Decode your Canadian permit numbers and plan your immigration future
On This Page You Will Find:
- Complete breakdown of all 18 TRP case type codes and their meanings
- Real scenarios showing how each code applies to different situations
- Step-by-step guide to reading your permit documents
- Expert strategies for transitioning from TRP to permanent residence
- Common mistakes that lead to permit denials and how to avoid them
Summary:
If you're holding a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) in Canada, those mysterious numbers on your document aren't random – they're case type codes that reveal everything about your immigration status and future options. Whether you received code 85 for medical treatment like Julie from France, or code 95 for criminal inadmissibility, understanding these codes is crucial for planning your next steps. This comprehensive guide decodes all 18 TRP codes, explains what they mean for your situation, and reveals insider strategies for maximizing your chances of staying in Canada permanently.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- TRP case type codes range from 80-97 and indicate your specific inadmissibility reason and permit category
- Codes 89-86 are for current PR applicants who need temporary status while processing
- Codes 95-90 are for refused PR applicants who may qualify for Permit Holder Class
- Codes 97-80 cover temporary residents with various inadmissibility issues
- Understanding your code helps determine your pathway to permanent residence
Picture this: You're standing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, holding a document that could change your life. The border officer hands you a Temporary Resident Permit with the number "85" stamped on it. You know this piece of paper allows you to stay in Canada, but what does that code actually mean? And more importantly – what are your options for staying permanently?
If you've ever found yourself staring at those cryptic numbers on your TRP, wondering what they reveal about your immigration future, you're not alone. Every year, thousands of people receive these permits without fully understanding the significance of their case type codes.
Here's what most people don't realize: these aren't just administrative numbers. They're your roadmap to understanding exactly why you received the permit, what restrictions apply, and most crucially – what pathways exist for transitioning to permanent residence.
What Makes Someone Need a TRP in the First Place?
Before diving into the codes, let's understand why someone would need a Temporary Resident Permit at all. Unlike regular visitors who can enter Canada freely (if they're from visa-exempt countries), TRP holders face a fundamental challenge: they're inadmissible to Canada under normal circumstances.
This inadmissibility could stem from several factors:
- Criminal history or security concerns
- Medical conditions that typically bar entry
- Previous immigration violations
- Overstaying previous permits beyond the 90-day restoration window
The key principle behind every TRP approval is simple but powerful: the reasons for allowing you into Canada must outweigh the reasons for keeping you out. Immigration officers weigh your compelling circumstances against the potential risks you might pose.
The Three Categories That Define Your TRP Journey
Every TRP falls into one of three distinct categories, each with its own set of case type codes and implications for your future in Canada:
Category 1: Current PR Applicants (Codes 89-86)
These codes apply when you've submitted a permanent residence application that's still being processed, but you need to enter or remain in Canada temporarily. Interestingly, you might not even be inadmissible – sometimes the permit is issued simply to provide legal status while your PR application is under review.
Code 89 – Family Class Members If your spouse, parent, or child sponsored you for permanent residence, you'll likely receive this code. The processing times for family class applications can stretch 12-24 months, and this permit ensures you can stay with your family during the wait.
Code 88 – Convention Refugees and Designated Classes This applies to protected persons and refugees whose PR applications are in progress. Given the complex nature of refugee cases, these applications often require additional processing time.
Code 87 – National Interest Cases Reserved for self-employed persons, entrepreneurs, or those filling urgent labor market needs. If you're a renowned artist, elite athlete, or possess skills critical to Canada's economy, this code recognizes your special circumstances.
Code 86 – Other PR Applicants This catch-all category covers PR applicants who don't fit the other specific categories but still need temporary status.
Category 2: Refused PR Applicants (Codes 95-90)
This category represents a second chance. Your permanent residence application was refused, but there are compelling reasons why you should remain in Canada. Many people in this category eventually become eligible for the Permit Holder Class – a special immigration program for long-term TRP holders.
The codes are organized by inadmissibility type and reason:
Criminal, Security, or Other Inadmissibility (Codes 95, 94, 93):
- Code 95: Family class applicants with criminal or security issues
- Code 94: National interest applicants with criminal or security concerns
- Code 93: Other applicants facing criminal or security inadmissibility
Medical Inadmissibility (Codes 92, 91, 90):
- Code 92: Family class applicants with medical inadmissibility
- Code 91: National interest applicants with medical issues
- Code 90: Other applicants facing medical inadmissibility
Here's what many people don't know: if you hold a TRP for three consecutive years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Permit Holder Class. This pathway has helped thousands of people transition from temporary to permanent status.
