If you are inadmissible to enter Canada, but you have significant reasons to come to Canada, you might be eligible to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP). A TRP is not a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), better know as Visitor Visa, but a temporary permit to overcome your inadmissibility issues. It can be granted up to three (3) years and can be renewed within Canada.
If granted, a TRP allows you to enter and to be in Canada for a specific period of time. If criminally inadmissible, you will need a TRP in order to enter and to be in Canada until your criminal inadmissibility is removed. The TRP is a temporary solution and you might also choose to apply for the criminal rehabilitation or deemed rehabilitation, depending on your case.
In order for a TRP to be granted, the immigration or border officer will determine if your reasons to come and to stay in Canada outweigh the risk to Canadian society. You must always demonstrate the significant reasons, as family, studies or work, in order to justify your stay in Canada, as well as documents proving your good character.
The TRP application can also be included in the spousal sponsorship application if the applicant has a criminal record and is inadmissible to Canada. This is the only option for you, as the permanent resident applicant needs to overcome first his/her criminality before being eligible for the PR. This can lead to a complex situation and a criminal assessment can be needed in order to predetermine the criminal inadmissibility. If the TRP application is included in your spousal sponsorship application, a strong application needs to be submitted proving the genuineness of your relationship and reasons why you want to live in Canada with your spouse even though criminally inadmissible.
Please consult us in order to review your case and to find the best solution for you!