legal help to understand what these documents are.

Criminal reasons

If you're criminally inadmissible to Canada, you should include documents that describe your criminal conviction.

You should also try to show that:

• there's a low risk that you'll commit this crime again, and
• you're unlikely to be involved in more criminal activity.

To do this, you could show proof that you're reformed or rehabilitated. For example, if alcoholism led you to be involved in crime, you might be part of a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Medical reasons

If you're medically inadmissible to Canada, you should include documents that describe your medical issue.

For example, this might be:

• a letter from a medical professional that describes what your medical needs and expenses will be in Canada
• proof of medical treatment that's already set up
• proof of how you'll pay for your treatment, care, and other medical costs in Canada.

Financial reasons

If you're financially inadmissible to Canada, you should include documents that describe your financial situation.

For example, you could include a bank statement that shows the money you have.

Not following immigration laws

If you broke Canada's immigration laws in the past, it's important to show that there are strong reasons for you to remain in Canada.

If this applies to you, get legal help.