Category 3: Temporary Residents (Codes 97-80)
This final category covers people who need temporary access to Canada despite inadmissibility, but aren't necessarily seeking permanent residence.
Code 97 – National Interest (Overseas Applicants) This special code applies to overseas applicants whose presence serves Canada's national interest. Unlike other codes, there's no requirement to verify departure from Canada.
Code 96 – Verification of Departure Required Applied when authorities need to confirm you'll leave Canada when your permit expires. This typically involves additional monitoring or reporting requirements.
Code 85 – Medical Treatment Remember Julie from our opening story? Her code 85 indicates she's in Canada specifically for medical treatment. Toronto General Hospital's world-class reputation makes Canada an attractive destination for specialized care that might not be available in someone's home country.
Code 84 – Student For inadmissible persons who need to complete crucial educational programs in Canada. This might apply to someone with a criminal record who's been accepted to a specialized program not available elsewhere.
Code 81 – Worker Covers inadmissible persons whose work skills are desperately needed in Canada. Despite inadmissibility, their contribution to the Canadian economy justifies temporary entry.
Code 80 – Other Inadmissible Persons This broad category includes victims of human trafficking and others who don't fit specific categories but deserve protection or temporary status in Canada.
How to Read Your TRP Documents Like a Pro
Your TRP contains more information than just the case type code. Here's what to look for:
Document Location: The case type code appears both on your physical TRP document and in your GCMS (Global Case Management System) notes. If you order your GCMS notes, you'll see detailed reasoning behind your code assignment.
Validity Period: Pay close attention to your permit's expiry date. Unlike other immigration documents, TRPs cannot be renewed – you must apply for a new one before expiry.
Conditions: Many TRPs come with specific conditions. For example, Code 85 (medical treatment) permits often restrict you to the specific treatment location and duration.
The Pre-Entry Process: Understanding Visa Counterfoils and eTAs
If you applied for your TRP from outside Canada, you won't receive the actual permit until you reach the Canadian border. Instead, you'll get:
Visa Counterfoil Codes:
- PA-1: Standard permit holder designation
- PAX-1: National interest TRP holder
- PC-1: For those who already hold a valid TRP
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): If you're from a visa-exempt country, you'll receive a one-time eTA allowing travel to Canada to collect your TRP.
Critical point: The border officer has discretionary power to refuse issuing your TRP even if you have a visa counterfoil or eTA. They can deny entry if circumstances have changed since your application was approved.
Strategic Pathways to Permanent Residence
Understanding your TRP code is the first step in planning your permanent residence strategy. Here are the most common pathways:
For Codes 89-86 (Current PR Applicants): Your primary focus should be supporting your existing PR application. Ensure all requested documents are submitted promptly and consider hiring an immigration lawyer if complications arise.
For Codes 95-90 (Refused PR Applicants): Start planning for Permit Holder Class eligibility. This requires three consecutive years of TRP status and demonstrating you're established in Canada. Begin documenting your community ties, employment history, and rehabilitation efforts immediately.
For Codes 97-80 (Temporary Residents): Your pathway depends on your specific situation. Code 85 (medical treatment) holders might explore Provincial Nominee Programs if they have valuable skills. Code 81 (worker) holders should investigate employer-sponsored permanent residence programs.
Common Mistakes That Destroy TRP Applications
After reviewing hundreds of TRP cases, certain mistakes appear repeatedly:
Mistake #1: Inadequate Compelling Reasons Simply being inadmissible isn't enough – you must demonstrate why your entry benefits Canada or serves humanitarian purposes.
Mistake #2: Insufficient Rehabilitation Evidence For criminal inadmissibility, generic apology letters don't work. Provide concrete evidence of rehabilitation: counseling certificates, community service records, character references from employers and community leaders.
Mistake #3: Poor Documentation of Ties to Home Country Officers need assurance you'll leave when required (except for codes that don't require departure verification). Document property ownership, family ties, and employment obligations in your home country.
Mistake #4: Misunderstanding the Temporary Nature TRPs are temporary solutions. Don't treat them as indefinite permission to remain. Always have an exit strategy or permanent residence plan.
Maximizing Your TRP Success: Insider Strategies
Strategy #1: Build Your Case Narrative Every successful TRP application tells a compelling story. Whether it's accessing life-saving medical treatment (Code 85) or contributing essential skills (Code 81), craft a narrative that clearly demonstrates why Canada benefits from your presence.
Strategy #2: Document Everything From the moment you receive your TRP, start building your permanent residence case. Keep records of:
- Tax filings and employment history
- Community involvement and volunteer work
- Educational achievements and professional development
- Family relationships and community ties
Strategy #3: Understand Renewal Requirements TRPs cannot be "renewed" – each application is treated as new. However, showing continuous compliance with previous TRP conditions strengthens subsequent applications.
Strategy #4: Plan for the Long Game If you're aiming for Permit Holder Class eligibility, treat each TRP application as a step toward permanent residence. Demonstrate increasing establishment in Canada with each renewal.
What Your Code Means for Your Family
TRP codes also affect your family members' immigration options:
Dependent Children: Can often be included on your TRP application, receiving the same case type code.
Spouses: May need separate applications, but your TRP status can support their applications for visitor status or their own TRPs.
Future Sponsorship: Some TRP codes position you better for future family class sponsorship applications once you achieve permanent residence.
The Financial Reality of TRP Life
Living on a TRP involves unique financial considerations:
Healthcare: Depending on your province and TRP code, you may or may not be eligible for provincial healthcare. Code 85 (medical treatment) holders often have specific healthcare arrangements.
Employment: Most TRPs allow work, but some come with restrictions. Code 81 specifically relates to work, while Code 84 focuses on studies.
Banking and Credit: TRP status can complicate banking relationships and credit applications, though it's not impossible with proper documentation.
Looking Ahead: Your Next Steps
Your TRP case type code isn't just a number – it's a roadmap for your Canadian immigration journey. Whether you're planning for Permit Holder Class eligibility, supporting an existing PR application, or exploring alternative immigration pathways, understanding your code's implications is crucial for success.
The most successful TRP holders treat their permits as opportunities to demonstrate their value to Canada. They build community ties, contribute economically, and prepare meticulously for their next immigration step.
Remember Julie from our opening story? Her Code 85 medical treatment TRP opened doors she never expected. After successful treatment at Toronto General Hospital, she leveraged her experience and professional skills to secure a Provincial Nominee Program invitation, eventually achieving permanent residence.
Your TRP code tells a story – make sure it's a story with a happy ending. Whether that's successful treatment and return home, or building a new life as a permanent resident, understanding these codes puts you in control of your immigration destiny.
The numbers on your permit aren't just bureaucratic codes – they're the key to unlocking your future in Canada.
FAQ
Q: What exactly are TRP case type codes and where can I find them on my permit?
TRP case type codes are two-digit numbers ranging from 80-97 that appear on your Temporary Resident Permit document and in your GCMS (Global Case Management System) notes. These codes aren't random administrative numbers – they specifically indicate why you received the permit and what category of inadmissibility or circumstances apply to your case. You'll find your code printed directly on your physical TRP document, usually near your personal information. If you order your GCMS notes from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you'll see more detailed explanations of how your specific code was assigned. Understanding your code is crucial because it determines your renewal requirements, potential pathways to permanent residence, and any special conditions attached to your permit.
Q: I have code 85 on my TRP - what does this mean for my ability to work and access healthcare in Canada?
Code 85 indicates you've been granted a TRP specifically for medical treatment in Canada. This means your permit is tied to receiving healthcare services that aren't available or accessible in your home country. Regarding work authorization, most TRPs including code 85 allow you to work in Canada, but you should verify this on your specific document as some medical treatment permits come with restrictions. For healthcare access, code 85 holders often have special arrangements since medical treatment is the primary reason for their permit. However, provincial healthcare eligibility varies – some provinces provide coverage immediately while others require waiting periods. You may need private insurance or direct payment arrangements with your healthcare providers. It's essential to clarify these details with both your healthcare provider and the provincial health authority in your location.
Q: How do codes 95-90 differ from other TRP codes, and what is the Permit Holder Class pathway?
Codes 95-90 are specifically for people whose permanent residence applications were refused but who have compelling reasons to remain in Canada temporarily. These codes are organized by both the type of PR application (family class, national interest, or other) and the reason for inadmissibility (criminal/security or medical). For example, code 95 applies to refused family class applicants with criminal inadmissibility, while code 90 covers other refused applicants with medical inadmissibility. The key advantage of holding codes in this range is eligibility for the Permit Holder Class after three consecutive years of TRP status. This special immigration program allows long-term TRP holders to apply for permanent residence based on their establishment in Canada, regardless of their original inadmissibility. You'll need to demonstrate community ties, employment history, tax compliance, and rehabilitation efforts. This pathway has helped thousands transition from temporary to permanent status, making these codes potentially valuable for your long-term immigration goals.
Q: What's the difference between codes 89-86 for current PR applicants, and do I still need to maintain my PR application?
Codes 89-86 are issued when you have an active permanent residence application under review but need legal status in Canada while waiting for processing. Code 89 applies to family class applicants, code 88 to refugees and protected persons, code 87 to national interest cases (entrepreneurs, self-employed persons), and code 86 to other PR applicants. Importantly, you might receive these codes even if you're not technically inadmissible – sometimes they're issued simply to provide legal status during lengthy processing times. You absolutely must maintain your PR application while holding these codes, as your TRP is directly tied to that ongoing application. Submit all requested documents promptly, respond to officer requests quickly, and consider legal representation if complications arise. Your TRP doesn't guarantee PR approval, but it allows you to remain in Canada legally while IRCC processes your case. If your PR application is refused, you may become eligible for codes 95-90 depending on your circumstances.
Q: Can my family members be included on my TRP, and how does my code affect their immigration options?
Family inclusion depends on your specific TRP code and circumstances. Dependent children can often be included directly on your TRP application and will receive the same case type code as you. For spouses, the situation is more complex – they may need separate applications, though your TRP status can support their visitor visa or separate TRP applications. If you have code 89 (family class PR applicant), your spouse and children are likely included in your underlying PR application, making family TRP inclusion more straightforward. For medical treatment codes like 85, family members might receive permits as caregivers or support persons. Codes related to work (81) or study (84) may allow family accompaniment under specific conditions. Your TRP status also affects future sponsorship opportunities – once you achieve permanent residence through pathways like Permit Holder Class, you can sponsor family members who weren't included on your original applications. Document all family relationships carefully and consider including family members from the beginning, as adding them later can be more complicated.
Q: What are the most common mistakes that lead to TRP denials, and how can I avoid them in my application?
The most critical mistake is failing to provide compelling reasons why Canada benefits from your entry despite inadmissibility. Simply being inadmissible isn't enough – you must demonstrate humanitarian grounds, economic benefit, or other compelling circumstances. For criminal inadmissibility, avoid generic apology letters; instead provide concrete rehabilitation evidence like counseling certificates, community service records, and character references from employers or community leaders. Another major error is inadequate documentation of ties to your home country. Officers need assurance you'll leave when required (except for certain codes like 97), so document property ownership, family obligations, and employment commitments back home. Many applicants also misunderstand TRPs as indefinite permission to stay – always have a clear exit strategy or permanent residence plan. Poor medical documentation for health-related applications, insufficient financial support evidence, and incomplete criminal disclosure also frequently cause denials. Finally, don't underestimate the importance of legal representation for complex cases, especially those involving serious criminal inadmissibility or previous immigration violations.
Q: How long can I stay on TRP status, and what are my realistic pathways to permanent residence based on my code?
TRP duration varies significantly based on your code and circumstances. Initial permits typically range from six months to three years, with medical treatment codes (85) often tied to treatment duration, while others may receive longer validity periods. Crucially, TRPs cannot be "renewed" – you must apply for a new permit before expiry, treating each application as a fresh case. Your pathway to permanent residence depends heavily on your code category. Codes 89-86 (current PR applicants) should focus on supporting their existing applications. Codes 95-90 (refused PR applicants) should prepare for Permit Holder Class eligibility after three consecutive years, documenting establishment through employment, community ties, and tax compliance. Codes 97-80 (temporary residents) have varied options: medical treatment holders might explore Provincial Nominee Programs if they have valuable skills, workers should investigate employer-sponsored programs, and students might transition through Canadian Experience Class. The key is treating each TRP as a step toward your long-term goal, building stronger establishment evidence with each application, and maintaining compliance with all conditions to strengthen future applications.
